- Nikon is rumored to be suing cheap Chinese lens maker Viltrox.
- The lawsuit concerns alleged violations of the Z-mount patent
- A hearing would be scheduled for March 2
I’m a big fan of Nikon cameras And Viltrox, but it appears all is not well between the two, according to The New Camera, which reports that Nikon is suing the inexpensive Chinese lens maker for alleged Z-mount patent infringement.
Reports on Chinese social media suggest that the violations are related to a “dispute over royalties during the temporary protection period of an invention patent.” It’s unclear which Viltrox lenses are in question, although there is speculation around the 135mm f/1.8 LAB, 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 hardly surprising: Viltrox is one of the fastest-growing third-party lens makers and is likely now in a position to settle any royalties it may or may not be required to pay.
Nikon Rumors details the case further, suggesting several potential outcomes, the most drastic of which could be a ceasefire, as in the Canon v. Viltrox case in 2022 regarding Canon’s RF mount.
Nikon fans are surely hoping for a different outcome and that Viltrox is able to continue releasing new affordable Z-mount lenses. After all, Viltrox’s recent autofocus lenses are of exceptional quality, providing affordable alternatives for Nikon users looking for high-quality lenses, even though Viltrox has yet to make zoom lenses.
The counterargument is that since Viltrox is known for reverse engineering lenses (allegedly unlicensed), 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 potential compromise 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 completely open to third parties such as Viltrox. But how could the case affect current and future Viltrox Z-mount lenses?
‘Does my [Viltrox] has the goal become a brick? – the potential outcomes of the case
Naturally, users of Nikon cameras and Viltrox Z-mount lenses are concerned about the impact on their existing lenses. ‘Does my [Viltrox] has the goal become a brick? » is a question that comes up on Chinese social networks.
There are fears that Nikon will release a firmware update for its current cameras, such as the Z6 III, Z8, Zf and others, that would break 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, given that the case is still rumored and not even in progress. We do not know whether or not Viltrox had a license for the alleged offense.
But 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 I currently have and that more lenses from both are in the works.
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