- Nikon is rumored to be suing cheap Chinese lens maker Viltrox
- The lawsuit concerns alleged Z-mount patent infringements
- A hearing is apparently set 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, which reports that Nikon is suing the low-cost Chinese lens maker for alleged Z-mount patent infringement.
Reports on Chinese social media suggest the violations relate to a “dispute regarding royalties during the provisional protection period of an invention patent”. It’s not clear which Viltrox lens(es) these are, although there is speculation about the 135mm f/1.8 LAB, which costs a fraction of the expensive Nikon 135mm f/1.8 S Plena – two incredible primes that I’ve tested.
The timing of Nikon’s action is hardly surprising – Viltrox is one of the fastest-growing third-party lens manufacturers and is likely now in a position to settle any royalty fees it may or may not have to pay.
Nikon Rumors unpacks the case further, suggesting several potential outcomes, the most drastic of which could be a termination, as in the 2022 Canon vs Viltrox case regarding Canon’s RF mount.
Nikon fans will certainly be hoping for a different outcome and that Viltrox is able to continue to launch new and affordable Z-mount lenses. After all, Viltrox’s newer autofocus lenses are exceptional quality as they are affordable alternatives for Nikon users looking for high-quality primes, even though Viltrox has yet to make zoom lenses.
The counterargument is that because Viltrox is known to reverse engineer lenses (allegedly without license), while other third-party lens manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron license their own lenses for various mounts, it’s only fair for Viltrox to pay Nikon some form of royalties.
A potential middle ground would be for Viltrox to continue to launch new Z-mount lenses while paying Nikon royalties, which would inevitably drive up the prices of Viltrox lenses. Sony’s E-mount, on the other hand, is apparently completely open to third parties such as Viltrox. But how could the case affect current and future Viltrox Z-mount lenses?
‘Will my [Viltrox] lens becomes a brick?’ – potential outcome of the case
Understandably, users of Nikon cameras and Viltrox Z-mount lenses are concerned about the impact on their existing lenses. ‘Will my [Viltrox] lens becomes a brick?’ is a question popping up on Chinese social media.
There are fears that Nikon could release a camera firmware update to its current cameras such as the Z6 III, Z8, Zf and others that breaks compatibility with Viltrox lenses. Such a 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 here since the case is still rumored and not even underway. We do not know whether or not Viltrox had a license for the alleged infringement.
However, as a user of Nikon Z-mount cameras and lenses and Viltrox Z-mount lenses, I hope to continue to have the wide selection of lenses that I currently have and that more lenses from both are on the way.
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