- Nikon Rumored to be Suing Chinese Cheap Lens Maker Viltrox
- Legal Action Relates to Alleged Z-Mount Patent Infringements
- The hearing is apparently scheduled for March 2.
I am a big fan of Nikon cameras. and Viltrox lenses, but it seems all is not well between the pair according to The New Camera, who reports that Nikon is suing the Chinese cheap lens maker for alleged Z-mount patent infringements.
Reports on Chinese social media suggest that the violations relate to a “dispute over royalties during the period of temporary protection of an invention patent.” It’s unclear which Viltrox lenses are in question, although there is speculation about the LAB 135mm f/1.8, which costs just a fraction of the expensive Nikon 135mm f/1.8 S Plena – two incredible prime lenses I’ve tested.
The timing of Nikon’s action is not surprising: Viltrox is one of the fastest-growing third-party lens manufacturers and is probably now in a position to settle any royalty fees it may or may not have to pay.
Nikon Rumors delves into the case and suggests several potential outcomes, the most drastic of which could be a cease and desist, depending on the Canon vs Viltrox case in 2022 regarding the Canon RF mount.
Nikon fans will surely hope for a different outcome and that Viltrox can continue to release new and affordable Z-mount lenses. After all, Viltrox’s recent autofocus lenses are of excellent quality and are affordable alternatives for Nikon users looking for high-quality prime lenses, even if Viltrox doesn’t make zoom lenses yet.
The counterargument is that because Viltrox is known to reverse engineer lenses (supposedly without a license), while other third-party lens manufacturers, such as Sigma and Tamron, license their own lenses for different mounts, it is only fair that Viltrox pays Nikon some sort of royalties.
A possible middle ground would be for Viltrox to continue releasing new Z-mount lenses, while paying royalties to Nikon, which would inevitably increase the prices of Viltrox lenses. Sony’s E-mount, on the other hand, seems to be completely open to third parties like Viltrox. But how could the case affect current and future Viltrox Z-mount lenses?
‘My [Viltrox] Does the lens turn into a brick? – possible outcomes of the case
Users of Nikon cameras and Viltrox Z-mount lenses are understandably concerned about the impact on their existing lenses. ‘My [Viltrox] Does the lens turn into a brick? is a question that arises on Chinese social networks.
There are fears that Nikon may release a camera firmware update for its current cameras, such as the Z6 III, Z8, Zf and others, that breaks compatibility with Viltrox lenses. This concern, for which there is currently no evidence, is leading users to suggest avoiding camera firmware updates until they know more.
Of course, we’re getting ahead of ourselves, since the case is still rumored and not even ongoing. We do not know whether or not Viltrox had a license for the alleged infringement.
But as a user of Nikon Z-mount cameras and lenses and Viltrox Z-mount lenses, I hope to continue to have the wide variety of lenses I currently have and that there are more lenses of both in the pipeline.
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