We have the first review of the DJI Avata 360, and this review has been posted before its official announcement. It seems unique and unusual. But yes, we do have the review, so we are sharing some of the important parts of the review here at thenewcamera.com, so you can have an early glimpse of the DJI Avata 360 drone. What did he like and what didn’t he like about the drone?
Design of the DJI Avata 360 – Size, Shape & Comparisons
As you can see when placing it next to the DJI Avata 2, the DJI Avata 360 is a little bit bigger but noticeably slimmer. The Avata 2 sticks up a lot taller, while the Avata 360 has that bigger front bump because of the new 360 camera.
Compared to the original Avata 1, this one is definitely larger, but the Avata 1 was a screamer — super loud — and its battery sat up much taller.
One of the most fun combos I tried? The DJI Avata 360 is paired with the Neo 2. It just looks and feels like a perfect match.
The Revolutionary 360 Camera System on the DJI Avata 360
This is the most unique part of the entire drone. Of course, it has a full 360 camera, but how does it actually shoot 360° when one lens is facing you? The second camera is on the opposite side.
What I loved most: the camera actually rotates during takeoff and landing. It spins from the 360 position so the top camera moves to the bottom and vice versa. There are little protective feet/pads at the bottom, so when you land, you’re never touching the lens itself. It sits perfectly protected.
I really like how compact DJI made the entire camera system is at the front. And yes — full propeller guards all the way around, just like the other Avata models.
Replaceable Lenses – A Huge Upgrade on the DJI Avata 360
Next thing I pulled out of the bag that made me extremely happy: replaceable lenses for the Avata 360. Something every creator wished we had on the Osmo 360. DJI listened — if you crash and scratch the top or bottom lens, you can now simply replace them. Huge win for the DJI Avata 360.
Flying the DJI Avata 360 in Snow & Rain – Weather Confidence
On the second day, we headed out for real flying… and it was snowing and raining heavily all morning. The crazy part? DJI didn’t hesitate at all. They had zero worries about us flying the DJI Avata 360 in the snow or rain.
Of course, the footage wasn’t clear because rain and snow were hitting the lenses, but the fact that DJI trusted the drone so much in those conditions instantly built confidence for all of us. It’s not waterproof or submersible, but their relaxed attitude told us everything we needed to know.
How We Piloted the DJI Avata 360
They gave us the DJI RC 2 controller, and everyone loved it — finally, a standard remote with a built-in screen so you can fly the way you’re used to with other drones.
You can also fly the DJI Avata 360 with:
DJI N3 goggles
RC 3 controllers
Motion Controller 3 (for that immersive FPV experience)
After the first few flights, one thing stood out immediately: the DJI transmission is rock solid — exactly what separates DJI from everyone else. People were pushing the DJI Avata 360 above dense forests, in snow and rain, and the connection never wavered.
When I was down to my last battery and a half, I just did some free flying. The smoothness, the flight characteristics, the overall dynamics — everything feels exactly like you expect from a DJI Avata. Super predictable and confidence-inspiring.
Editing Footage from the DJI Avata 360
Editing is super simple using the same DJI 360 Studio app you already know from the Osmo 360. Just use AI tracking or keyframe options, choose your angles and positions, and export. Easy.
My Honest First Impressions of the DJI Avata 360
Flight-experience-wise, my first impressions are very positive. It just works exactly like you expect a premium DJI drone to work. The transmission in tough weather impressed me the most, and the rotating 360 camera system is genuinely cool.
I’ve now flown the DJI Avata 360 for several weeks here in sunny California too, and the image quality is outstanding. Full specs breakdown, side-by-side comparisons with the Avata 2, Avata 1, and Neo 2 are coming in the full review very soon.
This was the first part of the review – a more intense review on its way and posted later this month
Stay tuned for more updates
The article “DJI Avata 360 First Review: Hands-On Flying Experience with the All-New 360 Camera Drone” was written by the thenewcamera.com team, on 4:43 pm, Friday, 13 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM> get live news — > DJI Rumors
DJI Avata 360 USA Price 2026: Know How Much It Will Cost You in Dollars
The DJI Avata 360 price list has been leaked by a European retailer. We have converted it into US currency very carefully by keeping all the possible values like tax and other stuff that we have to add in a bundle and final pricing, which is still approximate that you have to pay, and has been mentioned below. So if you’re in the United States of America, this would be the round figure of the pricing of the DJI Avata 360 drone.
Plus: Before writing this, we double-checked the current DJI Products pricing in both Europe and the USA, so you have the full picture before the official launch on March 26.
DJI Avata 360 Full Price List – Europe to USA Dollars
These exact European prices leaked just 2–3 days ago from retailer systems and are widely confirmed across sources. Official global launch: March 26, 2026 (China first), with worldwide shipping starting early April (around April 9).
Here’s the complete conversion at the current 1 EUR = 1.15 USD rate (rounded to nearest dollar):
Now we have a confirmed set of core specifications for the upcoming DJI Avata 360, and these specifications come from highly trusted sources. So whatever you read below about the core specifications of the upcoming drone is 100% true, and yes, it is really impressive, since under budget, we are getting a dual 1/1.1-inch sensor with 64-megapixel resolution, able to record 8K videos on the go at the same time. It also acts as a FPV drone / 360 Drone as per user choice, an all-in-one drone available and super budget-friendly.
DJI Avata 360 Key Specifications (Confirmed)
Here’s exactly what you get straight from the official pipeline:
Dual 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensors — 64 MP per sensor
200° field of view per lens (perfect fisheye stitching for true 360°)
f/1.9 aperture — excellent low-light performance and creamy depth
Single-axis mechanical gimbal with -60 ° to +60° tilt adjustment
360° digital stabilization layered on top for buttery-smooth spheres
23-minute flight time (real-world tested in a similar Avata chassis)
20 km transmission range (OcuSync-level reliability)
Intelligent features — Active Track, QuickShots, Return-to-Home (RTH)
This combo turns the Avata 360 into the ultimate hybrid: fly it in full 360° spherical mode for immersive VR content or tilt the module forward for classic FPV cinematic runs. Photographers win either way.
This is a first for DJI FPV drones. The DJI Avata 360 features an all-new 8K camera that uses interchangeable lenses. The leak shows a dedicated replacement lens kit priced at just €21. No more sending the entire drone in for repairs after a lens scratch — just swap it yourself in seconds.
Official Release Date Confirmed
China / Asia: March 26, 2026 (DJI Store launch)
Worldwide (US, Europe, India, Australia, etc.): April 9, 2026
Prices may shift slightly with the March 26 reveal or launch promotions, and regional taxes/VAT will apply. Always check the official DJI store in your country on launch day.
Stay tuned for more updates on its Way
The article “DJI Avata 360 USA Price 2026: Know How Much It Will Cost You in Dollars” was written by the thenewcamera.com team, on 3:52 pm, Friday, 13 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM> get live news — > DJI Rumors
Is Canon really planning something crazy?,but before that we have to discuss about the two unique retro camera models that have been introduced by Canon during the CP+ 2026, so and obviously they have created a lot of buzz out there and got a significant amount of media attention too although I was actually waiting for some new type of photo-type upcoming camera, but these two cameras were the center of attraction of the show.
It was a pair of quirky, waist-level-viewfinder prototypes that look like they time-traveled straight out of the 1960s — yet they’re 100% digital and built by Canon.
Officially called the “Analog Concept Camera,” these boxy retro compacts (or more accurately, palm-sized TLR-style concepts)
But the big question: Is Canon really serious about these two cameras? I’m thinking about the introduction of these two cameras into the consumer market. Let’s discuss further.
Both share the same core DNA: a fixed ~50mm f/1.8-equivalent lens, manual focus only, and — most importantly — a genuine optical waist-level viewfinder.
Two Designs, One Bold Idea
As you can see, Canon has displayed two working Retro prototypes side-by-side behind glass at their CP+ booth:
Concept Model A (Retro Style) – Rugged, angular, vintage-inspired, which reminds me of Hasselblad or Rolleiflex. Think metal dials, textured grips, and that unmistakable classic charm.
Concept Model B (Simple Box) – Sleeker, more modern, with clean lines and elegant pewter-colored controls. The kind of camera you could slip into a coat pocket and forget you’re carrying.
It’s all about putting focus on shooting experience as well as image quality, since such big bodies loaded with a 50mm F1.8 Eq Fixed MF lens for beautiful bokeh and portrait shoot, as well as a 1-inch CMOS sensor to keep the camera under budget
How Does It Actually Work? (The Clever Bit)
Forget traditional mirrorless tech; it has the same working principle as previous generations of DSLR and SLR cameras.
Light enters the front lens.
A primary flip-up mirror throws the image onto a full-size ground-glass focusing screen (just like classic film TLRs or DSLR cameras).
You compose and focus by looking down; none of the sensors or display is active — you are watching reflected light from the mirror inside the camera
When you pull the shutter lever (yes, a real mechanical lever does“clack”), a second mirror flips up, and the image is captured by a small Type 1 sensor photographing the focusing screen itself.
The result? Since a 50mm lens is attached ot the sensor of the camera, we are expecting better results like a pro portrait camera with natural bokeh, when captured perfectly – no EVF lag, no simulation. It genuinely feels like shooting film.
The Photographer’s Perspective
It’s really a very unique camera to experience with the reason of a 50mm high-quality lens and a decent output from this camera. So if you’re someone who already used a DSLR camera in the past or would love to know how these DSLR or SLR cameras work, then this prototype will be a safe and unforgettable experience for photographers. Those who would love to have their hands on traditional photography, specifically a kind of real-life retro camera.
screen shot of survey shared via Webio
Canon Is Listening — But Beware of Unofficial Surveys
Canon didn’t just put these prototypes on display and walk away. Even during the show, they were actively asking attendees to fill out detailed questionnaires and vote on which design they preferred. This indicates the company is clearly gauging real-world interest about there prototypes, and gathering various sets of information regarding ergonomics, aesthetics, price expectations, and shooting scenarios.
That said, a word of caution to the photography community:
Its look like a lot of people showed interest in the Canon Retro prototypes, and thats why a second phase of a silent survey in China has been started. According to Webio’s post, Canon is secretly doing a survey to collect information regarding public interest in retro camera bodies.
A viral social media post has been circulating with a link to a Chinese third-party survey platform (v.wjx.cn) claiming “Canon launched a small survey — please help!” That link is not official. It carries no Canon branding, no official disclaimers, and has not been mentioned by any reputable source or Canon’s own channels. Canon’s feedback efforts at CP+ were strictly on-site. If you want your voice heard, the safest route is waiting for any future official channels or Canon’s regular feedback forms.
Will These Retro Compacts Actually See the Light of Day?
Canon has made no promises — this is still very much a concept. Even if it gets approved for the production line, we won’t get it before 2027, or may it be delayed further beyond, one thing is clear: Canon is listening to photographers who want something different.
What do you think? Would you buy a Canon waist-level digital retro compact? Drop your thoughts in the comments
Stay tuned to TheNewCamera.com — we’ll keep you updated
The article “Canon Really Wants to Bring These Retro Compacts to Life?” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 1:31 pm, Thursday, 12 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM> more live Camera News + Canon Rumors 24X7
Just a few hours ago, we posted a new video. That’s a DJI Avata 360 in live action. Where you can clearly see the basic functionality of the drone, how it works in FPV mode as well as in 360 mode, and the battery insertion section. Everything is very clearly visible, and this 15-second video acts as a quick guide for your Avata 360 drone.
Recently, many updates have been posted regarding the DJI Avata 360 drone, confirming the March 26, 2026, mainland China announcement. From April 6, the Avata 360 will be available worldwide. Just after the teaser, which reveals all the possible details about the upcoming 8K Avata 360 drone, we have the price update coming straight from European retailers, which accidentally leaked the official pricing of the Avata 360 drone. Now the hands-on video of the Avata 360 has recently surfaced.
DJI Avata 360 Full Specifications (Latest Leaks)
Here’s everything confirmed so far from official teasers, reliable sources, and retailer listings:
Video Resolution: 8K 360° spherical + HDR
Camera System: Tiltable dual-lens module (switches instantly between full 360° mode and traditional forward FPV view)
Lenses: Interchangeable – replacement lens kit available
Transmission: Latest O4 system (with possible 4G backup option)
Obstacle Avoidance: Upgraded LiDAR + full omnidirectional sensors
Design: Classic Avata-style cinewhoop with protective propeller guards
Compatibility: Goggles 3, RC 2, RC Motion 3
Extra Modes: 6K single-view, 4K/120fps options
Weight: Expected under 250g in some configurations (exact figure coming on launch day)
This is the world’s first native 360° FPV cinewhoop from DJI – combining cinematic 360° capture with true FPV flying fun.
DJI Avata 360 Official European Pricing Leak – Full Bundle Breakdown & Comparison
Just 24 hours before the 2nd teaser video was dropped, the complete European price list leaked directly from retailer systems — and it’s aggressively competitive. Here’s the official leaked pricing converted at current rates (1 EUR ≈ 1.16 USD) with direct head-to-head comparisons against the Insta360 Antigravity A1 and older Avata 2:
Bundle / Accessory
Official EUR Price
Approx. USD
DJI Avata 360 Drone Only
€459
$533
Fly More Combo (RC 2)
€939
$1,089
Motion Fly More Combo
€939
$1,089
Premium Combo
€1,159
$1,344
Intelligent Flight Battery
€79
$92
Replacement Lens Kit (1pc)
€21
$24
Propeller Set
€9
$10
Just after the Pricing Leak, Antigravity has also announced a 15% discount on the A1 Price starting from March 16. 2026
Antigravity is offering 20% off all three A1 bundles (Standard, Explorer, and Infinity) in Canada and the United States from March 16 to April 16..
These prices position the DJI Avata 360 as the most accessible 8K 360° FPV drone ever released, destroying the Antigravity A1’s $1,599+ entry point ( Although Antigravity has announced a discount of 15% over the A1 drone, but still not able to match the price of the Avata 360 drone ) while delivering superior transmission, obstacle avoidance, and ecosystem support. Early US pricing rumours suggest even lower starting points around $499 for the base model once global sales begin.
The countdown to March 26 is officially on, and TheNewCamera’s latest #avata360 i have posted on X, really turned up the hype among our subs.
The article “DJI Avata 360 First Hands-on Video Leaked Before Official Announcement” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 8:53 am, Thursday, 12 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM> get live news — > DJI Rumors
Finally, we have the official price list of the DJI Avata 360 drone, and the official pricing was revealed just 24 hours after DJI dropped the official teaser of the DJI Avata 360 drone. A major European retailer accidentally, whether it is knowingly or unknowingly, published the full pricing of the product on their product page, and luckily, a few subscribers were able to grab it. Jasper Allen was the first to report it on his Twitter account, adding an authenticity stamp over it. We now have a big, clear pricing of each product, which includes bundle and standalone DJI Avata 360 drone, the batteries, and everything is very clear in the screenshot below.
Converted at the current mid-market rate (1 EUR ≈ 1.16 USD). We’ve added direct comparisons to the brand-new Antigravity A1 (the 8K 360° competitor launched late 2025) and the original DJI Avata 1 (2022 model, now heavily discounted in 2026), so you can see exactly why the Avata 360 is such a game-changer.
Product
European Price (EUR)
US Equivalent (USD)*
How It Compares to Current Drone Prices (March 2026)
DJI Avata 360 Drone Only
€459
$533
Huge win — undercuts the Antigravity A1 Standard Bundle ($1,599) by over $1,000 while adding 8K replaceable lenses.
DJI Avata 360 Fly More Combo (RC 2)
€939
$1,089
DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo ($849) — with 8K + replaceable lenses. Destroys Antigravity A1 Standard Bundle ($1,599) on price while offering a similar 360° FPV experience.
DJI Avata 360 Motion Fly More Combo
€939
$1,089
Antigravity A1 doesn’t even offer this bundle under $1,899.
DJI Avata 360 Premium Combo
€1,159
$1,344
Scheaper than Antigravity A1 Explorer Bundle ($1,899).
Intelligent Flight Battery
€79
$92
Antigravity A1 extra batteries push $150+.
Replacement Lens Kit (1pc)
€21
$24
A1 replacement lenses are $40–60.
Propellers (set)
€9
$10
Cheaper than a coffee. Antigravity A1 prop sets run $15–25. Original Avata 1 props were similar but less durable
DJI Avata 360 Fly More Combo for just €939 — that’s the headline deal everyone is talking about. For less than a thousand euros you get the drone, extra batteries, charger, and the new RC 2 controller. Insanely good value compared to the Avata 2 launch pricing.
DJI Avata 360 vs Antigravity A1: Cheaper Price
As you can see, we have a very big price difference between the Antigravity A1 drone, the competitor drone, and the DJI Avata 360. So obviously, being more affordable, the drone will have more reach. Other than that, those who don’t want to buy a 360 drone and just want an FPV drone can easily switch the modes in the DJI Avata 360, where the Avata 360 will start working as a standalone FPV drone, just like the previous generation of our Avata drones. But this cannot be done with the Antigravity A1; you cannot switch modes. It’s fixed that it can only capture 360 videos.
Revolutionary 8K Camera Module with User-Replaceable Lenses
This is a first for DJI FPV drones. The DJI Avata 360 features an all-new 8K camera that uses interchangeable lenses. The leak shows a dedicated replacement lens kit priced at just €21. No more sending the entire drone in for repairs after a lens scratch — just swap it yourself in seconds.
Close-up shots confirm the lens sits behind a protective cover that looks far more crash-resistant than previous Avata models. Expect cinematic 8K footage with the same legendary DJI colour science that made the Avata 2 a YouTube favourite.
DJI Avata 360 Can Switch to “Normal Mode” — Fly Like a Mini or Neo
One of the most exciting leaked features: the Avata 360 will have a Normal Mode toggle.
You’ll finally be able to fly this beast like a regular camera drone (similar to the DJI Neo or Mini series) when you don’t want full FPV immersion. Perfect for beginners or when you just want smooth cinematic shots without the goggles.
This makes the Avata 360 the most versatile FPV drone DJI has ever released — combining the thrill of Avata-style acro flying with the ease of a Mini 5 or Neo 2.
Official Release Date Confirmed
China / Asia: March 26, 2026 (DJI Store launch)
Worldwide (US, Europe, India, Australia, etc.): April 9, 2026
That’s 16 days of official teaser marketing — the longest DJI pre-launch campaign in years. Multiple sources now confirm that DJI has lifted NDAs early, meaning reviewers and creators will flood YouTube with real flight footage before the global launch.
Mark your calendar for April 9, 2026 — the day the DJI Avata 360 officially changes the FPV game again.
Stay tuned for more updates
The article “DJI Avata 360 Official European Price List Revealed” was written by thenewcamera.com team 4:39 pm, Wednesday, 11 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM> get live news — > DJI Rumors
Finally, DJI has dropped the 2nd teaser for Avata 360, and in that teaser, we have the confirmed announcement date: March 26, 2026. We received this date earlier for the standard DJI Pocket camera, but it appears there was a misunderstanding on the source’s (@photorabz) end at that time. Right now, we have the confirmation. DJI Avata 360 is coming on March 26, and we still have to wait for the standard Pocket 4 camera announcement date. Obviously, it will not be called with the Avata 360.
On March 10, 2026, the official DJI Global account dropped a fresh teaser with the line “Above It All, See It All” and locked in the date: March 26, 2026, at 12 PM GMT.
The hashtag #DJIAvata360 says it all — this is the world’s first native 360° FPV cinewhoop from DJI. No more stitching clips in post. You’ll fly and capture full spherical 360° video in one go.
Already, we have all the details, the lead images, sample videos, and everything related to the same. The first teaser has already created a lot of buzz among drone users who are eagerly awaiting the Avata 360 announcement. The second teaser that arrived today has taken the hype to a completely next level, and now we are waiting for the official announcement on March 26. We already have all the details — the leaked images, sample videos, and everything.
The first teaser already had FPV fans losing their minds, and this new one looks even more cinematic. Let’s dig into what we know right now.
DJI Avata 360 Release Date Confirmed
Official launch event: March 26, 2026, 12 PM GMT
Pre-orders should go live right after the stream
The “Notify Me” button is already active on the DJI site
If you’ve been waiting for a proper 360° drone that actually flies like a real FPV machine, your wait is almost over.
DJI Avata 360 Release – Change in Pattern Detected
According to one of the most trusted and authentic sources, Jasper Allen, there is a slight change in the pattern that DJI used to follow in their announcements. Now we have a clear name for the upcoming product: the DJI Avata 360, which is really interesting since they revealed the name a bit earlier. Other than that, they are also confirming the video 8k recording capability in the teaser.
Generally, they have less than 12 days of gap between the second teaser and the product announcement date. With this teaser, published on March 10, 2026, the announcement date is March 26, so you can see there is a good gap between the announcement and the second drone teaser. That may also mean that we have more teasers on the way.
DJI Avata RC Live View Screen shot leaked
Just before the announcement of the second teaser of DJI, 360 on March 7, we have a live view image of the Earth remote control. The lead with a 360 drone, and this screenshot looks very interesting with a 360 view. Just before the announcement of the second teaser of the DJI Avata 360, on March 7, we had a live-view image of the RC remote controller linked with the 360 drone, and this looks really very interesting.
DJI Avata 360 Specs – What the Leaks Are Showing
Here’s the current picture based on the teaser, controller leaks, and trusted sources:
Feature
Details
Video Resolution
8K 360° spherical with HDR
FPV Camera
Tiltable module – flips between full 360° and normal forward FPV view
Transmission
Latest O4 system + possible 4G backup
Obstacle Avoidance
Upgraded LiDAR + full omnidirectional sensors
Design
Classic Avata cinewhoop with protective guards
Compatibility
Works with Goggles 3, RC 2, RC Motion 3
Extra Modes
6K single-view, 4K/120fps options
The big deal here is that tiltable camera. You get true 360° recording while still having a normal FPV view for precise flying. That’s never been done properly on a DJI drone before.
Full bundle with extra batteries is probably under $1,000
Exact pricing drops on March 26, but this looks like a very sweet spot compared to the Avata 2.
Final Thoughts
We were expecting a DJI teaser on March 12, but the DJI Avata 360 feels like the drone we’ve all been secretly hoping for. True 360° video while you fly – no compromises. March 26 can’t come soon enough.
The article “DJI Avata 360 Official Launch Set for March 26, 2026 – Everything We Know Right Now” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 12:07 pm, Saturday, 7 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM> get live news — > DJI Rumors
Is Nikon in revenge mode? Since a lot of unauthorised third-party lenses are just vanishing from the shelves of retail stores, and the online stocks of those lenses are also disappearing, and they’re not re-stocking again, and we are not able to realise why Nikon has suddenly started taking action against those who are not paying licensing for making Z-mount lenses. Although the situation is clear, and most of the affordable Chinese third-party lens makers for Z Mount are in panic mode, this is a different situation from two years ago when Nikon announced the Z Mount as an open mount like Sony E-Mount. A lot of third-party lens makers started making lenses for Nikon Z camerasThe Spark: Nikon’s Patent Lawsuit Against Viltrox Ignites the Fire
It all started in January 2026 when Nikon slapped Viltrox with a lawsuit in a Chinese court. Viltrox is one of the biggest third-party lens makers in China. Well, Viltrox is known for their aggressively priced prime lenses, which obviously turn down the sales of the native prime lenses. Viltrox is accused of reverse-engineering the Z-mount without a license—essentially cracking the code on Nikon’s innovations to flood the market with cheap alternatives.
Court proceedings officially launched on March 2, 2026, and Viltrox has vowed to fight back, claiming its roadmap remains unchanged. But Nikon’s not stopping there. Reports from industry insiders and Weibo leaks reveal the company issued stern warnings to all Chinese third-party lens manufacturers, demanding compliance or “compensatory remedies.” This isn’t just legalese – it’s a full-court press to enforce licensing and curb the “grey market” of unauthorised Z-mount optics.
There was a time when Nikon entered the market with the Z Mount and opened up the platform. The key word back then was specifically “open.” Just like Sony, it attracted a lot of consumers to Nikon. After Sony, Nikon was the only camera maker offering an open mount.
But Nikon has flipped its stance. From the beginning of 2026, the company has become very strict about third-party lenses. Literally, Nikon is no longer open with that mount unless a manufacturer has a license from Nikon and their lens aligns with the lenses Nikon already offers.
After paying the license fee and obeying the rules, they can produce the lens. But obviously, those heavy license fees paid to Nikon will affect the overall pricing—making the once super-affordable, budget-oriented lenses far less attractive for users specifically looking for budget solutions.
Key Allegations in the Nikon vs. Viltrox Battle
Autofocus Protocol Theft: Unauthorized use of Nikon’s electronic contacts for seamless AF and aperture control.
Mount Design Infringement: Reverse-engineering the physical and digital Z-mount specs without permission.
Market Harm: Undercutting Nikon’s premium lenses (e.g., NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S at $630) with Viltrox’s $400 equivalents, eroding brand value.
Viltrox isn’t alone in the crosshairs. The suit serves as a warning shot, echoing across the Chinese optics scene.
List of Third-Party Nikon Z-Mount Lenses Are in Trouble?
Now the real drama started when Sirui was forced to remove inventory from JD.com, Tmall, and physical distributors. Sirui, which is obviously one of the finest third-party lens makers specifically for cinematographers, On March 2, 2026, they officially stopped selling their lenses in mainland China.
Outside China? They are doing Business as usual—for now. US retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama still stock these gems, since they have to stop the production of Z Mount lenses from the beginning of March; all stock will be exhausted soon.
Here is the list of Third-Party Nikon Lens Makers in Trouble right now
Here’s the hit list of third-party Nikon Z-mount lenses facing immediate heat. Focus is on AF models, as manual-focus optics (which don’t tap into proprietary protocols) seem unscathed.
Brand
Status in China
Key Affected Lenses
Price Range (USD)
Sirui
Full halt; all AF stock removed (March 2, 2026)
– 27mm f/1.2 AF
– 50mm f/1.8 AF 1.8X
– 75mm f/1.8 AF
– Teleconverter AF adapters
$300–$500
Meike
Temporary sales freeze; relisting eyed for late March
– 85mm f/1.8 AF
– 50mm f/1.8 AF
– 35mm f/1.7 AF
– MK-Z-AF3A Speedbooster Adapter
$200–$400
Viltrox
No pulls; sales ongoing globally
– 20mm f/1.2 Pro AF
– 28mm f/1.4 AF
– 75mm f/1.2 AF
– Upcoming AF primes (e.g., 35mm f/1.4)
$350–$600
Brands on the Watchlist: Rumored Third-Party Nikon Z-Mount To be Banned soon?
Not every Chinese maker has blinked yet, but Nikon’s warnings have the whole sector sweating. These outfits, heavy on reverse-engineered AF tech, could be next:
7Artisans: AF standouts like the 35mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.8. No actions, but forum buzz suggests royalty talks.
TTArtisan: The 27mm f/1.2 AF and 56mm f/1.4 AF are fan favorites—monitoring for delistings.
Laowa (Venus Optics): Mostly manual, but any AF experiments (e.g., 100mm f/2.8 2X Macro APO) are at risk. Venus has a stronger IP track record, potentially sparing it.
Non-Chinese players? Safe harbor. Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina hold official Nikon licenses, so their Z-mount lenses (e.g., Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art) sail on undisturbed.
Nikon’s Endgame: Building a Licensed Future for Z-Mount
Nikon isn’t anti-third-party—it’s anti-thief. In statements, the company has reiterated support for “authorised partners” to grow the Z-mount family. Rumours swirl of a fresh licensing deal with an unnamed Chinese firm, which could flood the market with compliant AF zooms and telephotos.
This lawsuit might just be the tough love the ecosystem needs. After all, a robust Z-mount lineup benefits everyone—from entry-level shooters to wedding pros chasing that creamy bokeh.
Expert Advice: Should You Panic-Buy Third-Party Nikon Lenses?
Nikon isn’t anti-third-party.. But should you buy third party lenses from Nikon in 2026?
Yes, if… You’re on a budget and need AF for video (e.g., Sirui’s cine primes).
No, if… You prioritize longevity—stick to Sigma or Tamron- Authorize third party lens makers and wait for settlements.
Do not: Update your Z-body firmware (if ur using un lisasenced third party lenses).
Stay tuned to The New Camera for live updates on the Nikon vs. Viltrox saga. Drop it in the comments
Stay tuned, browse more Nikon Rumors – We will post an update soon as we get it
The article “Nikon in Revenge Mode: Third-Party Z-Mount Lenses Vanish from Shelves” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 11:14 am, Sunday, 8 March 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media HandlesFACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM > get live news + Nikon Rumors 24X7
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