Meike prepares to launch its new Air Series of lightweight, budget-friendly APS-C autofocus primes, with the debut of the 25mm F1.7 lens on August 14th, amid questions over design originality and competitive market positioning.
Meike is preparing to bring its Air Series of compact APS-C autofocus primes to market on August 14, according to a post on Weibo highlighted by Fujiaddict. The launch appears to have been delayed from an earlier May timetable, and the first model expected to arrive is the AF 25mm F1.7, priced at 699. The lens is listed with a 169g body, a 12-element, 9-group optical design, a 9-blade aperture, a minimum focus distance of 0.25 metres and a 52mm filter thread.
The 25mm is part of a broader Air line that also includes 35mm F1.7 and 56mm F1.7 versions, with support planned for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X mounts. Fujiaddict’s details match earlier reporting that Meike intended the series as a lightweight, budget-oriented family of mirrorless primes, with black and white finishes mentioned at the time of the original announcement. Ephotozine previously reported that the Air range was set to debut with those three focal lengths at CP+ 2026.
Meike has already released the Air AF 56mm F1.7, which gives the new family some context. PetaPixel and Exibart Street reported in May that the 56mm was designed as a small portrait lens for APS-C cameras, while later coverage said it uses an 11-element, 7-group optical formula, a 9-blade diaphragm and STM autofocus. Other reports put the lens at 190g, with a 0.55m minimum focusing distance and Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X compatibility. That history suggests the Air branding is now becoming a full product line rather than a single launch.
The new 25mm also arrives amid comparisons with Viltrox. Digital Camera World reported that leaked images of Meike’s Air lenses closely resembled Viltrox’s own Air series, including matching focal lengths and apertures, prompting questions about how distinct the designs and naming are. Even so, the wider market trend is clear: Chinese lens makers are pushing inexpensive, compact APS-C primes for creators who want autofocus and low weight without paying premium-brand prices.
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