2026 China P&E Imaging Show: The Massive Wave of New Lenses
The 2026 China P&E Imaging Show in Beijing has officially become the epicenter for third-party lens innovation. This year’s event isn’t just about incremental updates; it’s a strategic offensive by manufacturers like Viltrox, Meike, and Laowa to capture the mirrorless market with high-performance glass that challenges first-party dominance.
From ultra-compact pancakes and high-speed “Pro” primes to specialized probe zooms and medium-format autofocus glass, the reveals signal a shift toward more sophisticated optical designs and integrated technology. For photographers, this means more affordable, high-quality alternatives across L-mount, E-mount, Z-mount, and X-mount systems.
Viltrox: Expanding the EVO and Pro Ecosystems
Viltrox is dominating the show with an aggressive rollout of new optics, focusing heavily on their EVO and Pro lines. The brand is diversifying its portfolio to cover everything from street photography to professional portraiture.
Key Viltrox Reveals:
- The EVO Series: The lineup includes a 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake for those prioritizing portability, alongside a 90mm f/2.2 EVO and a 75mm f/1.8 EVO for APS-C sensors. Notably, the 75mm f/1.8 EVO for Fujifilm X is expected to begin shipping in June.
- The Pro Series: Viltrox is pushing the limits of aperture with the AF 18mm f/1.2 Pro and AF 35mm f/1.2 Pro for APS-C, as well as an AF 35mm f/1.4 Pro for full-frame E and Z mounts.
- Specialty Glass: The company is teasing a 28mm f/4.5 Chip lens for L-mount and a new line of Micro Four Thirds lenses, starting with a 25mm f/1.7.
Meike: Moving into Medium Format and APO Design
Meike is positioning itself as a serious contender in the high-end market by targeting medium-format users and implementing advanced achromatic designs to eliminate color fringing.
The standout reveal is the 85mm f/1.4 II MIX, a full-frame flagship lens available for E, Z, and L mounts. This lens features an APO-level achromatic design, ensuring maximum color accuracy and contrast. Meike is also expanding its autofocus capabilities into the medium-format space with a new AF 85mm f/1.8 specifically for the Fujifilm GFX system.
For APS-C shooters, Meike is introducing the MIX f/1.2 autofocus series for E, Z, and X mounts, which includes a 58mm prime and two other undisclosed focal lengths.
Venus Optics (Laowa): The King of Specialty Glass
Laowa continues to carve out a niche in “extreme” optics, focusing on lenses that provide perspectives impossible with standard glass. Their announcements center on wide-angle zooms and high-magnification macro lenses.
Laowa’s New Arsenal:
- Ultra-Wide and Fisheye: The lineup includes a 15-35mm zoom, an 8-15mm f/2.8 fisheye, and a 4.5-10mm f/2.8 APS-C zoom fisheye.
- Probe and Macro: The 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12 probe zooms are designed for extreme close-up cinematography and photography. The Axon AF offers staggering 1-5x and 5-10x macro capabilities.
- General Purpose: A 35mm f/2.8 APO 1:1 macro and a 7.5mm f/2.8 Zero-D (for APS-C and MFT) round out the reveals.
Yongnuo, ZY Optics, and 7Artisans: Tech-Forward Primes
While the larger brands focus on ecosystems, other manufacturers are introducing specific hardware innovations to differentiate themselves.
Yongnuo is integrating new VCM (Voice Coil Motor) technology into its 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 lenses. These lenses are particularly striking because they feature built-in LCD screens on the lens barrel for real-time setting adjustments.
ZY Optics (Zhongyi) is keeping it streamlined with the release of two new primes: a 30mm f/2.4 and a 45mm f/1.4.
7Artisans has announced the 135mm f/1.8 MAX, a high-speed telephoto prime that hit the market on May 14th.
Summary of Major Lens Reveals
| Manufacturer | Key Lens/Series | Mount/Sensor | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viltrox | 75mm f/1.8 EVO | Fujifilm X | Shipping June 2026 |
| Viltrox | AF 18mm/35mm f/1.2 Pro | APS-C | Ultra-fast aperture |
| Meike | 85mm f/1.4 II MIX | E / Z / L | APO-level achromatic design |
| Meike | AF 85mm f/1.8 | Fujifilm GFX | Medium Format AF |
| Laowa | Axon AF Macro | Various | Up to 10x magnification |
| Yongnuo | 35mm/85mm f/1.4 | Full Frame | VCM Motor & LCD Screen |
The Bottom Line
The 2026 China P&E Imaging Show proves that the “third-party” label no longer implies a compromise in quality. By integrating VCM motors, APO glass, and expanding into medium format, these brands are forcing first-party manufacturers to innovate faster. For the end user, the result is a more competitive market where professional-grade optics are more accessible than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Viltrox 75mm f/1.8 EVO be available?
It is expected to begin shipping in June 2026 for Fujifilm X mount users.
What is APO-level achromatic design?
It is an advanced optical design used in lenses like the Meike 85mm f/1.4 II MIX to correct chromatic aberration, meaning the lens prevents “color fringing” around high-contrast edges.
What is a VCM motor in a lens?
A Voice Coil Motor (VCM) provides faster, quieter, and more precise autofocus compared to traditional ultrasonic or stepper motors, which is critical for high-end video and fast-action photography.