The development trend of photo lens
The development trend of photo lens is mainly reflected in three aspects: technological innovation, diversified demand driven, and market structure changes:
Technological innovation drives performance upgrades
In recent years, professional photography has significantly increased its requirements for equipment performance. Customers generally demand to take ultra high definition pixel photos and 4K videos, which has led to the development of lens technology towards higher image quality and lighter weight. For example, some professional lenses achieve a balance between large aperture and long focal length by optimizing their optical structure, meeting the needs of commercial shooting and live streaming.
Diversified demand stimulates market vitality
Social media content creation is driving rapid growth in emerging categories such as sports cameras and Vlog cameras. In June 2025, the sales volume of domestic sports cameras increased by 112% year-on-year, with portable multifunctional cameras priced between 2000-10000 yuan becoming the mainstream choice for young users. At the same time, live streaming and other scenarios have higher requirements for lens stability and image quality, promoting the coordinated development of professional lenses with stabilizers, lighting and other equipment.
The market pattern presents new features
Domestic lens brands enhance their competitiveness through technological innovation and gradually penetrate the mid to low end market. For example, companies such as United Optoelectronics have broken the monopoly of international brands through optical technology upgrades. By 2024, China's optical lens production will reach 4.21 billion units, and it is expected to reach 4.82 billion units by 2025. Local enterprises have become an important market force.
In addition, the rise of short videos and live streaming has made video shooting a necessity, driving lens manufacturers to strengthen the development of video functions. Some Japanese brands have specifically launched models with enhanced video shooting functions and optimized their listing strategies in the Chinese market.
