Thypoch Teases First AF Zoom Lens
Thypoch has indicated that it is developing its first autofocus zoom lens, marking a departure from its existing lineup of manual focus prime lenses. The product, identified as a 24–50mm f/2.8, has been briefly previewed through official social media channels and shown in early form at The Photography & Video Show in Birmingham.
Until now, the Chinese company has focused on manual lenses with a design approach influenced by mid-20th-century optics. Thus, the introduction of an autofocus zoom represents a shift toward more complex lens systems, both in terms of optical construction and mechanical integration. Zoom lenses require more intricate internal arrangements than fixed focal length designs, and the addition of autofocus introduces further technical challenges related to speed, accuracy, and reliability.
The available information about the lens remains limited. It is expected to be designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, with no confirmation of additional mounts at this stage. The lens appears to include both a manual aperture ring and a focus ring, along with a switch for toggling between autofocus and manual focus. The external design differs from Thypoch’s earlier products, adopting a more contemporary appearance with pronounced ridged rings and a less retro-oriented aesthetic.
Initial hands-on impressions from the Birmingham event suggest that the lens has a relatively compact form factor compared to typical 24–70mm f/2.8 zooms, which is consistent with its shorter focal range. The construction appears to rely in part on plastic materials, although the overall build has been described as solid. Early autofocus performance was reported to be functional, though not fully consistent under certain lighting conditions.
At present, the announcement serves primarily as a preliminary indication of the company’s direction rather than a complete product reveal, with further details expected at a later stage.
