Viltrox strengthens the L-mount alliance: New partner for Leica and Co.

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With Viltrox, the L-mount alliance, which was launched at photokina in 2018, has grown to ten members. The founding members, Leica Camera AG, Sigma and Panasonic, have since been joined by Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, Astrodesign, Samyang Optics, Blackmagic Design and Sirui.

The declared aim of the alliance is to establish a universal bayonet standard. The decisive advantage for users is that all lenses from the partner companies are fully compatible with all cameras in the system without the need for adapters. According to official information, the current portfolio now comprises more than 20 cameras and over 120 lenses.

Founded in 2009, Viltrox specializes in the development and manufacture of equipment for photography and film. Its portfolio ranges from autofocus and cine lenses to monitors, adapters and lighting solutions. Since 2022, the range has also included anamorphic lenses and zoom lenses for the film sector.

Expectations of the partners

Valentino Di Leonardo, Head of Product Management at Leica Camera AG, emphasizes the strategic importance of the L-mount alliance. It stands for openness, quality and high standards in photography. Viltrox is a partner that shares this vision and contributes valuable expertise in lens development. Together, they want to offer photographers and filmmakers an even more comprehensive and attractive system.

Dai Jinhui, CEO of Viltrox, confirms this goal. His company will enrich the alliance with versatile and affordable lenses. According to Jinhui, this collaboration will inspire a new generation of creatives and strengthen the entire ecosystem in the long term.

For photographers with Panasonic, Leica, Blackmagic and Sigma cameras, the addition of Viltrox is promising news. The lens manufacturer has offered an interesting price-performance ratio in recent years, especially with the Pro and Lab series: lenses such as the 35mm f/1.2 Lab and the 85mm f/1.4 Pro are considered excellent options at attractive prices.

Caution required after Samyang entry

However, a certain amount of caution is required considering Samyang Optics joining the alliance in 2023, as reported by heise. Contrary to the expectations of many photographers at the time, the manufacturer's existing lenses were not promptly adapted for the L bayonet. In fact, Samyang has introduced several new lenses since then, but none of them were intended for the L-mount. It therefore remains to be seen how committed Viltrox will be to expanding its range for the L-mount system.

Technical details of the L bayonet

The L bayonet was developed by Leica Camera AG with the aim of creating a future-proof, flexible and high-precision mount system. Its large inner diameter of 51.6 millimeters is suitable for both full-frame and APS-C sensors. The small flange focal distance of just 20 millimeters enables a particularly compact lens design, especially in the wide-angle range. The camera bayonet made of wear-resistant stainless-steel and four flange segments is designed to ensure high resistance and a robust, secure connection. A standardized contact strip allows communication between camera and lens, which also includes firmware updates for the lenses.

(tho)