We’ve often reported how third-party lens manufacturers have been shaping up the industry with cost-effective and sharp lenses. Offerings from Japanese companies like Tamron and Sigma have created a benchmark, but the Chinese third-party lens manufacturers surpass others. Amidst companies such as 7Artisans, Meike, Laowa, and Yongnuo, Viltrox has been the one chasing new heights. According to a recent post, it appears the company is set to join hands with an iconic company.
According to L-mount Rumors, Viltrox recently commented on its YouTube page about what seems like an exciting update. The video, which is about Viltrox AF 135mm f1.8 LAB lens, has a comment, where a user wants to know about their aims to cater to L-mount users. Here is their response:
The L-mount alliance consists of companies like Leica, Sigma, Panasonic, Ernst, DJI, Astrodesign, Samyang and Blackmagic Design. But if Viltrox gets the licence from Leica, then they can also cater to the company’s cameras. Developed by Leica in 2014, the alliance has been a strategic partnership to develop products with other companies for the L-mount. In 2018, they further evolved with a partnership with Panasonic and Sigma.
Viltrox joining in sounds like a good option, as the company has consistently performed well in our reviews. Furthermore, let’s not forget that their performance is also at par, and in some cases, better than a Sigma lens. The company’s 135mm lens, despite the size, was quick, and the image quality was at par with a medium-format lens quality. As we stated in our 135mm review: “The image quality is stunning and comparable to what Canon outputs. That means that the lens surely has character to it.” This means, one can easily opt for a Viltrox, which will give better results at a much lower price.
At the same time, the 28mm f4.5 is another lens form the company that we liked; As we said in our review: “The Viltrox 28mm f4.5 adds softness, lens flares, blows out highlights, etc. And when you combine it with a nice, warm, white balance, you find that the images deliver the feeling of a cool glass off water you didn’t know you needed.”
While L-mount alliance grows, so does its competition with other camera brands. However, the question states whether this competition, whether between lens manufacturers or other companies, will have positive or healthy results for the long run. On the other hand, it makes one wonder whether it is signalling at the monolopolisation of cameras and lenses, where one has little to no choice in choosing between devices.
However, the chances are that the L-mount could reach a break through with a combined effort from various companies. DJI already made their drone cameras near perfect, while Panasonic S1R has been exception in the still photography domain. There is also Leica’s SL series, which had quite impressive performance. The Sigma fp, on the other hand, was a miss for us. As our editor stated: “The Sigma FP is proof to me again that Sigma should really step out of the camera making industry and instead focus on the high-quality lenses that they make.”
Perhaps, with Viltrox, L-mount gets a better variant for third-party lenses, and perhaps, this further helps Panasonci and Leica cameras. Leica’s decision will certainly reflect on where they are headed for the future. Right now, their approach seems on point.
