At CP+ 2024, not only did I have a great opportunity to talk with Camera Makers, I also talked with numerous lens makers. Quite a few of these companies were debuting new lenses this year. In addition, newer functionalities, and an emphasis on miniaturization for zoom lenses especially, were the trend for CP+ 2024. Here are my thoughts about the different lens makers from CP+ 2024, and this also includes the camera makers that presented lenses.
Tamron Booth
Tamron stated that their most popular sales going into CP+ 2024 was the Nikon Z-mount they produced. In particular, the 35-150mm f2/2.8 and 150-500mm beat Tamron expectations. They amounted this to be a result of the popularity in Nikon cameras, especially the Nikon Z8.
Tamron in addition said that their A-mount lenses always will sell well, and got a lot of attention this year. The 17-50mm compact inner-zoom lens was one that they showed off to me, and the lighter-weight but still powerful f2.8 70-180 zoom lens was also popular amongst that lineup.
One thing that surprised me big-time was the app-control for the lenses. By connecting a smartphone to the lens via USB-C cable, it is possible to control the focal length and other functions of the lens via the app, removing the need for a bulky and potentially intrusive focus pulling device, cutting down costs. They had this setup in combination with BMW racing cars, letting photographers test out the app with the lenses.
Sigma Booth
Sigma said their most popular lens at their CP+ booth was the Sports 500m f5.6. They said that outside of the sports photographer test demographic, this lens proved popular with nature photographers as well during tests. Among the lens makers at CP+ 2024, they showcased a high number of brand new lenses to market, like the aforementioned Sports 500m f5.6, and the Fisheye 15mm f1.4 DG DN lens.
The form-factor difference in the two vastly different lenses was apparent, but somehow the 500mm telephoto lens was around the same weight as the Fisheye lens. The trend of making lenses more lightweight was quite evident. Both of these lenses will be available to market on March 14th, 2024, and we hope to test them out in the field soon.
Lumix Booth
Panasonic Lumix lenses were impressive this year. The brand new half-macro 28-200mm lens was released right before the event started. This lens was a big draw at their booth.
In addition, Lumix showcased the 100mm macro lens, released in January. This lens surprised Lumix in terms of sales and popularity. At Lumix’s testing section, the combination of the 100mm macro and S5II X produced a long line of Lumix fans eager to test it out with flowers and small objects at the touch and try.
Nikon Booth
I spent a good amount of time at the Nikon booth talking with their rep about the Z8 and practical applications, but one thing to note from Nikon as a lens maker was the complete focus of Z-mount at CP+ 2024. Nikon announced their F-mount products have been fully discontinued. They had a huge tribute wall to the F-mount at their booth to commemorate.
The Z-mount is much larger in diameter compared to the F-mount, and that creates a much more versatile line of lenses. Last year at InterBEE we looked at the 130mm PLENA lens. Indeed that lens was front and center at Nikon. I asked what applications outside of portrait or cinema is it good for, and the Nikon rep said that an F1 photographer in particular took a liking to the lens at Suzuka last year.
Sony Booth
Sony had a multitude of lenses at their booth, lined up with their various Sony Alpha cameras. Last year Sony announced quite a few new lenses. Most of these were present at the touch-and-try. Popular amongst them were the 16-35mm G-Master, a wide angle lens. A telephoto G-Master, the FE300mm, continues the lightweight telephoto lens trend into 2024.
Attached to the A9III was their new macro lens, the FE70-200mm lens. Interesting combo, with an impressively fast camera and a sharp lens.
Laowa Booth
It is always fun to see Laowa’s macro lenses at CP+ 2024, and among the lens makers, they seem to be the ones with a big crowd every year. This year, they showcased upgraded probe Macro lenses with a built-in light, operated by hand via a switch. It is very challenging to shoot Macro because you need to keep a steady hand. The new Laowa macros, combined with a full-frame camera, really make that part a lot easier.
The 25mm ultra-macro was pretty fun, as well. Take a look at this shot of a toy frog, up close.
Sirui Booth
Sirui debuted numerous products in their booth, and discussed their 2024 plans with me. With an ambitious outlook on their radar, they displayed the APS-C Sniper Line of lenses. These lenses come in 23mm, 33mm, and 56mm focal lengths. These lenses were very fast lenses, with an f number of 1.2, producing incredibly sharp images.
Cosina Booth
I am not so familiar with Cosina, but you can tell they really focus on the quality of their product. They make a variety of lenses for all major mounts, and their builds are artistic and retro-styled, but also very steady lenses. A few setups had the Nikon Z f combined with their lenses. It was an impressive booth, for sure!
Kenko-Tokina Booth
Kenko-Tokina showcased some cinematic lenses at their booth, along with other accessories and gear managed by them. These lenses made waves when announced last year. The key point again is a lightweight build but also versatile and powerful.
This year, their primary display was the IRIX line, imaged above.
Marumi Booth
Marumi does not make lenses, but they make extremely vital accessories for lenses – Filters. This year at CP+ 2024, they showcased a number of new filters at their booth. One that caught my eye was a collaborative effort between Japanese photographer Kiyoshi Tatsuno, with a limited edition lineup. The tech used in this filter, along with the normal non-limited edition lineup, is called Plasma Sputtering coating. The application method on the glass is very similar to how microchips are coated and prepared, creating a very unique surface.
Testing these out at their booth, it was impressive to see glare cut to near zero while maintaining a normal white balance. That was the biggest point of emphasis for Marumi – they wanted to ensure that the ever-present yellow tint that comes with filters was avoided with their new filters. I’d venture to say they accomplished their goal, with polarizers. If you are shooting outdoors or in areas with high light, I recommend giving these a test.
2024 Will Be Interesting in the Glass World
Camera and lens makers at CP+ 2024 really put a lot of emphasis on their goals for 2024. With lenses, anything released this year, I predict will have even smaller formfactors, lighter weights, and more capabilities and unique features. Throughout the year we will test out as many of these as we can, as well. Stay tuned for more coverage! Tomorrow I will share my review from the accessories booths at CP+.
