Thypoch, a brand traditionally recognized for its manually focused prime lenses with a classic aesthetic, is embarking on a pivotal journey into the realm of autofocus zoom lenses. Driven by prevalent market demands, the company is set to introduce its inaugural autofocus zoom offering, the AF 24-50mm f/2.8. This strategic redirection signifies a notable evolution in its product development, with plans to unveil a total of six autofocus lenses throughout the year.
Thypoch's Groundbreaking AF 24-50mm f/2.8 Lens Redefines Market Expectations
In a significant announcement made late last month, Thypoch teased the imminent arrival of its AF 24-50mm f/2.8 lens. This lens represents several firsts for the company: it's their initial venture into zoom lenses, their first with autofocus capabilities, and remarkably, the first full-frame zoom lens for mirrorless cameras produced by a Chinese manufacturer. At NAB 2026 in Las Vegas, PetaPixel had the exclusive opportunity for a hands-on preview, providing valuable insights into this innovative product.
This new offering marks a substantial departure from Thypoch’s previous catalog of vintage-inspired manual focus prime lenses. The company attributes this shift to a widespread market demand for autofocus solutions. The development benefits from Thypoch’s close affiliation with DZOFilm, a respected cinema lens manufacturer, which brings extensive experience in crafting zoom lenses, a challenge distinct from prime lens design. Early impressions from NAB suggest Thypoch has successfully tackled the complexities of autofocus, with Dmitry Koshutin of PetaPixel noting its impressive speed. Thypoch claims its focusing speed rivals that of Sony's native lenses, a bold assertion that will require further rigorous testing to fully validate, especially considering the strong performance of Sony's FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G.
Regarding construction, the lens exudes a robust quality. It features a customizable shortcut button and a USB-C port for convenient firmware updates, alongside resistance to light rain. The design incorporates tactile zoom and focus rings, in addition to an aperture control ring that supports automatic settings. Engineered for versatility, the lens is suitable for both photographic and videographic applications. Thypoch identifies the 24-50mm focal range as an optimal starting point, offering the broad perspective ideal for landscapes at 24mm and the suitable length for portraiture at 50mm.
The AF 24-50mm f/2.8 is slated for release next month, initially available for Sony E-mount at a competitive price of $700. Support for Nikon Z and Leica L mounts will also follow. This aggressive pricing strategy positions Thypoch favorably against competitors, such as Sony’s FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G, which, even with a discount, retails significantly higher. Furthermore, this lens fills a unique void in the market, as there are no direct 24-50mm f/2.8 zoom equivalents for Nikon Z or L-Mount cameras. While Nikon offers a slower 24-50mm f/4-6.3 compact zoom, and Panasonic has a Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 zoom, Thypoch’s offering stands out.
Thypoch's ambitious roadmap extends beyond this initial release, with plans to introduce five more autofocus lenses this year, encompassing both prime and zoom designs. The next zoom lens is anticipated to be a 24-70mm, though specifics on its aperture are yet to be disclosed. This ambitious expansion underscores a transformative and busy period ahead for Thypoch.
Thypoch's bold step into autofocus zoom lenses underscores a responsive strategy to evolving photographer needs, moving from niche manual primes to mainstream versatility. This pivot, enhanced by DZOFilm's expertise, highlights a dynamic market where innovation and competitive pricing are key. The upcoming suite of AF lenses promises to empower creators with more accessible, high-performance tools, broadening creative possibilities for a diverse user base.