The Nikon Z system has had many third-party lens makers catering to its ecosystem. However, while it originally appeared that Nikon was okay with the autofocus lenses from these Chinese lens makers, heir lawsuit against Viltrox slowly made it clear that the company is no longer excited about them. While it may have seemed like a one-off, the next Chinese brand to face the same consequence is Meike. Here’s a look at the story.
First reported by Nikon Rumors, Meike has removed its Z-mount lenses from the shops. According to the report, which has been translated from the Chinese website, Meike is temporarily removing the lenses for “inventory optimization adjustment” and not ceasing sales.
This move comes after Sirui, who simultaneously withdrew lenses last week, and a few days after Nikon’s patent lawsuit against Viltrox officially opened in a Shanghai court. In other words, Meike is re-inspecting and working on their channel management. The lenses are expected to be relisted at the end of the month. The question is whether this is a genuine restock or whether the company is acknowledging the pressure from Viltrox’s lawsuit.
Another thing that is hard to ignore is the timing of this. Sirui, per Nikon Rumors, pulled out earlier in March, around the time Viltrox’s case began in court against Nikon. Meike did the same 46 hours later. The companies trying to conduct “inventory optimization” on the same week Nikon’s lawyers are in the Shanghai courtroom leaves little room to wonder about the real cause.
However, while we wait to see whether either Siuri or Meike restocks Nikon lenses, it is also a good time to remember that not every company is going through this. Sigma and Tamron produce Nikon Z lenses, with the companies using a license to launch lenses for the Z mount.
The other Chinese company has a brand and launches optics, but it often says that it is so without a formal license. In fact, Viltrox was said to rely on reverse-engineered mount protocols to enable autofocus. If unliscensed brands are forced to exit the Z mount market, then the company to win will be Tamron. As we had said earlier, Tamron lenses fit like a glove on Nikon. This is because the two have a close relation that goes beyond a standard licensing deal.
In many ways, Tamron will be a safer option than Chinese alternatives, especially if the latter retreats from the market. Tamron’s pricing is higher than Meike’s, so the “budget” options may end up costing more. They’re also a Japanese brand that pays the license fees to Nikon.
If Nikon wins the Viltrox case, there will be consequences. Perhaps autofocus lenses are never sold, or Viltrox has to get rid of its Z series lenses. Similarly, Meike and Suiri will also have to toe the line and avoid serious damage. Or each company raises its costs to pay the licensing fees.
It remains to be seen what Nikon has in store for these companies. Perhaps, time will tell.