CP+ 2026 Exhibition Report
CP+ 2026 wrapped up last weekend, and I’d like to say I had an incredibly fun time during the two days I visited, especially with the telephoto lenses on display by the various makers. Normally, the larger companies position their telephoto lenses on a raised platform. This positioning allows guests the opportunity to test the lenses with faraway targets. Other makers, like Nikon and OM System, had the lenses as part of the larger touch-and-try at their booth.
In this wrap article, I will write about solely the fun I had with these lenses. If you want a larger overview of the event, check this article out here. Next week I will share an opinion article focusing on noticeable trends in the camera industry.
Nikon’s newest telephoto lens debuted at CP+ 2026
Nikon announced the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S II lens last month. At the Nikon Exhibition, they set up two different lines – one for those trying this lens, and one line for those who just wanted to try whatever other lens. This lens was incredibly popular. I waited about 40 minutes for my number to be called.
I fully understand the hype behind this lens! While this version omits the screen from the previous one, they added an incredibly fast focus drive. If you are at a hockey rink or basketball court, I think this lens is perfect for you. This thing will maintain autofocus with few hiccups. The new drive motor is the same as the one in the 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. There’s noticeable continuity Nikon adds with their new lenses.
For those who shoot both video and photo, there’s a new clicker switch. This makes the inner adjustment ring (fully customizable) click or move smoothly.
Fujifilm’s GFX Telephoto Lenses at CP+ 2026
GFX systems seem better suited for portraiture and videography than telephoto photography. Unless you hit the gym every day like I do, carrying around a GFX100 in the woods might not be the most efficient use of your body strength. However, there is no denying these cameras are powerful.
The largest focal length at the Fujifilm exhibition was this GF500mm f/5.6 lens, announced in 2024.
Attached to the top of the models area were a few plastic toy birds. Let’s take aim and see the results:
That is incredibly sharp! One thing Fujifilm always does very well is maintaining color balance.
I’d always suggest thoroughly field testing something in proper environments before buying a lens. As I am not a large-format GFX user (despite the GFX100RF review I did last year) I think this lens/camera combo needs a full outside test with someone who knows these cameras better than me.
Sony is Ubiquitous with Incredible Telephoto Lenses
I think there’s more variety of lenses available for the E mount than any other lens mount. When I tried out the A7V there was the 50-150mm attached. My Sony user friends absolutely love that lens, and I can see why. This lens can possibly replace numerous primes for outdoor photograhers.
Up top at the Sony Exhibition at CP+, the company displayed their telephoto lenses. I decided I needed some girth in my lens testing.
This thing is huge.
Meet the GM 600mm f/4. This lens is arguably the most powerful full-frame lens that consumers could feasibly afford. It’s girthy, long, but surprisingly not too heavy. Birdwatchers, sports photographers, and plane spotters could use this, if they are happy with the 600mm limit.
See the Panasonic sign in the distance? That’s how far it can shoot. The autofocus speed’s also fast, and despite everything, it seems like it’s an incredibly steady lens.
Notice I said Full-Frame. What about Micro Four Thirds Telephoto Lenses?
One thing OM System has going for them is the fact Micro Four Thirds is essentially doubling the crop factor compared to full-frame, allowing their cameras to be compact but powerful. Additionally, OM System packs tons of megapixels in these cameras. While not as many as the full-frame camera I own, an OM-5 Mk II with a telephoto lens is quite powerful. I’d argue OM System plus a telephoto lens is the ideal combination for outdoors photography.
A 600mm zoom on M43 is essentially 1200mm when you translate to 35mm philosophies. That’s incredible. I feel like OM System listened to me and my friends when I made numerous jokes about being able to peer into the birth of the cosmos with this lens, because they literally made a OM-3 camera designed for astro photography.
A 50-200mm lens on an OM-1 Mk II is the sports photographer’s go-to lens, if you want to shoot soccer or rugby on M43.
This plastic boar caught on the full 200mm range of this lens. Clear, concise, and maintains color balance well!
I can’t get over how well the beige color scheme looks on the OM-5 Mk II.
Telephoto Trends to Look Forward to in 2026
The continued multiple-use design of lenses will continue to evolve. Be it with the fast primes from Sony, or the speedy autofocus from the new Nikon lens, I look forward to seeing what will be debuted throughout 2026. Stay tuned to the New Products tag whenever something gets released!
Throughout 2026 we will continue to test out various gear, as well. Look forward to those! We hope to see everyone at Inter BEE 2026, as well.
