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From the editor

ALL THE WEB PAGES dedicated to the original Meike lens and its relabeled versions state that the optical formula consists of 12 (twelve) elements in 9 groups, including 2 ASPH and 2 LD elements. THIS IS NOT TRUE. In fact, there are 11 (eleven) optical elements, as you can see for yourself by looking at the image of the optical formula (we took it from the Brightin Star website).

As with the Meike 10/2 Multi Coated, the focusing distance scale is marked in such a way that most of it is taken up by distances from the closest to 1m, which automatically implies that the lens is optimized for close-up shooting. This is rather strange for an ultra-wide-angle lens, which is usually designed with optimization at medium and long distances (including infinity), since this is where landscapes and architecture are shot.

If you look at the photos of this lens, you might notice a curious thing: in some photos the lens has the following marks on the focusing distance scale: 0.2 - 0.25 - 0.3 - 0.5 - 1 - INF, while in other photos: 0.18 - 0.24 - 0.3 - 0.5 - 1 - INF. This was done solely for marketing purposes, since this lens was sold not only by Meike under its own name, but also, for example, under the names "Brightin Star 12mm 1:2" and "12 F2.0 ULTRA WIDE" (Brightin Star, version III, announced in February 2024). The Brightin Star version has a focusing distance scale marked according to the second progression listed above.

The lens hood is petal-shaped, but also of the screw-on type, which could theoretically complicate its positioning, since the petals should not be in the frame, and you need to make sure of this every time you mount it. With bayonet-type hoods, this problem does not occur if you mount them according to the index mark painted on the hood.

If you have to choose between this lens and the aforementioned Meike 10/2 Multi Coated, the 12/2's field of view is only slightly smaller, it has a closest focusing distance of 0.18m instead of 0.3m, allowing you to take unusual close-up shots, it's exactly half the weight, 22.5mm shorter, uses 62mm filters instead of 77mm, and has a detachable lens hood. If 2mm of focal length isn't critical to you, the 12/2 might be a better choice.

Lenses with similar focal length