Rumors suggest that Viltrox RF-S lenses are finally coming in 2026 — a major development for Canon’s APS-C mirrorless ecosystem. If true, this would mark one of the first times a third-party manufacturer releases native autofocus lenses for the RF-S mount, giving Canon EOS R7, R10, and R50 users long-awaited alternatives to Canon’s limited RF-S lineup.
The timing is especially interesting because Canon’s next major APS-C bodies — the EOS R7 Mark II and EOS R10 Mark II — are both rumored to be pushed into 2026. DailyCameraNews has already covered the R7 Mark II delay here: Canon EOS R7 Mark II Delayed Until 2026.
Why Viltrox RF-S lenses matter
The RF-S mount is Canon’s APS-C version of the RF system, used on compact mirrorless bodies like the EOS R50 and EOS R10. Until now, Canon has kept the RF mount tightly controlled, offering only a small set of RF-S lenses and encouraging many users to rely on full-frame RF glass or adapted EF lenses.
The arrival of Viltrox RF-S lenses could dramatically improve the system by offering:
- More affordable autofocus primes for budget-conscious shooters
- Wider focal-length coverage tailored to APS-C needs
- Faster apertures than Canon’s kit-style zooms
- Real third-party competition to push innovation and value
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Early industry chatter suggests Viltrox may adapt some of its popular APS-C mirrorless designs — including fast primes in the 23mm, 33mm, and 56mm range — into RF-S versions. That would give Canon APS-C creators access to fast, compact primes that better match the size and intent of bodies like the R7, R10, and R50.
Perfect timing with Canon’s 2026 roadmap
Canon’s APS-C roadmap for 2026 is becoming increasingly interesting. With the EOS R7 Mark II delayed until 2026 and new rumors pointing to a Canon EOS R10 Mark II also arriving in 2026, Canon may not release any major APS-C updates until late next year. This creates a rare gap in the lineup — and Viltrox seems perfectly positioned to fill it with RF-S glass.
For readers tracking Canon’s broader plans, here are the key DCN resources:
Together, these pieces outline how Canon is shaping its EOS R lineup — and why third-party support like Viltrox RF-S lenses could be a turning point for APS-C shooters.
Possible Viltrox RF-S lenses based on current APS-C lineup
While no specific Viltrox RF-S lens models have been officially confirmed, it’s reasonable to expect that the company will build on its existing APS-C catalog. Below is a look at some of Viltrox’s ultra-popular APS-C primes that could realistically inspire or evolve into RF-S versions:
- Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air: Compact ultra-wide for landscapes and vlogging.
- Viltrox AF 13mm f/1.4: Expansive view with bright aperture — popular for astrophotography.
- Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air: Lightweight wide-angle ideal for travel shooters.
- Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4: Classic street photography staple and everyday prime.
- Viltrox AF 25mm f/1.7 Air: Compact “normal” lens with pancake-style vibes.
- Viltrox AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro: Pro-grade brightness for portraits, events, and low light.
- Viltrox AF 33mm f/1.4: Versatile normal prime suited to general-purpose shooting.
- Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 Air: Budget-friendly all-rounder for hybrid creators.
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4: Portrait favorite with strong subject separation and smooth bokeh.
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 Air: Affordable short telephoto option.
- Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro: High-end portrait lens with shallow depth of field.
- Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.2 Pro: Short telephoto ideal for tight headshots and flattering compression.
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These lenses are already available for multiple mounts, and their popularity makes them strong candidates for future RF-S adaptations. If even a portion of this lineup arrives as Viltrox RF-S lenses, Canon APS-C shooters will see a massive expansion in creative options.
A much-needed boost for Canon APS-C mirrorless
Canon’s APS-C cameras — including the EOS R7, R10, and R50 — remain some of the most attractive options in the mirrorless market for enthusiasts, hybrid creators, and advanced beginners. You can see how they stack up in our Best Mirrorless Cameras in 2025 roundup.
However, the lens ecosystem has always been the weak point. The arrival of Viltrox RF-S lenses in 2026 could finally unlock the full potential of Canon’s APS-C mirrorless platform — not only by adding more choice, but by bringing fast, affordable primes to a system that badly needs them.
As always, we’ll be watching this rumor closely and will report back when more concrete details about specific RF-S lenses, focal lengths, and pricing emerge.
Which of these Viltrox primes would you like to see first on the RF‑S mount? Share your pick in the comments and let’s see what the community is hoping for next.
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via CR
