- Third-party manufacturers launch massive lineup of AF lenses for Fujifilm X and GFX mounts
Chinese third-party lens manufacturers have unveiled an unprecedented lineup of autofocus (AF) lenses targeting Fujifilm mirrorless camera users, signaling a major shift in the market.
At the recent '2026 China P&E (Imaging Show)' held in Beijing, leading Chinese optical brands—including Viltrox, Meike, Laowa, and SG-image—flooded the stage with new AF lenses. These releases cater not only to Fujifilm’s APS-C "X-mount" but also to the medium format "GFX-mount," a high-end segment that previously suffered from high barriers to entry for third-party makers.
■ From Premium Primes to Medium Format AF: A Full-Scale Offensive
The absolute protagonists of the show were undoubtedly Viltrox and Meike. Viltrox showcased its premium line aimed at hybrid shooters and videographers, including the "AF 35mm f/1.4 Pro," alongside various X-mount compatible AF prime lenses, further solidifying its independent ecosystem.
The most notable shift, however, is the expansion into Fujifilm's high-end medium format "GFX System." Meike caught the industry by surprise by unveiling the "AF 85mm f/1.8" for the GFX mount. In a medium format market where native lenses are notoriously expensive, the arrival of affordable Chinese AF lenses is expected to serve as a major catalyst for expanding the GFX user base. ZY Optics (Zhongyi) also joined the fray, showcasing medium-format compatible lenses such as the 30mm f/2.4.
Laowa, traditionally famous for its unique manual lenses, and SG-image, a rapidly rising ultra-budget brand, also proved that AF is the new norm by rolling out a series of highly portable and uniquely framed AF lenses for the X-mount.
■ The Evolution: From Budget Manual Glass to High-Performance AF
Just a few years ago, Chinese third-party lenses were widely perceived as "cheap, manual-focus (MF) glass used only for budget efficiency." Today, that perception is completely shattered. By internalizing advanced motor technologies like VCM (Voice Coil Motors) and reverse-engineering Fujifilm's AF algorithms, these lenses now deliver fast, precise autofocus performance that rivals native options.
Furthermore, they come packed with trendy, modern features: ultra-precise optical designs (APO), de-clicked apertures optimized for filmmaking, and built-in LCD screens for lens data info. As a result, anticipation among global Fujifilm users has reached an all-time high. It remains to be seen how this harmony between Fujifilm’s signature retro aesthetics and China's high-performance, cost-effective AF lenses will reshape the landscape of the mirrorless market.
✍️ Editor's Note
"The phrase 'Continental Mistake' (a Korean slang for surprisingly good Chinese tech) is officially expired. These Chinese AF lenses—boasting upgraded performance at drastically lower prices—are an absolute blessing for Fujifilm users. In particular, Meike's GFX AF lens is a game-changer that will undoubtedly open the wallets of medium-format shooters. A breath of affordable fresh air is finally blowing into a market previously dominated strictly by native glass."
Tags: #Fujifilm #FujifilmX #GFX #MirrorlessLens #Viltrox #Meike #Laowa #AFLens #ChinaPE #CameraGear