Third-party lens makers have been trying to cut costs on their lenses. While companies like Nikon and Canon have blocked their access to their autofocus system, brands like Sony haven’t shied away at all. In a bid to change the status of third-party lenses, Yongnuo has announced a new innovation, which will be great for third-party lens users: in-house VCM motors. Have a look.
What Can The New Lens Do?
According to Canon Rumors and Sony Alpha Rumors, Yongnuo has developed its own proprietary VCM (Voice Coil Motor) system for upcoming autofocus lenses. The lens is first expected to launch for Sony E and then gradually for Canon. While no other details have been revealed, this move signals the launch of a budget autofocus lens.
The early footage acquired by Canon Rumors shows how quick the focusing is on the Sony camera. While it is challenging to compare how fast it is to Sony’s own lenses, this implementation could compete with the stepping and linear motors used by established third-party and first-party brands.
It is possible that Yongnuo may introduce EF-mount versions, just like the strategy of Venus Optics. In a way, if they manage to win this over, users can use mount converters and these lenses for RF mounts without much scrutiny.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Autofocus has been the last challenge that many Chinese third-party lens manufacturers have faced. While these companies have overcome other barriers, such as better image quality, they still have not been able to match the reliability of Japanese lenses such as Sigma and Tamron. A new VCM motor suggests that Yonhnuo is no longer competing on a price basis, but also features that are appealing to young users and semi-professionals.
Viltrox has already proven how autofocus lenses can be great. That’s a different story; they’re now being sued by Nikon over their autofocus lenses. Examples such as the Laowa 12mm f2.8 have proven how autofocus can work just as well. As we said in our review of the lens, “You still get that insanely wide 122-degree field of view, but this time the lens has been reworked to offer exceptional autofocus performance (yes, you read that right) on some mirrorless camera brands. Sony FE, E, and Nikon Z camera owners will be delighted to know that their cameras can autofocus this lens.”
In that regard, if the Yongnuo lens can achieve this, Chinese manufacturers will close the autofocus gap much faster. And if the EF lenses turn out to be great, a lot of RF users will find a loophole and get them for their day-to-day use. It remains to be seen how this all plays out, but the company can change the credibility of Chinese lenses for the better. This move, in the end, could accelerate competition across the lens market, pushing prices down and innovation up.