In recent years, the development of domestic photographic lenses and cinema lenses has embarked on the fast lane, and several large manufacturers have long been dissatisfied with occupying the entry-level market with high cost performance, but also relying on excellent technology and excellent quality to gradually move towards a more high-end field. However, the market is cruel, a few are happy and a few are sad, and a domestic lens brand has just suddenly announced its closure. Without warning, Vazen Lens put up a notice on its official website, thanking customers, partners, and people for their support. It is then mentioned that they made the difficult decision to end the business, but did not say the reason behind the closure. 
Vazen is not a company with a long history, it was founded in 2019 and mainly produces film widening lenses. The anamorphic compression ratio of the Vazen lens is 18 times instead of the more common 1 at the time33 times or 15 times. 
Vazen's earliest products were three Super35 lenses, all with 18x deformation compression ratio. They are 28mm TMM T20 and 65mm t20, initially only available with M43 mount, available for Panasonic GH series, Z CAM, and BMPCC 4K. 
Later, Vazen introduced RF-mount versions of all three lenses for cinema cameras that use the mount, such as the Canon EOS C70 and Red Komodo. 
These lenses are all priced at over $3,000 a piece, with a full set of about $9,000. From the first shot, it received enthusiastic attention as soon as it was listed, and it can be said to be an instant hit. With the rise of full-frame large-format cinematography, Vazen decided to develop a new 1 for full-frame cameras8x variable lens. From 2020 to 2022, Vazen released a new lens every year, including the 85mm TMM T28 and 135mm t28. It took them three years to complete the new full-frame three-piece set. 
Available in both PL and EF mounts, the three lenses cover major large-format cameras such as the Red Monstro, Red V-Raptor, Alexa LF, Kinefinity M**O LF, and Z Cam E2-F8. The resolution, color performance, and manufacturing quality of the lenses are also outstanding. 
1.The benefit of using an 8 compression ratio variant lens on these large-format cameras is that when paired with a 4:3 sensor mode, you get 239:1 aspect ratio, while shooting 16:9 in sensor mode 2When the 39:1 aspect ratio is used, it crops less area than a 2x wider lens. But all three lenses are much more expensive than the previous Super35 M43 lenses, at around $8,000 each. And the release time is too long, and the market has changed a lot. There are many similar products on the market, and many domestic brands have launched wide lens products with various mounts, various compression ratios, and various pricing, which has led to a decline in the competitiveness of VAZEN. Eventually, it fell as fast as it began. 
Speaking of which, many people must wonder if this is a domestic lens company, why haven't I heard much about it, and I haven't seen it on shopping**. According to Vazen's official website, the company was founded in Shenyang, China, by optical engineer Weizhen Liu, who has 15 years of experience working in the field of photographic and cinematic lens design. However, none of Vazen's products are sold in China, and I don't know why. That's why the official website announcement posted above is in English and the products are priced in USD. When it comes to Shenyang, you must think of another well-known lens company, Zhongyi Optics. Your guess may be correct, according to public data on the Internet, the trademark applicant and holder of VAZEN in China is Shenyang Zhongyi Optical Technology ***, and the application date is also the time when VAZEN was originally established. 
There is no doubt that VAZEN is inextricably linked with Zhongyi Optics, but as an independently operated company, its life and death will not have any impact on Zhongyi Optics. For those of you abroad, now may be the last chance to get your hands on the new Vazen lenses if needed. There are also some lenses available for sale on platforms such as B&H, all of which are in stock. The ** for full-frame lenses dropped to around $6,000. However, it should be noted that many products are marked with "no return or exchange", and if there are any after-sales maintenance problems in the future, you have to deal with it yourself. 
Compared with internationally renowned brands, some domestic lens brands have insufficient investment in marketing and branding. The international lens market is highly competitive, and international brands occupy a large market share by virtue of their long-term accumulated technical advantages, brand influence and market channels. If domestic lens brands want to gain a place in the international market, they need to put in more efforts.