Meike S35 Prime: Affordable Chinese prime lenses for Super35 sensors with manual iris and focus.
Technical Details
All lenses in the S35 series feature 13-15 lens elements in 9-11 groups, an 11-blade iris for natural bokeh, and a 270° focus throw. Weight varies between 950g (16mm) and 1,200g (100mm). The lenses cover a 28.5mm image circle, making them suitable for Super35mm, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds sensors. Available mounts include PL-Mount, EF-Mount, and E-Mount. The minimum focus distance ranges from 0.3m (16mm) to 0.8m (100mm). Gear rings for follow focus are standard on the focus and aperture rings.
History & Development
Meike Electronics, founded in Shenzhen in 2007, initially focused on lens adapters and accessories for still cameras. With the boom of affordable cinema cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Meike developed its first cinema prototypes in 2018. The S35 Prime series was introduced at NAB in 2019 and shipped at the end of 2019. A revised version with improved coatings and reduced optical aberrations followed in 2021. Since 2022, the S35-FF series for full-frame sensors has complemented the portfolio.
Practical Use in Film
Independent filmmakers frequently use the Meike S35 Primes on cameras such as the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro or RED Komodo. The lenses are particularly well-suited for documentary work and low-budget feature films where value for money is crucial. The uniform front and gear ring diameter allows for quick lens changes without matte box adjustments. Weaknesses appear in extreme lighting conditions due to chromatic aberrations and slight vignetting at wide apertures. The mechanical precision does not reach the level of German or Japanese manufacturers.
Comparison & Alternatives
As budget alternatives to Zeiss CP.3 (approx. €4,500 per lens) or Canon CN-E (approx. €3,000), Meike S35 Primes cost around €500 per lens. Direct competitors include the 7Artisans Vision series and Rokinon Xeen lenses. While established manufacturers score points with superior optical quality and durability, Chinese manufacturers offer accessible prices with acceptable image quality. For productions with higher budgets, Cooke S4/i or ARRI Signature Primes remain the preferred choice due to their characteristic rendering and build quality.