Today, Nikon celebrates its 109th anniversary!

On July 25, 1917, Nippon Kōgaku Kōgyō Kabushikigaisha (Japan Optical Industries Co., Ltd.) was established in Tokyo through the merger of the optical instruments division of the Tokyo Keiki company and the mirror division of Iwaki Glass with Fujii Lens Manufacturing. This merger gave rise to Nippon Kogaku K.K. and, subsequently, the Nikon of today. The new firm focused on producing optical glass, lenses, rangefinders, microscopes, and other precision instruments at a time when Japan was building its domestic optical industry.

The company that would become Nikon gradually expanded. It introduced the NIKKOR brand for lenses in the early 1930s, released its first camera (the Nikon Model I) in 1948, and launched the iconic Nikon F SLR in 1959 – a camera that helped define professional 35mm photography for decades. Throughout its history, Nikon has introduced many iconic products that have helped shape photography, including the legendary Nikon F, the Nikon F2, the Nikon F3, and the Nikon D1. What began as an optics manufacturer evolved into one of the world’s most influential camera companies. Key milestones along the way include:

• 1917 – Foundation of Nippon Kōgaku.
• 1932 – Registration of the NIKKOR lens brand
• 1948 – Launch of the first Nikon camera (Nikon Model I)
• 1959 – Introduction of the Nikon F, the professional SLR that defined an era
• 1999 – Release of the D1, Nikon’s first professional digital SLR
• 2018 – Debut of the Z-mount mirrorless system
• 2024 – Acquisition of RED Digital Cinema and the subsequent launch of the Nikon ZR cinema camera

Check out those old blog posts related to the history of Nikon:

The history of Nikon’s first digital camera (QV-1000C)

The “Nikon” camera name could have been “Nikorette”

The Nikon logo over the years

Nikon Museum Special Collection exhibition coming on April 2nd

Nikon’s 100 years of imaging excellence (brief history of Nikon)

Take a look at the SLR cameras announced in 1959 (including the first Nikon F SLR camera)

From Optical Instruments to Icons: A Brief Timeline

1917 – The Founding

Nippon Kogaku K.K. was established through the merger of the optical instruments division of Tokyo Keiki, the mirror division of Iwaki Glass Manufacturing, and Fujii Lens Manufacturing – orchestrated by Koyata Iwasaki, president of Mitsubishi. The company’s first products were rangefinders, binoculars, and microscopes. Cameras were not on the roadmap.

1932 – NIKKOR Is Born

Nikon settled on “NIKKOR” after combining the “NIKKO” abbreviation of Nippon Kogaku with the letter “R,” often used as a suffix for photographic lens names at the time. The name was registered as a trademark in 1932. The first Aero-NIKKOR aerial photography lenses followed shortly after, crafted entirely by hand.

1946 – The “Nikon” Name

In September 1946, a new compact camera was named “Nikon” — originating from “NIKKO,” the abbreviation of Nippon Kogaku K.K., to which the letter “n” was added to give a more masculine impression. The name that would eventually become one of the most recognized brands in photography was originally just a model designation for a single camera.

1950 – Korea and the LIFE Photographers

The moment Nikon truly broke onto the world stage came during the Korean War. Renowned LIFE Magazine photographer David Douglas Duncan visited Nikon’s Ohi Plant, compared Nikkor lenses against Leitz and Zeiss glass, determined that the Nikkors were superior, and headed to the front line with Nikon-equipped cameras. The resulting images – and the awards they won – sent shockwaves through the global photography market and put NIKKOR lenses on the maps of professional photographers worldwide.

1959 – The Nikon F Changes Everything

The Nikon F, introduced in April 1959, was Nikon’s first SLR camera and one of the most advanced cameras of its day. It was revolutionary in combining interchangeable prisms and focusing screens, depth-of-field preview, mirror lock-up, a large bayonet mount, a titanium-foil focal plane shutter, and a fully removable back – all in one camera. The “F” was chosen because the intended name “reflex” began with a letter whose pronunciation isn’t available in many Asian languages (this is the commonly cited story that was never confirmed by Nikon). The Nikon F3, released in 1980, went on to become the basis for a single-lens reflex camera supplied to NASA for use on the Space Shuttle.

1988 – The Name Finally Matches the Brand

In April 1988, Nippon Kogaku K.K. officially changed its name to Nikon Corporation — nearly 42 years after a compact camera had borrowed the name and made it famous. The company had finally caught up to its own brand.

2009 – Nikon in Space, Digitally

In 2009, Nikon delivered eleven D3S digital SLR cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses to NASA for recording images aboard the International Space Station. The relationship between Nikon and space exploration, which began with film cameras on Apollo missions, had gone fully digital.

Also check the full, detailed Nikon history on this page.

The post Today Nikon celebrates its 109th anniversary! appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

For a limited window, every Aftershoot annual plan is discounted when you use the coupon code SEASON26 on this page. There are two ways to save:

• 20% off all annual plans
• 40% off a complete annual plan (Cull + Edit + Retouch)

This offer will end on Friday, July 31.

Here is what’s coming next in Aftershoot

Aftershoot: “The Workflow is Now Complete” and “AI that works for you, not against you”

Via PhotoRumors

The post Aftershoot sale: up to 40% off (discount code included) appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Foto Erhardt started their XXL weekend sale. Here are some of the discounted brands:

• Nikon
• Viltrox
• 7Artisans
• Laowa
• Tamron
• Atomos
• Godox
• Lexar
• SanDisk
• Peak Design
• Think Tank Photo
• Lowepro, Manfrotto & Gitzo: 20% off with code ZUBEHÖR20
• Secondhand (10% off with code GEBRAUCHT10)

The post XXL weekend sale at Foto Erhardt appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Roland, the person behind the Nikon serial website Photosynthesis, recently contacted me to inform me that Nikon has shifted production of some lenses from China to Vietnam. The example given was with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens (now $200 off) – initially, the lens was made in China:

An updated list of where Nikon Z cameras and lenses are manufactured

The latest production batch is marked “Made in Vietnam” on both the lens barrel and the retail box:

The official Nikon website indicates that only the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 lens is currently manufactured in Vietnam.

This is probably the result of the ongoing tariff mess: companies raised prices due to tariffs, consumers paid the higher prices, and then companies received government refunds after the tariffs were ruled unconstitutional ($81 billion refunded so far). I am also sure that moving manufacturing from China to Vietnam incurred additional expenses for Nikon, which will be reflected in pricing.

Here is an AI-generated recap of the differences in US import tariffs on Nikon lenses made in Vietnam and China:

The post Nikon quietly shifts some lens production from China to Vietnam appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The latest Nikon rebates for July can be found at:

• B&H Photo
• Paul’s Photo
• Service Photo

Here are the details:

Nikon Z Series Mirrorless Cameras Z9, Z8, Z7, Z6, Z5, Z30, Zf, Zfc

Nikon ZR Cinema Camera with 35mm f/1.4 Lens Kit

Nikon Z-Series Mirrorless Lenses

Nikon DSLR Cameras D850, D780, D7500

Nikon AF SLR lenses

Rebates by categories (see full list):

• Mirrorless Cameras
• Mirrorless Lenses
• DSLR Cameras
• DSLR Lenses
• Accessories
• Nikon Binoculars
• Trade-in program promo

Nikon Germany offers:

• Up to €200 off when you buy the Nikon Z8 with the Z 24-120mm f/4 S
• Nikon summer instant discount: up to €1,000 off
• 0% financing on selected Nikon products

Nikon UK offers:

• Bundle Z8 and save £200 extra
• Nikon rebates: Save from £30 to £1000

The Atomos Ninja TX GO 5.2" HDMI Wi-Fi-enabled camera monitor/recorder is now $240 off: https://t.co/gnRNBACVMM pic.twitter.com/lP7oRX52Wr

— Photography Deals (@PhotogDeals) July 21, 2026

The post Nikon rebates for July 2026 appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Godox launched a new Lux Junior II retro camera flash for Nikon cameras.

Pre-orders are now open at B&H Photo.

Additional information is available here and here:

• TTL, Manual, Multi & Auto Modes
• Compatible with Nikon i-TTL
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Receiver
• Built-In Rechargeable USB-C Battery
• 1.5 sec Recycle Time
• Up to 400 Full-Power Flashes
• High-Speed, Front & Rear Curtain Sync
• Dual-Axis Rotation Design
• Horizontal & Vertical Orientations
• Includes USB-C Cable & Magnetic Filters

New Godox Lux Junior II retro camera flash launched for Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, and Panasonic cameras

The post Godox announced a new Lux Junior II retro camera flash for Nikon cameras appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Peak Design designed a new modular field L-bracket system for Nikon Z cameras (with an AirTag pocket) and is currently crowdfunding the project on Kickstarter. In just the first few hours, they already raised over $200k:

The new Peak Design modular field L-bracket system is compatible with Z6 III, Z5, Z5 II, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, and Z8 cameras.

New on Kickstarter: WANDRD magnetic camera straps, Nomatic bag travel system, real-time POV live camera headset

Additional information:

Peak Design Rethinks the Traditional L-Bracket with New Field Bracket System – A tool-free, modular L-bracket system that gives photographers flexibility on and off their tripod

San Francisco, CA (July 21st, 2026) – Peak Design, Peak Design, a global leader in camera accessories and everyday carry solutions, is proud to announce Field Bracket, a modular L-bracket system that eliminates many of the compromises of traditional L-brackets. While L-brackets have become indispensable for quickly switching between portrait and landscape tripod shooting, they’ve remained largely unchanged, fixed in form, and often at odds with the rest of a photographer’s kit. Peak Design’s Field Bracket rethinks this accessory category with a modular design that adapts as photographers’ needs change.

At the heart of Field Bracket is a camera-specific baseplate precision-machined from recycled aluminum to hug the contours of each supported camera body. Using Peak Design’s custom Field Latch mechanism, photographers can attach or remove Field Bracket’s upright in seconds without tools, transforming the system from a low-profile baseplate into a full L-bracket for portrait tripod shooting. The upright can also be repositioned to provide clearance for tethering and other connected cables, allowing photographers to keep their camera mounted on a tripod without disrupting their workflow.

Field Bracket serves as the foundation for an expandable system. The optional Beacon Finder Tag is the first tracker specifically designed to fit inside an Arca-compatible camera plate, offering a discreet way to help locate and secure camera gear without the bulk of conventional tracking solutions. For added versatility, photographers can replace Field Bracket’s upright with the optional Cheese Plate, creating a lightweight rig with 1/4″-20, 3/8″-16, and cold shoe mounting points for lights, microphones, monitors, and other accessories. For handheld shooting, users can also add the optional Hand Strap, which integrates directly with Field Bracket to provide greater comfort and security. Across the system, Field Bracket preserves access to camera ports and controls while cleanly integrating with Peak Design Capture, Peak Design camera straps, and a wide range of third-party accessories.

“The best camera accessories disappear into your workflow until you need them. That idea shaped every decision we made with Field Bracket,” commented Peak Design Founder and CEO, Peter Dering. “Instead of asking photographers to permanently attach functionality they only use some of the time, we built a system that can transform in seconds while remaining just as rigid and dependable as a traditional L-bracket.”

Field Bracket will launch on Kickstarter as part of Peak Design’s 17th crowdfunding campaign beginning July 21. Customers will have an opportunity to pre-order the system at a limited-time discount before its retail release. Camera-specific Field Brackets will be available for select Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Leica camera systems. The optional Cheese Plate, Hand Strap, and Beacon Finder Tag will be sold separately, allowing photographers to configure the system around their individual needs. Field Bracket carries an MSRP of $149.95, with optional accessories beginning at $39.95.

The post Peak Design is crowdfunding a new modular field L-bracket system for Nikon Z cameras appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

→ New Think Tank Photo Airport camera backpacks introduced (additional information).

→ WANDRD introduced new magnetic camera straps on Kickstarter: magnetic camera straps with patent-pending features built for speed, security, and a better way to carry your camera (already raised over $110,000).

→ SmallRig released a new L-shaped monitor support bracket.

 
→ FieldMade introduced new custom lens hood & Pelican case indicator labels.

→ Focus stacking for precision with the Novoflex Stackpro 1.

→ Another new app for Nikon ZR cinema cameras – this one is open source: OpenZCine.

→ Interview with Nikon President Yasuhiro Omura: Nikon to focus investment on semiconductor business and continue to enhance cameras with RED technology.

→ The Open is partnering with Nikon to give one aspiring content creator or photographer the opportunity of a lifetime.

→ NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S II lens first impressions.

The post Weekly Nikon news flash #895 appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The Nikon Z9, Z8, Z6, Z7, and Zf cameras have dual gain ISO – this means it’s better to shoot at ISO 500 than at ISO 250, due to the wider dynamic range and less noise. This is a guest post by Dariusz Breś (Instagram | Facebook | Flickr | Previous posts):

The Nikon Z9, like most modern cameras, uses Dual Gain ISO technology. While different systems use different names (eg, Dual Native ISO or Dual Conversion Gain), the principle remains the same.

This means the sensor doesn’t operate linearly across its entire sensitivity range. Instead, it has two separate data readout circuits:

• Lower Gain (ISO 64 – 400): Optimized for maximum dynamic range (amount of detail in highlights and shadows).
• Higher Gain (ISO 500 and above): Optimized to minimize read noise.

What the hell does that mean?

The Nikon Z9 switches to the higher gain stage (second circuit) precisely at ISO 500. At this point, there is a sharp drop in read noise, making the image at ISO 500 paradoxically “cleaner” and offering higher tonal dynamics than at ISO 400.

So, if you’re running low on light – for example, in a sports hall or on a cloudy day – instead of sticking to intermediate values ​​(such as ISO 320 or 400), it’s better to immediately jump to ISO 500. This will give you better image quality.

ISO 64 – The Gold Standard

This is the most important value for the Z9. Unlike many other cameras, which have a base ISO of 100, the Z9 goes down to ISO 64. This provides the highest possible dynamic range and the lowest noise. Landscape and portrait photography in the studio or in full sunlight is ideal. Stick to this value whenever conditions allow.

ISO 500 – Dual Gain

An ISO 500 image in the shadows may look cleaner than at ISO 400, and the noise level will be very similar to that at ISO 200-250, even though the gain is theoretically greater.

Upper limit of utility

The Z9 performs very well at high registers:

• ISO 800-3200: The image is still professional-quality, almost lossless after light processing.
• ISO 6400-12800: Noise in shadows becomes visible, but thanks to the high resolution (45 MP), after resizing the image to a smaller format or using AI noise reduction (eg, in Lightroom), the photos are fully publishable.

What does it look like in other Z cameras?

Movie

In movie mode, the sensor operates nonlinearly, and its sensitivity thresholds differ from those in the N-Log and RAW profiles (except for SDR, which uses the same thresholds as photo). This is due to the nature of logarithmic profiles, which intentionally shift the dynamic range to preserve detail in highlights. As a result, the camera uses two separate data readout circuits:

• Lower Gain (ISO 800-3200): Optimized for maximum dynamic range. ISO 800 is the “first base”—it produces the cleanest signal and the most detail in highlights (equivalent to ISO 64 in photos).
• Higher Gain (ISO 4000 and above): Optimized to minimize read noise in difficult conditions.

What does this mean in the movie?

The Z9 and Z8 switch to higher gain precisely at ISO 4000. At this value, there’s a dramatic drop in shadow noise. Paradoxically, an image at ISO 4000 will be significantly “cleaner” than at ISO 3200.

Application?

If you’re shooting at night or in dark interiors and you’re short on light at ISO 2000 or 2500, don’t be afraid to go higher. It’s better to jump straight to ISO 4000 rather than sticking with intermediate values, which generate the most electronic noise (so-called “grainy” blacks).

If you’re shooting “on vacation” in the Standard profile, stick to ISO 64 during the day and jump to ISO 500 at night. However, if you enable N-Log for professional color grading, your new “zero” becomes ISO 800, and your night mode is ISO 4000.

Two bases for a filmmaker:

• ISO 800: The gold standard. The best dynamic range, ideal for working with ND filters during the day.
• ISO 4000: Low light mode. Best image clarity when you need to shoot in the dark.

Why is this important?

Most of us have learned for years that “The higher the ISO, the worse the image.” This was true in the era of DSLRs before Dual Gain technology. Someone might see a value of 4000 on the screen and think, “Oh my, that’s a lot, I’ll have nothing but dots in the image.”

Meanwhile, in the Z9/Z8, an image at ISO 4000 will look better, cleaner, and more professional than at ISO 3200 because the sensor “rests” on this new, more efficient circuit.

What does it look like in other Z cameras?

This article was originally published here.

If you have an interesting idea for a guest post, contact me here.

Previous guest posts by Dariusz Breś:

Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens for Sony E-mount tested on the Nikon Z9 camera with the Megadap Pro adapter

Using the new Sigma 200mm f/2 DG OS Sports lens on Nikon cameras with the Megadap Pro+ adapter

Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens for Sony E-mount tested on the Nikon Z9 camera

The new Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens tested on the Nikon Z9 camera

Nikon NIKKOR Z 800 f/6.3 VR S lens review by Dariusz Breś

Plena vs. Art (Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena vs. Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art)

The post Nikon Z9, Z8, Z6, Z7, and Zf cameras have dual gain ISO: this means it’s better to shoot at ISO 500 than at ISO 250, due to the wider dynamic range and less noise appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

This first look of the just-announced Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount (now in stock at B&H Photo and Foto Erhardt) is by Scott Tucker (website | Instagram | YouTube):

The quest for a small lens, one that feels like a bespoke match for my Nikon mirrorless cameras and, in particular, the Zf, has seemed never-ending… Most lenses usually end up longer than I want or have materials that feel needlessly cheap and look out of place against the more premium Nikon build.

Today, that search may be over with the release of the $299 USD Viltrox AF 26mm f2.8 EVO pancake for Z.

Viltrox has recently delivered a trio of excellent lenses for Z in their EVO line, offering 35mm, 55mm, and 85mm options with extremely cohesive feature sets. These lenses offer outstanding sharpness, a near lack of chromatic aberration, and a glut of physical controls, including de-clickable aperture rings, custom function buttons, and a unified 58mm filter thread for easy accessory sharing.

I was excited to see what the rumored 26mm EVO would offer as a pancake lens, but also curious as to which physical options would be omitted by virtue of the small amount of lens barrel real estate. I was hoping for a more feature-complete lens than the Viltrox 28 Chip offers, another Viltrox pancake but one without hood or filter support, only supporting a single aperture of f4.5.

What Viltrox wound up delivering lives squarely between the Chip and the previously released EVO trio, with the 26 EVO retaining an aperture ring and manual focus ring, along with a newly designed lens hood that supports 43mm filters as well as a new magnetic lens cap design.

The 26 EVO looks right at home on the Nikon Zf, with a fit and finish that naturally blends into the retro aesthetic. For fun, I also tested it on my Nikon Z9 (more on that in a bit), and it barely protrudes beyond the depth of the grip, feeling as if nothing is mounted at all.

A few notes on the build of the 26 EVO:

• The aperture ring turns in the opposite direction of what you’re likely used to on Nikon Z lens, including the previous EVO trio. This tripped me up constantly, and more often than not, I simply set the lens to f/4 and ignore the aperture ring during shooting.
• The manual focus ring is, by virtue of its small size, quite fiddly to operate when needed.
• Once you mount the hood on, there’s very little reason to remove it, as the magnetic lens cap fits over it.
• The magnet is so strong that you can confidently lift the lens by the cap (not that I’d recommend that).
• Overall fit and finish feels as good as the rest of the EVO line with all of the behind scene features you’d expect like a USB-C port and rubber gasket at the mount

AF-C autofocus performance is what you’d expect from a lens this small with gear-type stepper motors…slow and grindy. I tended to use AF-S mostly, overshooting a bit as I found that sometimes my focus would be slightly off from what was confirmed on the camera. This was more a symptom of shooting in lower light, and in good light I found I had fewer out of focus shots.

Image quality…you know, where the rubber meets the road…that’s where the 26 EVO really steps up and delivers, especially when you consider its size. Sharpness is excellent across the frame even wide open, there is very little CA to find, flaring is much better controlled than the 28 Chip, there is a built-in lens profile so that your straight-out-of-camera jpeg files will have distortion and vignette correction, and bokeh at f2.8 can be very natural and pleasing, thanks to the short minimum focus distance.

Color rendition and contrast are what we’ve come to expect from the EVO line, with the 26 EVO sacrificing very little here by virtue of being a pancake lens.

During testing, I kept coming back to how sharp the center of the lens was, and decided to begin testing the 26 EVO on my Z9 in DX mode, simulating how the near-40mm FOV would look on a DX camera…would it live up to the scrutiny of a 1.5x crop factor?
Not only did the 26 EVO resolve full 45mp FX shots with ease, the 19mp DX files were a revelation – I think that for DX shooters, the 26 EVO is a lens they should take a real look at if they have interest in shooting in the 40mm equivalent range. Thanks to the sharp center in FX mode, DX shooters will enjoy an even better edge to edge sharpness in their crop files.

The following 3 samples are DX shots on the Z9.

Overall, the 26 EVO represents an exciting possibility for anyone with a smaller FX camera who wants a very small wide prime, or even someone with a DX camera, offering a ~40mm DX FOV in a lens that weighs almost nothing and delivers crispy, vibrant, and sharp photos, perfect for walkabouts on the town, trips to the cafe, or just driving around the countryside at sunset. While it doesn’t share the full EVO DNA that we have come to expect, it has it where it counts, and at only 60% the price of the Nikon 26/2.8, is a real value option that optically punches above its weight by a significant margin.

The full article of the 26 EVO lens first look can be found here.

If you have an interesting idea for a guest post, contact me here.

Additional information on the Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens can be found here and here:

Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount officially announced

The post First look: Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Meike officially released the new AF 85mm f/1.4 MIX Ⅱ full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount – currently in stock at the official Meike store (coming soon to B&H Photo). The price is $569. The lens is also available in black, white, and white/black colors:

Here is the list of lens updates:

• Sharper. Faster. Lighter.
• 67MP Ready – Image quality capable of 10K resolution
• APO Optics – Minimized chromatic aberration for cleaner color
• Three Colors Available – Black, Panda, and White
• Edge-to-Edge Sharpness – Exceptional detail across the frame
• Hyperb STM AF – Fast, precise, and whisper-quiet autofocus
• Lightweight Design – Only around 650g
• Click/De-click Aperture Ring, Aperture Lock & Fn Button

The current Meike lens lineup:

Previous coverage of Meike lenses can be found here. The Meike AF 85mm f/1.4 MIX Ⅱ lens was previously reported here (the lens was presented at the 2026 CP+ show). Additional information:

Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air APS-C lens for Nikon-Z mount released and available for order for $159

The post Now available: Meike AF 85mm f/1.4 MIX Ⅱ full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The previously reported Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount has been officially announced. Orders are now open at:

• US: B&H Photo
• DE: Foto Erhardt
• Worldwide: Viltrox store

Comparison between the Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 and the new Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 lens can be found here.

The technical specifications of the lens can be found here (additional information):

• Ultra-compact pancake lens with dual control rings
• Impressive optical performance for sharp, natural images
• Versatile 26mm perspective for everyday scenes and visual storytelling
• Precise AF with a minimum focusing distance of just 0.2 m
• Quick-access magnetic cap and filter-ready hood

Viltrox today announced the launch of its AF 26mm F2.8 EVO, a compact full-frame autofocus pancake lens designed for everyday carry and photography. Well suited to street photography, architecture, environmental portraits, travel, and visual storytelling, the AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is an ideal companion for creators who value great portability, dependable image quality, and intuitive handling in a lightweight full-frame system.

Durable, Ultra-Compact, With Intuitive Control

The AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is an ultra-compact lens that pairs naturally with today’s lightweight full-frame mirrorless cameras. Available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, this pancake lens features both a dedicated aperture ring and a separate focus ring, providing tactile manual control that is rarely found in this category.

Its precision-machined metal construction provides durability and a premium feel, while dust and splash resistance around the lens mount enhances reliability during everyday use, matching its portability to make it an ideal companion for travel and spontaneous photography.

An Excellent Perspective at Any Distance

A gear-type STM autofocus motor delivers precise and reliable autofocus performance. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.2m, the AF 26mm F2.8 EVO allows photographers to transition seamlessly from expansive landscapes to expressive close-up compositions. With an 81.2° angle of view, the 26mm focal length sits naturally between traditional wide-angle perspectives, delivering an immersive yet natural field of view that adapts effortlessly to a broad range of subjects and shooting scenarios.

Carefully Crafted for Impressive Image Quality

Compact in size yet impressive in performance, the AF 26mm F2.8 EVO features an optical design of 8 elements in 6 groups, including 2 aspherical elements and 1 high-refractive (HR) element. The lens delivers excellent sharpness even at its maximum aperture of F2.8, allowing confident wide-open shooting. In-camera correction further helps produce natural rendering with minimal visible distortion for balanced, high-quality results.

Convenient Functionality

A magnetic front lens cap enables conveniently quick attachment and removal. A standard 43mm filter thread, a built-in USB-C port for firmware updates, and compatibility with the Viltrox Lens App further enhance the user experience, combining everyday convenience with long-term usability.

Pricing and Availability

The Viltrox AF 26mm F2.8 EVO is available for 299USD / 319EUR / 279GBP

Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for E/Z mount coming on July 15th (full details included)

The post Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount officially announced appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The previously reported Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount (model A084) was just announced. Pre-orders are now open at:

• US: B&H Photo
• DE: Foto Erhardt
• UK: WEX Photo
• CA: Camera Canada

Additional information about the new lens can be found here:

• Beyond the Scope of Vision — The Overwhelming Perspective Only 12mm Can Capture
• Stunning Corner-to-Corner Resolution for Astrophotography and Nightscapes
• Enhanced Mobility for Landscapes — A Compact and Lightweight Design
• Comprehensive Control Features to Meet Professional Demands
• High-Speed, High-Precision, and Quiet Performance — Equipped with VXD Linear Motor Focus Mechanism
• Stunning Close-Up Performance — Unleashing the Dynamism of Ultra Wide-Angles
• Compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility — Seamless Support for Video and Stills
• Mastery of Light — The Artistry of a 12-Blade Circular Diaphragm
• Evolution of Form — Introducing the “Toned Profile Next” Lens Design
• Integrated Flower-Shaped Lens Hood and Locking Front Lens Cap
• Integrated Rear Filter Holder
• Included Soft Wrapping Cloth for Scratch Resistance
• Protective Features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)
• Specifications:

Sample photos:

Tamron to announce a new 12-20mm f/2.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount (model A084)

The post Just announced: Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The official Nikon Direct Store in Japan released several new limited edition items (additional information) – Nikon should make them available for sale to the rest of the world!

Here are some of the new items:

Nikon lens configuration diagram tenugui (Japanese hand towel):

Nikon Zf bottle holder:

Nikon apparel:

You can find some of the Nikon merch on eBay (a few t-shirts are also available on Amazon):

The post Nikon, please bring your Japan-only merch to the rest of the world! appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The above Nikon Z9 image from Artemis II enables major scientific discovery: large-scale morphology of the optical F-corona:

Researchers have published a peer-reviewed scientific paper demonstrating that a single publicly released JPEG image taken with a commercially available Nikon Z9 during NASA’s Artemis II lunar flyby has provided valuable new insights into the structure of the optical F-corona (the inner zodiacal light).

The paper, titled “Large-scale Morphology of the Optical F-corona from a Total Solar Eclipse Observation during the Artemis II Lunar Flyby,” was published on June 9, 2026, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters by Kohji Tsumura (Tokyo City University / Tohoku University) and Ko Arimatsu (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan).

The image in question is NASA’s well-known “Artemis II in Eclipse” (NASA ID art002e009301), captured on April 6/7, 2026, during the crew’s lunar flyby at an altitude of approximately 6,545 km above the lunar surface. Camera settings (from image metadata):

• Camera: Nikon Z9
• Lens: Nikkor AF-D 35mm f/2 (adapted)
• Aperture f/2
• Shutter: 2 seconds
• ISO: 1600
• Format: RGB JPEG, 8256 × 5504 pixels, 8-bit per channel

Image of a total solar eclipse taken by Artemis II

Because the spacecraft was so close to the Moon, the lunar disk appeared much larger than the solar disk (apparent lunar diameter ~16.9°, solar ~0.53°), producing nearly an hour of totality – far longer than any Earth-based total solar eclipse. The Moon completely occulted the Sun, revealing a glowing halo of the F-corona (sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust particles) over a wide ~51° × 33° field of view, along with numerous field stars and even Saturn and Mars.

Unexpected scientific value from a consumer JPEG

Although the image is a rendered JPEG without full photometric calibration, the authors carefully accounted for the gamma correction and validated that the camera response was linear in the unsaturated regime using field stars. They performed:

• Astrometric registration with Astrometry.net
• Zero-point subtraction using the dark side of the lunar disk
• Masking of the Moon and bright stars
• Relative intensity analysis across the RGB channels

Left: Spread of the F corona as captured by Artemis-II. Right: Spread of the F corona calculated by the model

Key scientific results

Here’s what the researchers actually discovered from that one Nikon Z9 photo:

1. The glow around the Moon isn’t round – it’s squashed

The faint halo of light you see around the dark Moon (the F-corona / zodiacal light) is flattened like a pancake rather than a perfect circle. It is stretched out along the plane of the solar system (the same flat disk where the planets orbit). Think of it like a slightly squished balloon pressed against the ecliptic plane.

2. It’s brighter on some sides than others

• The northern half of the glow is a bit brighter than the southern half.
• The western side is a bit brighter than the eastern side.

This small asymmetry matches what we’d expect from our viewing angle looking at the giant cloud of dust that surrounds the Sun.

3. The light falls off faster than expected as you move away from the Sun

The glow gets dimmer the farther you look from the Sun, following a steep “power-law” drop-off. The researchers found it drops off more quickly than older space measurements suggested. This tells us something important about how the dust is distributed: the number of dust particles decreases with distance from the Sun at a rate of roughly α ≈ 1.3.

4. Almost none of the glow is “true” solar corona

The bright streamers and plasma you usually see in total eclipses (the K-corona) are basically absent in this image at the distances they measured. What we’re seeing is almost pure sunlight bouncing off tiny interplanetary dust grains.

5. A regular consumer camera photo can do real science

Even though it was just a normal JPEG from a handheld Nikon Z9 (not a specially calibrated scientific instrument), after careful star-based calibration, the data was good enough to publish in a top astronomy journal. This is the first real “proof of concept” that astronauts flying past the Moon with everyday high-end cameras can gather useful data about the dust cloud that fills our solar system — and that future lunar-orbit missions could do this routinely.

A two-second photo taken with an off-the-shelf Nikon Z9 during Artemis II’s lunar flyby revealed that the dusty glow around the Sun is flattened, slightly lopsided, and falls off more steeply than previously thought – proving that even a regular camera in space can make genuine discoveries about our solar system’s dust cloud.

The authors conclude that the results provide “an empirical proof of concept that supports future solar coronal occultation observations from lunar orbit” and demonstrate that “opportunistic observations from crewed lunar missions can provide valuable insights into the structure of the inner zodiacal cloud.”

Kohji Tsumura (lead author):

“I was amazed to learn that this remarkable image was captured by an astronaut using a commercially available Nikon Z9 with an exposure time of just two seconds—a true testament to how far digital camera technology has come. Although I was initially sceptical about analysing a JPEG image, the quality proved comparable to data used in professional astronomical observations. Astronomy is unique in that amateurs and professionals alike can make meaningful contributions, and as high-performance cameras become more accessible, I believe images taken by amateur photographers will increasingly lead to unexpected scientific discoveries.”

Ko Arimatsu (co-author):

“The findings demonstrate that scientifically valuable data can be extracted from consumer camera images when properly calibrated and analyzed. This suggests that high-performance consumer cameras could serve not only for documentation during future space exploration, but also as tools for unexpected scientific discoveries.”

Hiroyuki Ikegami, Nikon Senior Executive Vice President, General Manager of Imaging Business Group:

“Seeing the images from the Artemis II mission return to Earth is a profound honor for all of us at Nikon. This latest research from Tokyo City University acts as a powerful reminder of what imaging can make possible when science, exploration, unrelenting effort and human curiosity come together.
For more than five decades, from Apollo 15 to the Artemis program, Nikon has been privileged to support NASA with cameras and lenses designed for exceptional clarity and reliability in the most demanding environments. The Nikon Z9’s high resolution, expansive dynamic range and outstanding low-light performance are helping crews capture incredible details.”

Previous NikonRumors coverage of Artemis II:

NASA Artemis II astronauts will take the 10-year-old Nikon D5 DSLR camera around the moon, here is why

New photos from the Artemis II mission released, and how NASA is testing cameras for flight

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts will take a Nikon Z9 to space

NASA’s Artemis II historic mission returns to Earth after a 10-day journey: Nikon gear goes around the moon

The Nikon Z9 is going to the moon with the upcoming Artemis III mission

It seems that the Nikon Z9 camera is going to the moon

The post Nikon Z9 image from Artemis II enables major scientific discovery: large-scale morphology of the optical F-corona appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

This article, “Parallax Monitor/ZR Ctl: the Nikon Z-series control app you will want on every shoot,” is written by Mike Aguado (YouTube channel).

The app was previously reported in this post:

The latest Nikon ZR accessories: skins, cages, underwater housings, third-party apps

Here is the guest post:

Exciting news for Nikon Shooters, Parallax Monitor for iOS and ZR Ctl for Android are now available. If you shoot with a Nikon Z-series camera, you have to buy this app! This feels like it should have been part of the camera from day one.

• iPhone/iPad App Store
• Android / Google Play
• App website

Parallax Monitor and ZR Ctl turn your mobile device into a serious Nikon Z-series command center. This is not just a basic start/stop remote. It is a live monitor, camera controller, multicam station, stills tool, review hub, exposure assistant, LUT viewer, and field workflow app in one.

Parallax Monitor turns an iPhone or iPad into a clean live-view monitor with camera status, recording controls, timecode, and monitoring tools.

The high-performance, super-accurate live-view screen is the first thing you notice. The image stays front and center, while the controls that matter on a real shoot stay close: aperture, shutter angle or shutter speed, ISO, white balance, Kelvin, codec, resolution, frame rate, record status, timecode, battery, LUT, focus, scopes, exposure tools, level, audio, and playback.

For Nikon ZR shooters, the control depth is a huge part of the appeal. The apps are designed around real camera settings, not generic remote-control checkboxes. You can work with aperture, ISO, shutter speed, shutter angle, exposure compensation, white balance, Kelvin, resolution, frame rate, codec, card slot, timecode, audio input sensitivity, autofocus mode, AF area mode, AF trigger, touch focus, and record start/stop.

Camera settings, live view, and operator controls are grouped into a fast field surface for Nikon Z-series shooters.

One of the biggest reasons this belongs in a Nikon Z kit is its multicam capability. More and more Nikon shooters are running multiple bodies for interviews, podcasts, events, weddings, product work, studio setups, livestreams, social verticals, and behind-the-scenes angles. A phone or tablet control center is exactly what those setups need, and you can do it all wirelessly with incredible Wifi handling and class-leading performance

The multicam workflow is built for the operator who wants multiple Nikon bodies organized from one place. Instead of walking from camera to camera, you can monitor connected bodies, check status, switch the active camera, align settings, and keep recording controls close. For a solo shooter or a small crew, that is the difference between running a setup and constantly chasing it.

The stills side matters just as much. Parallax Monitor and ZR Ctl are not video-only tools. Stills mode makes the app useful for hybrid Nikon shooters who need to capture, browse, review, and move photos quickly without turning every shoot into a laptop session.

Stills mode brings photo capture and camera control into the same mobile workflow.

For photo shooters, the review and bulk export workflow is one of the features that makes the app feel essential. You can use the camera-card gallery to review thumbnails, inspect captures, filter media, select keepers, and bulk-select photos for faster export or handoff where supported by the camera, file type, mobile device, and connection path.

Playback and review tools let you browse camera media, check takes, select files, and move faster between capture and delivery.

That field review surface is a big deal. A Nikon Z shooter might need to check focus on a portrait, send a still to a client, review a take before moving lights, pull a reference frame, or confirm that a second camera got the shot. Parallax Monitor and ZR Ctl keep that workflow close to the camera, which is exactly where you want it.

The exposure tools are another reason the apps feel purpose-built for serious Nikon work. You get the expected monitoring tools such as waveform, histogram, zebras, false color, LUT preview, focus peaking, framing guides, anamorphic desqueeze, level, and audio meters. Then the app adds fast-read exposure aids that are designed for people who are actually shooting, not just looking at a spec sheet.

X-Zone false color gives Nikon Z shooters a fast, practical way to judge exposure on a phone or tablet monitor.

X-Lights are built for quick exposure confidence. They give you an immediate read on highlight and shadow pressure while you keep looking at the image. They are especially useful when you are moving fast, riding exposure, lighting a scene, or trying to keep a compact setup clean without adding more dedicated monitoring hardware.

X-Zone false color is the other standout. It gives Nikon Z shooters a practical zone-style false-color view for judging exposure in a way that is fast, visual, and easy to read on set. Combined with waveform, histogram, zebras, and LUT preview, X-Zone makes the phone or tablet a much more serious exposure tool than a basic live-view remote.

LUT preview and look monitoring help you judge the image creatively while keeping exposure tools close.

LUT monitoring matters because many Nikon Z shooters are not just capturing clips, they are trying to protect a look. Being able to preview a creative LUT while still watching exposure, focus, framing, audio, and camera status makes the app feel more like an operator monitor than a remote app.

Focus tools, focus boxes, tap focus, and monitoring aids are part of the same operator surface.

Focus and framing tools round out the package. Where supported, you can tap the live view to move focus, trigger AF, work with AF mode and AF area settings, and keep focus boxes visible while you stay in the monitor. Composition tools include safe areas, cinema aspect ratios, vertical and social framing, custom guides, matte controls, guide opacity, and multi-guide workflows.

That is why Parallax Monitor and ZR Ctl are so easy to recommend to Nikon Z-series shooters. They help with the things that actually slow you down on set: controlling the camera, matching bodies, rolling multicam, shooting stills, reviewing media, exporting photos, checking exposure, previewing LUTs, pulling focus, and keeping the shoot moving.

Compatibility varies by camera model, firmware, mobile device, OS version, media format, and connection path. The apps are ZR-first, with compatibility work across other Nikon Z bodies where real testing supports it. Some bodies expose deeper controls than others, and some features depend on what the camera and platform make available.

But the bottom line is this: if you are shooting Nikon Z, this is one of those tools you want installed before the next shoot. For multicam control, stills mode, photo bulk export, review, LUT monitoring, X-Lights, X-Zone false color, focus tools, and deep Nikon Z camera control, Parallax Monitor and ZR Ctl make a phone or tablet earn a real place in your kit.

Note: Parallax Monitor and ZR Ctl are independently developed and are not affiliated with Nikon, RED, Apple, Google, or their subsidiaries.

If you have an interesting idea for a guest post, contact me here.

“THE Tether” is a new wireless Nikon tethering app built by a Photographer

The post Parallax Monitor/ZR Ctl: the Nikon Z-series control app you will want on every shoot appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

→ The new SG-Image 35mm f/2.2 AF full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount is now in stock at Amazon (three different versions available: black, silver, and CE). Additional information on the lens is available here.

→ The Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount will be announced on July 15th (check the Viltrox website for updates). The full specifications on the new lens can be found here.

→ This 12-year-old Nikon D750 DSLR camera has taken 689,000 photos, and it still works perfectly (source: Paul’s Photo).

→ Registration for the Shutterspeak September 2026 Nikon Z Boot Camp just opened.

→ See this post for what is coming next in Aftershoot (free trial | galleries | previous coverage | “AI will not replace us“).

→ SanDisk’s first 8TB SDUC memory cards confirmed: massive storage, but new card readers required.

→ Tamron released Lens Utility version 5.0 for the Tamron Link.

→ New: Tilta Universal Cooling System (coming soon to B&H Photo).

→ The Nikon Z6 III camera with no wireless connectivity is now removed from B&H Photo (additional information).

→ New: 3 Legged Thing Zayne QD dedicated L-Bracket for the Nikon Z50 II.

→ Japan’s Intellectual Property High Court has upheld a Japan Patent Office (JPO) decision invalidating a RED video camera patent, in a case where Panasonic successfully challenged it, and Nikon, as RED’s new owner, appealed (source).

→ Nikon’s stock is up 28% year to date.

→ Z Cinema: Hands Among Petals.

The post Weekly Nikon news flash #894 appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Tamron will soon announce a new 12-20mm f/2.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount (model A084). Here are the details:

• Focal Length: 12-20mm ultra-wide zoom
• Maximum Aperture: Constant F2.8 throughout the zoom range (ideal for astrophotography, nightscapes, and interior shooting)
• Format: Di III (full-frame mirrorless)
• Angle of View: 121°58′ – 94°30′ (full-frame)
• Length: 4.7” (119.3mm) Sony E / 4.8” (121.3mm) Nikon Z
• Weight: 20.2 oz (570g) Sony E / 20.7 oz (585g) Nikon Z
• Maximum Diameter: Ø90mm
• VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism — high-speed, high-precision, and quiet
• Minimum Object Distance (MOD): 7.1” (0.18m) at 12mm wide end / 11.1” (0.28m) at tele end
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:5.8 (wide) / 1:9.1 (tele)
• Overwhelming 12mm perspective for dynamic, expansive scenes
• Stunning corner-to-corner resolution optimized for astrophotography and nightscapes
• Enhanced mobility for landscapes thanks to compact, lightweight design
• Comprehensive control features (switches and rings) for professional demands
• Compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility for seamless video and stills customization
• 12-blade circular diaphragm for beautiful bokeh and mastery of light
• New “Tone Profile Next” lens design evolution
• Integrated flower-shaped lens hood
• Integrated rear filter holder
• Locking front lens cap
• Includes protective lens wrap
• Minimum Aperture: F16
• Diaphragm Blades: 12 (circular)
• Filter Diameter: Rear filter holder (no front thread)
• Standard Accessories: Front cap, rear cap, lens wrap, integrated hood
• Optical Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups, including 1 XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical), 3 GM (Glass Molded Aspherical), and multiple special lens elements:
  • Effectively suppresses peripheral blurring, color fringing, and sagittal coma flare
  • Delivers high sharpness from center to extreme edges

The post Tamron to announce a new 12-20mm f/2.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount (model A084) appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

TTartisan released a new AF 17mm f/1.8 Air APS-C lens for Nikon Z-mount, priced at $148 (see silver version). Pre-orders should now be open at:

• US: B&H Photo
• Worldwide: TTartisan store (use code RUMORS for 5% off)

Lens key features:

• 17mm wide-angle view
• F1.8 large aperture
• Approx. 161-178g lightweight design
• 0.18m minimum focusing distance
• Stepping motor for smooth autofocus
• Eye & Face Detection

The lens already exists for other lens mounts – see additional information here:

New APS-C lenses just announced: TTartisan AF 17mm f/1.8 Air (E/X/Z) & 7.5mm f/2 fisheye silver edition (E/X/Z/RF/MFT)

TTartisan’s new AF 17mm f/1.8 Air and 7.5mm f/2 fisheye silver edition APS-C lenses for Nikon Z-mount

The post TTartisan released a new AF 17mm f/1.8 Air APS-C lens for Nikon Z-mount ($148) appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

A new fast/top-of-the-line/high-end/professional Nikon APS-C (DX) camera has been rumored for a while. There were some unconfirmed reports that this could be a mini-Nikon ZR model with some RED tech inside. The RED Komodo, for example, features a Super 35mm sensor, commonly regarded as an APS-C equivalent (it’s slightly larger than a typical APS-C sensor). Here is some new rumored information:

• 45MP stacked sensor
• Very fast camera (mini-Z9/mini-ZR), similar to the D500 DSLR
• Expected announcement/release in the next few months, most likely August-September (we may get teasers or a development first)
• No confirmation on the model name (Z90, Z80, Z30II, Z500, etc.)

Stay tuned for updates, and as usual, contact me anonymously if you have any additional information.

The post Coming soon: new fast, top-of-the-line, high-end, professional Nikon APS-C (DX) camera appeared first on Nikon Rumors.