Confirmed: Chinese manufacturer (probably Viltrox) will soon launch three Z-mount zoom lenses!

A reliable leaker on Weibo wrote this:

Chinese zoom autofocus lenses are under development. Mr. Ma has confirmed through news channels that two domestic brands are currently developing new zoom AF lenses. One of them has approved two full-frame zoom AF lenses and at least one APS-C frame zoom AF lens, and the first launch of the bayonet mount is E and Z.

In addition, the news of domestic F1.4 full-frame large aperture AF lens has been confirmed. If everything goes well, it is expected that one or two F1.4 large aperture AF lenses will be launched in 2024, ensuring one and striving for two, with commonly used focal lengths, and the first launch of the bayonet mount is E and Z.

Companies like Viltrox and 7Artisans already offer autofocus prime lenses. Making zoom lenses is much harder because the autofocus algorithm gets much more complicated. Now it seems like Chinese manufacturers tackled the issue and we are getting three Z-mount zoom lenses this year already!

My bet is that Viltrox will be the first Chinese company launching an AF zoom lens in 2025.

Advertisement:

Three new Meike Z-mount lenses coming in August

Meike officially announced that it will bring a number of new lenses to the 31st Beijing International Radio, Film and Television Exhibition (August 21-24). Meike will exhibit new autofocus lenses at this exhibition, including the new Pro series product line, AF55mm F1.8 Pro, AF85mm F1.8 Pro lenses, both full-frame lenses, with Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mounts; and the upcoming high-cost-effective SE product line new AF35mm F2.0 full-frame lens, also with Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mounts.

via Weibo

Map Camera July sales rankings: New Z6III is the best selling camera

The Japanese store Mapcamera shared the top 10 of the best selling mirrorless cameras in July

  1. Nikon Z6III
  2. FujiFilm X-T50
  3. Sony α7C II
  4. Nikon Z f
  5. Nikon Z8
  6. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  7. Sony α7RV
  8. Sony α7IV
  9. Lumix S9
  10. Lumix GH7

Digicameinfo added a bit of context to the results (google translated):

  • The much-anticipated model “Z6III”, released on July 12th, took first place on its debut. It made a huge difference in its debut from the second place model. Despite the hectic schedule of the announcement on June 17th and the start of reservations on the 19th, an enormous number of orders were placed as soon as reservations began. There were concerns about a temporary supply shortage, but thanks to the efforts of the manufacturer, there was an abundant supply and sales numbers were able to increase. Nikon’s Z8 and Z f are still very popular. The arrival of the new model has made things even more lively.
  • In second place is the “X-T50”, which was ranked first in the previous ranking. Although there was a temporary supply disruption, it recovered quickly. Although it was left behind by the newly released Z6III, it has a strong lead over the third place and below to secure second place.
  • Coming in third was the popular “α7C II”. The cashback campaign ended in August, so it remains to be seen whether it will be able to maintain its position or whether it will be overwhelmed by the offensive of other manufacturers.
  • Coming in at number 6 was the EOS R6 Mark II. In stark contrast to Nikon, which was on the rise, Canon was in a tough situation. Meanwhile, the EOS R6 Mark II was fighting a lonely battle. The long-awaited new model will finally be released next time. Let’s hope for Canon’s comeback.
  • Two Panasonic models were ranked in 9th and 10th place. It is quite rare these days for two Panasonic models to be ranked at the same time.

Viltrox displayed three lenses (coming for Z-mount too)

At the Shanghai show Viltrox shared more detail about three upcoming lenses:

Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 VCM pancake lens

  • Full Frame
  • Autofocus (VCM  coil motor)
  • Minimum shooting distance: 0.32m.
  • all-metal built
  • no manual focus ring
  • has a lever with built-in cap to close the lens
  • Price in YEN is 799 (about $100)
  • Launch on August 26
  • Sony E and Nikon Z

Viltrox: AF56mm F1.7:

  • APS-C
  • Autofocus
  • Price in YEN is 899 (above $100)
  • Launch on August 19
  • Sony E and Nikon Z

Viltrox AF135mm F1.8 Lab:

  • Autofocus
  • Full Frame
  • Sony E and Nikon Z