Sony's World-First f/2.0 Ultra-Wide Zoom, Viltrox's First Full-Frame Lens, and More Camera News

Watch my live coverage of these releases here.
https://youtube.com/live/M6FSxQ4Rorg

The final stretch of 2025 is shaping up to be busy for camera enthusiasts, with Sony and Canon both preparing significant releases that could reshape the midrange full-frame market.

Sony A7 V: The Core Lineup Gets Some Love

After what feels like an eternity, Sony's mainstream A7 line is finally getting an update. The A7V is expected to land between mid-November and early December, packing a 33-megapixel stacked sensor into the same body as the A7R V. That means refined ergonomics without the flagship bulk, plus Sony's latest autofocus and AI processing tech.

The positioning is deliberate—Sony's taking aim directly at Canon's R6 Mark III. For hybrid shooters who need capable specs without cinema line pricing, this could be the update they've been waiting for.

Three Zoom Lenses on the Horizon

Sony's lens roadmap might be even more interesting than the camera body. The 100-400mm f/4 GM II is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, bringing modern optics and likely some weight savings to a lens that's been due for a refresh since 2017.

Alongside it, a more affordable 100-400mm G with variable aperture (probably f/4-5.6 or f/4-6.3) could launch around the same time, giving enthusiasts a lighter alternative. Think of it as Sony's answer to Canon's RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8.

The real standout, though, is Sony's rumored ultra-wide constant f/2.0 zoom. If it materializes in early 2026, it would be a world-first—an ultra-wide zoom (possibly 14-20mm or 16-25mm) maintaining f/2.0 across the entire range. This would be massive for astrophotography and anyone who's been shooting primes because zooms couldn't deliver the aperture they needed. The catch? It's going to be big and heavy.

Viltrox Goes Full-Frame

Third-party manufacturer Viltrox confirmed their first full-frame zoom lens is coming in 2026, likely for Sony E-mount. Details are scarce, but given their track record of competitive pricing on primes, this could shake up the affordable zoom market.

They've also announced two front teleconverters—a 1.4× and a 0.8×—offering flexibility for systems where rear teleconverters aren't practical.

Canon's R6 Mark III Arrives November 6

Canon isn't sitting idle. The EOS R6 Mark III launches November 6 with a 32-megapixel sensor capable of 40fps burst shooting—a significant jump from the Mark II's 20fps. Video specs weren't detailed, but expect robust 4K options and likely internal RAW recording, keeping the R6 line squarely in hybrid territory.

The timing of Canon's announcement, just days before Sony's rumored A7 V window, sets up a fascinating head-to-head comparison for the same customer base: serious enthusiasts and working professionals who need a do-everything camera without flagship pricing.

The Takeaway

We're past the megapixel wars. What matters now is solving real problems for specific shooters—whether that's an ultra-wide zoom that finally delivers shallow depth of field, affordable third-party glass that doesn't compromise on quality, or midrange bodies that punch above their weight. The next few months should give us a clearer picture of where the industry is headed in 2026.