There is a new buzz in the third-part lens world. Many Chinese lens manufacturers are consistently updating their portfolio, offering newer models every other month. This time, three companies—Zyhongyi Optics, Viltrox, and AstrHori—are each working towards releasing different focal lengths lenses for Nikon, Sony, and Canon mirrorless cameras. Should you be excited? Let’s find out.
Viltrox 50mm f2 Air
Photo Rumors reported Viltrox is working on a new cheap nifty fifty for Sony E and Nikon Z cameras, the 50mm f2 Air. The lens will join the existing lineup of Air lenses such as AF 23mm f1.7, AF 20mm f2.8, AF 35mm f1.7, AF 40mm f2.5, and AF 56mm f1.7. A few images have surfaced online, and they indicate that the new lens is going to cater to full-frame users. Some of its features include:
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.51m
- Filter size of 58mm
- 190 grams weight
- The price will be around $140
- April 2025 launch
There is a possibility that at this price point, we will not see any weather sealing. Other than that, the lens is certainly aimed at semi-professionals and serious enthusiasts who want better quality at affordable prices.
Zyhongyi Optics 55mm f2.8 1-5x Super Macro
This is one of the only macro lenses on this list. Zyhongyi Optics is said to release this for full frame and medium format camera cameras such as Nikon Z, Canon RF and EF, Sony E, Panasonic L, MFT, and Fujifilm X and GFX models. Here is a look at what it offers:
- Lens size: 67mm x 87mm
- Filter size: 58mm
- Working distance: 65mm (magnification 5x), 150mm (magnification 1x)
- Weight (including tripod ring): 690g (F mount), 750g (GFX mount)
- Lens structure: 13 elements in 8 groups, 2nd and 5th lenses ED
- 8-blade aperture
- To be announced on March 28
We aren’t sure what the price of this lens could be, but if it’s under $300, then it will certainly be a steal-worthy deal for many macro photographers. It also has varied markings on the lens barrel, which will make it easy to work with varied zoom range.
AstrHori 6.5mm f2
A fish eye lens, the AstrHori 6.5mm f2 will be launching for E, X, Z, RF, and MFT mounts. Meike already has a similar focal length available, so we aren’t sure how different this fish eye will be. Some of its features include:
- Weight: 268g
- Size: 64mm x 52mm
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.2m
- 5 elements in 6 groups
- 9 aperture blades
- Does not support filters
- For APS-C mount
The lens is also likely to be under $200 and one of the few lenses that you choose for its ability to give different fields of vision over long-term use. It also seemingly lacks weather sealing, so this could be a challenge for outdoor shooters. However, having reviewed their 12mm fish-eye lens in 2023, we can say the 6.5mm will certainly be a good addition to your portfolio.
Third-party lenses are trying to offer more at a convenient cost, but they certainly lack the longevity factor. If the companies do manage to fix that, that would make it easy for some to opt for it.
