After the closure of Photokina, the CP+ tradeshow in Japan became the central hub for photographers and manufacturers from around the world. This year, we saw some incredible innovations, but the spotlight was stolen by third-party lens manufacturers, who showcased a range of upcoming optics for users. This includes higher-end lenses, as well as affordable optics for photographers from various paths. Here’s what you need to know.
Schneider-Kreuznach × LK Samyang
According to Photo Rumors, the company introduced some of the most talked-about focal ranges this year. For instance, they showcased 60-180mm f2.8, but also 20-50mm f2, a 28-85mm f2, a 200mm f1.8, and a 300mm f4. Amidst this, the 60-180mm and the 200mm were standouts, and when they reach the production stage, they will certainly have many buyers thanks to the fraction of the price.
The other focal ranges, such as the 20-50mm and 28-85mm, are just as ambitious, offering a constant aperture of f2 across the zoom range. With just the prototypes available, they also signal how this partnership hopes to change the world’s third-party lines, for good.
Kase
According to Photo Rumors, Kase is another brand that made a comeback during CP+ 2026. The company intriduced 150mm f5.6 Reflex autofocus lnes for Nikon, Sony and Canon EF mounts. Mirror (or reflex) lenses are known for their distinctive doughnut-shaped bokeh and compact size. But this one also offers an autofocus, which is huge given that their lenses are traditionally manual. This will certainly pique the interest of macro photographers.
7Artisans
There is no photo trade show without 7Artisans. The company has introduced some nice, adorable prizes, and it appears they won’t stop anytime soon. This year, they also showcased the full-frame AF 40mm f2.5, which was priced at $159 (it was introduced early this year). There was also the AF 135mm f1.8 for E, Z, and L mount cameras. A new addition was an 18mm f6.3 APS-C lens called Dionysus. It has a decorative lens cap that one can use to take a photo. And the engraving is available in multiple colors. With newer AF models, 7Artisans is ensuring that autofocus lenses are within reach of many young and seasoned photographers.
Songraw, Meike & TTArtisan
It was also clear how the Chinese lens market is maturing so fast. SongRaw showcased its AF 50mm f1.2 and 85mm f1.2 lenses for full frame mount. There was also Meike’s 85mm f1.4 II full frame for Nikon, Sony, and L-mount cameras. Last but not least was the 24mm f3.8 lens prototype, the details of which are not available. Given how people like bokeh, but can’t afford first-party lenses, these offerings are for those who want a second lens without breaking their bank.
Viltrox
Viltrox is also one of the big contenders, and they have also unveiled new lenses for their users: 35mm f1.8 EVO and 55mm f1.8 EVO. These lenses are designed for full frame cameras, and are apochromatic lenses (APO) for lens correction, spherical aberration, and so on. You also get a 58mm filter thread and close-focusing distances of 0.34m and 0.43m, respectively.
If you’re not in the know, then you probably will disregard these lenses as standard copies. But the Apochromatic design makes these really, really unique. Apochromatic lenses offer really intense micro-contrast and bokeh and are considered to be the pinnacle of the Leica M and L mount. These are bound to be very special.
SG-Image
SG-Image also showcased an 18mm f6.3 Ultraman limited-edition APS-C pancake lens for E, X, and MFT mounts. This lens was built in collaboration with the iconic Japanese tokusatsu franchise. While the lens will be liked by a hanful, it shoases the growing trend of pancake lenses, and why manufactuers must launch them often.
Some other brands to also showcase the lenses which we have talked about includes Voigtlander and Bright Star. However, on the whole, it is pretty clear that third party lens makers, especially from China, are here to stay. They have innovated and they are trying to catch up with brands like Sigma and Tamron to the best of their ability. It remains to be seen how far it can get them, but for now, things will work in their favour.