Laowa has announced the Aksen, a new series of full-frame “ultra macro” lenses that together cover a 1–10x magnification range. The lineup consists of two offerings: the Aksen 45mm F2.8 1-5x Ultra Macro APO and the Aksen 17.5mm F1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO, each offered in both photo and cine versions.

One of the key features of both lenses is the parfocal magnification zoom design. The lenses behave like primes in terms of focal length (the 45mm and 17.5mm focal lengths don’t change), but they incorporate an internal mechanism that changes the magnification. This parfocal magnification system allows photographers to move through the 1-5x or 5-10x range without refocusing or changing the working distance. Additionally, because the zoom is internal, the barrel doesn’t extend and won’t interfere with flash diffusion or subjects.

Another distinguishing feature of the Aksen 5-10x is the option for a version with a coaxial lighting block built into the lens. It delivers high-contrast shadowless illumination, a technique borrowed from machine vision that Laowa says it is now making more accessible. It’s also similar to some of Laowa’s probe lenses, which feature built-in lights. The 5-10x lens is also available without coaxial lighting for $100 less.

Both lenses use an apochromatic (APO) design to reduce chromatic aberrations, which can be exaggerated at such high levels of magnification. Laowa says the Aksen series eliminates fringing for greater clarity. The 45mm 1-5x lens features 13 elements in 9 groups, while the 17.5mm 5-10x lens comprises 17 elements in 12 groups. Both feature an 11-blade aperture diaphragm. The 45mm 1-5x accepts 65mm filters, while the 17.5mm 5-10x uses 42mm filters.

The photo versions of the lenses come in Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF and EF, L mount, Fujifilm X and MFT mounts and cost $749, or you can buy both in a bundle to save $100. Laowa is also making video-focused versions with focus and zoom rings geared to work with cine equipment, though those versions are substantially more expensive.

Reports are emerging that Nikon has had one of its Z-mount patents invalidated in China, opening the door a little further to third-party access.

Nikon Rumors reports that one of Nikon’s fundamental patents relating to the Z-mount has been invalidated in China, having been challenged by Viltrox’s parent company.

The report, based on AI translations of court documents, suggests that the patent in question is one that sets out the basic physical description and behavior of the mount, constructed in a way that tries to make well-established features, such as the design to prevent incorrect mounting of the lens and a method for preventing damage to the electrical contacts sound original and novel. Patents are only supposed to protect original inventions that would not be obvious to someone working in that field.

Nikon took Viltrox to court in China earlier this year in a separate case, ostensibly to recover license fees but also, we suspect, in the hope that a Chinese court would establish a precedent of its patents being enforceable. As Professor Robert Newman explained in Amateur Photographer magazine at the time, there are at least 13 patents covering various aspects of the Z-mount’s design and operation, including one he described as relating to “a detail of the physical design of the mount, and I would be surprised if that would withstand court scrutiny.”

This description corresponds well with the details being reported by Nikon Rumors, right down to Prof. Newman’s assessment of its likely fate.

The invalidation of this patent doesn’t, in itself, clear the way to third parties being able to produce Z-mount lenses, as there are multiple other patents that describe the communication methods used by the Z-mount. Those would not be affected by this specific patent being invalidated.

It’s notable, though, that Viltrox has added to its range of autofocus Z-mount lenses since the original court case was meant to be heard. Other third-party makers, such as Meike, which briefly removed reference to Z-mount lenses from its website, also have a range of Z-mount options available again.

If, as seems to be the case, non-licensed third-party makers are feeling emboldened to produce AF Z-mount lenses, it puts Nikon in an awkward position with the companies that have been formally licensed to make lenses for the system. Those companies are presumably paying license fees and have to seek approval on a lens-by-lens basis, while their competitors undercut them without any such restrictions.

We have approached Nikon for a statement on this story.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add DPReview as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.