New Compact Lenses Incoming

It looks like compact lenses are becoming a much bigger focus for Chinese manufacturers again, with both 7Artisans and Viltrox apparently preparing a fairly large number of new releases. Recent leaks suggest 7Artisans is working on at least three new autofocus lenses, including an AF 10mm f/2.5 full-frame fisheye for Sony FE, an AF 18mm f/2 APS-C pancake lens, and an AF 10mm f/4, with the latter two currently appearing for Sony E-mount. Images circulating on Weibo and reports from Fujifilm rumour sites also suggest Fujifilm X versions could be coming as well.

What stands out is how much broader 7Artisans’ autofocus lineup is becoming. The company initially entered autofocus mostly through longer focal lengths like the recently released MAX AF 135mm f/1.8, but these new leaks suggest the focus is changing much more toward smaller, compact designs. Pancake lenses especially seem to be making a comeback recently as manufacturers continue pushing smaller mirrorless setups, and the rumoured 18mm f/2 fits directly into that trend.

Viltrox appears to have an even larger roadmap. The company has already discussed plans for nine new lenses covering full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds systems. Among the rumoured releases are a compact AF 28mm f/4.5 for L-mount, an AF 35mm f/1.4 Pro with an aperture ring, a manual focus tilt-shift lens, and a compact AF 26mm f/2.8 that is expected to arrive first for Sony E-mount before expanding to L-mount later. Neither company has announced pricing or release dates yet, although Viltrox’s recent 35mm f/1.8 EVO and 55mm f/1.8 EVO currently sell for roughly $490 each, which at least gives some rough idea of where future compact autofocus lenses could end up.