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There's a rumor that Viltrox will be the next manufacturer granted the ability to make lenses for the electronic RF mount, and the first lenses will be coming “soon”. This honestly doesn't surprise me much – Viltrox was one of the 3 manufacturers that made mirrorless autofocus lenses for the EOS-M mount. What does surprise me is that it's taken Canon that long to grant them “permission” to do so for the RF mount. Of course, don't expect full-frame lenses any time soon; no word on Canon relaxing its grip on full frame.
Viltrox made 2 lenses for the EOS-M Mount, and if I were a betting man, I'd assume those would be the first ones to move over to the RF mount.
The Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 and the Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 were both available for the EF-M mount. While they weren't exceptional performers, it was extremely difficult to argue with their bang for the buck, with both selling for under $250.
Klaus from OpticalLimts reviewed the Fuji version of this lens, and had this to say overall about its price performance and build quality.
As already mentioned in our previous reviews of Viltrox lenses, the mechanical quality is surprisingly high. Similar to its in-house cousins, the Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 XF is tightly assembled and most of the lens is made of metal including the lens hood. The AF is both speedy and noiseless – something that can't be said about the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R actually. Firmware upgrades are also possible. This can't be done via the camera but instead, you have to connect a USB cable to the USB port at the mount of the lens – which is perfectly fine, of course.
Overall, it may not the last word in terms of sharpness at large apertures but the Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4 XF is a killer offering in terms of value and a serious alternative to the aging Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R.
https://opticallimits.com/fujifilm/viltrox-af-33mm-f-1-4-xf-review/Since that time, Viltrox has been busy. So, for APS-C users, if the entire Viltrox library of APS-C lenses is available for the RF mount, this could end up being fantastic. Viltrox is quietly becoming one of the biggest Chinese lens manufacturers, and has a stable of around 12 APS-C Lenses with an incredibly wide variety of f/1.4 and f/1.2 primes available. In terms of current lenses, for E mount (and Z mount), Viltrox has just about every focal length under 75mm covered.
- Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air
- Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4
- Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air
- Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4
- Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air
- Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro
- Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4
- Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 Air
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 Air
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro
- Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro
It's an impressive list of primes and becomes even more impressive when you consider that Viltrox has only been in business since 2009. While most of these primes would not challenge Canon or even Sigma's primes, most of them are always rated as being some of the top price for performance lenses you can purchase. Their “pro” lenses are considered decent, with good optical quality.
About Viltrox
Viltrox's company name is Shenzhen Jueying Technology Co., Ltd, and is based, unsurprisingly, out of Shenzhen, China.
As a leading innovator in the imaging industry, we are committed to providing high-quality imaging equipment for professional photographers and enthusiasts around the globe. Our company specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and sales of cutting edge products, consistently driving excellence in imaging technology.
Looking ahead, the company will continue to invest in research and development, focusing on hardware innovation and software upgrades. Through driving tech- nological advancements and product improvements, we aim to strengthen our brand's competitive edge, expand our presence in the imaging equipment industry, and broaden both domestic and international marketing channels to enhance the company's global brand influence.
I don't think that's super likely. Viltrox is moving everything to their Air / EVO / PRO / LAB lineups. If they do start releasing RF-S lenses, I would expect them only to do so with their current gen lenses and not older ones. As they replace the older ones, those new lenses would then arrive for RF-S.
they could simply switch the mechnical mount from the EF-M lenses and they would work.
How would that impact Canon granting a license to Viltrox for RF mount lenses?
Google translated link to Digicame.
The problem with CN 3rd parties is that they are mostly unwilling to pay the tax. Despite they can mark up the MSRP to compensate the cost.
Viltrox has been making AF Z-mount lens since 2021 (according to ChatGPT). The Viltrox website lists 25 Z-mount lenses. I find it hard to believe that Nikon has only just discovered that Viltrox has been making Z-mount lenses without a license agreement. That license agreement must have have included IP protection.