I already reported that the upcoming Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens will be tested at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It seems that the lens is also being tested at Roland Garros – here I think is the first spy picture of the new lens:

Comparing the size of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens with the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S

Look for the upcoming Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

First leaked pictures of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens

The upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S 1.4x lens is rumored to be priced around $8,000+

The post The upcoming Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens spotted at Roland Garros appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Nikon released a new firmware update version 1.10 for the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens with a single fix:

• Fixed an issue where autofocus was slow to respond when used with the NIKON Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x.

The next shipment of the new Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens in Japan is expected in September (in stock in the US)

The post Nikon released firmware update version 1.10 for the new Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The next shipment of the new Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens in Japan is expected in September – this is according to Yodobashi camera:

Map Camera doesn’t even list the lens anymore.

In the US, the new Z 70-200mm lens is currently in stock at Amazon (shipped and sold by Amazon).

• US: B&H Photo | Paul’s Photo | Service Photo (out of stock)
• CA: Camera Canada (out of stock)
• DE: Foto Erhardt (in stock)
• UK: WEX Photo (in stock)

The shipment of the new Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens could be delayed

Hands-on photos of the new Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens (now shipping)

Comparing the new Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens with the previous version

The post The next shipment of the new Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens in Japan is expected in September (in stock in the US) appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

A quick update to my previous post – here is the full list of all discounted Nikon cameras and lenses in the US this month:

Nikon June rebates & savings (US+UK+Germany)

The post Update: here is the full list of all discounted Nikon cameras and lenses in the US appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Nikon USA

Nikon USA rebates for June are now live and will expire on July 5:

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

Rebates by categories (see full list):

• Mirrorless Cameras
• Mirrorless Lenses
• DSLR Cameras
• DSLR Lenses
• Accessories

Several Nikon cameras now come with a free memory card at B&H Photo.

Based on Nikon’s published promotions and dealer rebate listings, there are a few changes between the May rebates and the new June 2026 rebates. For example:

• Nikon Z8: now $900 off (was $800)
• Nikon Z6II: now $350 off (was $250)
• Nikon Zfc: now $200 off (was $100)
• Nikon Z30: now $218 off (was $200)

The biggest development was the addition of a new trade-in program promotion in the US that started at the end of May and continued into June:

Nikon started a new “Trade Up to ZR and Save” program in the US that also includes Nikkor lenses

The Nikon R1C1 wireless close-up Speedlight system is also on sale (up to $300 off):

The Nikon R1C1 wireless close-up Speedlight system is now on sale (up to $300 off)

Update – here is the full list of all discounted Nikon cameras and lenses in the US:

Update: here is the full list of all discounted Nikon cameras and lenses in the US

Service Photo will have a special Nikon Day event on June 6th, where they will cover the tax on any Nikon purchase:

Nikon Germany

Nikon Germany has several different offers, including a new Nikon Z8 promotion:

• 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

The Nikon UK offers  for June are:

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

The post Nikon June rebates & savings (US+UK+Germany) appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Viltrox filed another patent in China that involves the Nikon Z-mount – here is the interpretation I got from AI translation:

This new Chinese design patent CN 309984573 S from Viltrox protects the ornamental/appearance design (not the mechanical function or electronics) of a bayonet-mount/lens-mount ring that appears very similar to the Nikon Z-mount. The purpose of the patent is to connect camera lenses or camera adapter rings (Viltrox teleconverter or lens adapter).

This Viltrox design patent appears to be for Nikon Z-mount lenses/adapters. It is not an official Nikon patent, nor does it invent a brand-new proprietary mount. It is Viltrox protecting the visual appearance of the specific bayonet ring they use on their Z-mount products.

Viltrox has been producing autofocus lenses and adapters for the Nikon Z-mount for years (alongside Sony E, Fuji X, and, more recently, L-mount). The timing of the patent (application in late 2025, granted on May 15th, 2026) directly ties it to the high-profile Nikon vs. Viltrox legal dispute from early 2026. Nikon sued Viltrox in the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court over Z-mount-related intellectual property, specifically royalties and alleged infringement during the provisional protection period of Nikon’s invention patents (covering the Z-mount interface, electronics/communication protocols, etc.).

Chinese blogs, forums, and photography communities discussing the lawsuit explicitly reference this exact patent number (CN309984573S) in the context of Nikon Z-mount third-party products.

The mechanical bayonet in the patent is engineered to match the Nikon Z-mount standard (large ~55 mm inner diameter, short flange distance, specific lug/tab geometry for full compatibility with Nikon Z cameras). Viltrox patented the look of their implementation (the precise contours, proportions, and details visible in the patent drawings) as part of their IP strategy while making Z-mount lenses.

This fits the pattern of third-party manufacturers reverse-engineering or closely replicating mirrorless mounts (Sony E, Nikon Z, etc.) while sometimes filing their own design patents on cosmetic or minor variant details.

The ongoing Nikon lawsuit is about licensing/royalties for Nikon’s underlying Z-mount technology, not this specific Viltrox design patent:

Rumors from China: Nikon is suing Viltrox

Stores and distributors in China are removing all Sirui Z-mount lenses

Detailed report on the Nikon and third-party Chinese Z-mount lens manufacturers

Additional information on the patent:

• Patent Number: CN 309984573
• Application Date: October 31, 2025
• Publication/Grant Date: May 15, 2026

The post Viltrox filed a patent in China that involves the Nikon Z-mount appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Nikon released a new firmware update version 1.81 for the Zfc mirrorless camera with a single fix:

• Fixed an issue where certain operations would cause the monitor to remain blank when [Prioritize viewfinder] is selected for monitor mode.

AkaraLabs released new “Slim Skin” cases for the Nikon Zf and Zfc cameras

Nikon Z-GR1 and Zfc-GR1 extension grips for Zf/Zfc cameras and metal hot shoe covers now available in the US

Godox launched a new Lux Cadet retro camera flash – a perfect fit for Nikon Zf & Zfc cameras

The post Nikon Zfc firmware update version 1.81 released appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association in Japan) published their latest camera production data (orange: 2026, black: 2025, blue: 2024):

April 2026 CIPA numbers by ZoetMB
(All comparisons to YTD 2025)

Narrative: April 2026
April numbers are generally up across most categories.

Compared to YTD 2025:

• DSLR’s are down 31% in units and 39% in shipped value (but that’s a 10% improvement compared to last month)
• Mirrorless units are up 11% in units and 11% in shipped value.
• Compacts are up 30% in units and 26% in shipped value.
• Lenses for smaller than 35mm sensors are up 12% in units and 21% in shipped value and lenses for 35mm and larger sensors are flat in units and up 3% in shipped value.
• The lens to body sales ratio is 1.55 and is the same as a year ago.

We’re predicting total annual sales of between 6.27 and 7.4 million ILC bodies.

A list of participating CIPA companies can be found here.

The post The CIPA numbers for April are out appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

→ Several different Nikon ZR skins in different designs are already available for sale on eBay and AliExpress.

→ Falcam has released a new cage for the Nikon ZR cameras, along with a professional handle that allows for 360° rotation. More Nikon ZR cage options can be found here.

→ The new Ikelite 200DL underwater housing for Nikon ZR is now available for order.

→ Seacam announed an underwater housing for the Nikon ZR camera.

→ ZR CTL is a new ZR control app for Nikon ZR and Z-series cameras.

→ ZineControl is another Nikon Z camera control app designed specifically for filmmakers – it’s currently in beta via TestFlight:

→ Portkeys published instructions on how to connect the LH7C 7″ high-brightness touchscreen monitor with wired control for Nikon ZR.

→ How to power the Nikon ZR camera with Core SWX for any setup: from compact to full rig.

The post The latest Nikon ZR accessories: skins, cages, underwater housings, third-party apps appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

→ The latest Voigtlander lenses for Nikon Z-mount are now in stock:

• Voigtlander APO-LANTHAR 28mm f/2 Aspherical lens
• Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical lens

→ Sandisk announced new Extreme PRO CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory cards (up to 4TB):

• Sequential read performance: up to 3700MB/s
• Sequential write performance: up to 3500MB/s

 
→ Some Sandsik and Lexar memory cards are on sale (see full list).

→ 7Artisans will soon announce three new lenses (see pictures):

• 7Artisans AF 18mm f/2 pancake lens
• 7Artisans AF 10mm f/4 pancake lens
• 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.5 full-frame fisheye lens

→ New: grip for Nikon FM SLR cameras.

→ Reuters Nikon to take on ASML with low-priced chipmaking equipment.

→ Nikon launched a new ECLIPSE LV100AMS one-click automated microscope.

→ Nikon launched the Female Facets 2026 photography competition for female photographers.

→ RED released firmware update version 2.2 for the V-RAPTOR platform, including V-RAPTOR XE.

→ How to setup up Nikon Imaging Cloud.

The post Weekly Nikon news flash #888 appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

After 47 years, Nikon Service Munich filed for bankruptcy/insolvency, and they will be shutting down operations today:

“By order of the Munich District Court, we have been in preliminary insolvency proceedings since March 18, 2026, which will transition into formal insolvency proceedings without any option for continuation on June 1, 2026. The reasons are clear: The managing director (that was me) failed to quickly enough question the expensive downtown location in the face of declining volume and collapsing margins, did not drastically reduce costs at all levels, and did not seek a new business model. The market punishes such behavior ruthlessly. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your many years of loyalty and look back with regret on the many wonderful moments we shared with you and my fantastic team. Thank you also for contributing to the functioning of the exchange of services for income for several decades. We will be closing on May 31, 2026.”

Nikon Service-Point Munich (Dostal & Rudolf GmbH) was a well-known independent Nikon specialist store and authorized service center, offering camera and lens sales (new and used), repairs, maintenance, and expert advice. After its closure, only three official Nikon service points will remain in Germany: Dreieich (near Frankfurt), Dresden, and the main Nikon Deutschland office in Dusseldorf.

The post After 47 years Nikon Service Munich files for bankruptcy/insolvency appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Nikon started a new “Trade Up to ZR and Save” program in the US that also includes Nikkor lenses:

Here is the list of lenses that are part of the new trade-in program (available at B&H Photo, Paul’s Photo, and Service Photo):

The post Nikon started a new “Trade Up to ZR and Save” program in the US that also includes Nikkor lenses appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The upcoming Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens will be tested at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America (Jun 11 – Jul 19 2026) – I was told the lens will be given to select photographers.

Comparing the size of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens with the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S

The upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S 1.4x lens is rumored to be priced around $8,000+

The post Look for the upcoming Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens at the 2026 FIFA World Cup appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

In addition to the AF 56mm f/1.7 Air APS-C lens, Meike also announced a new AF 85mm f/1.4 Ⅱ full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount (previously reported here). Orders are now open at the official Meike online store (coming soon to B&H Photo). The price is $498.

The lens is also available in white and white/black colors:

Here is the current Meike lens lineup:

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 Also announced: new Meike AF 85mm f/1.4 Ⅱ full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount for $498 appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Photographer Taylor Jackson was able to install the classic Doom video game on a Nikon Zf camera (unless the video is fake/AI generated):

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Taylor Jackson (@taylorjackson)

The post Photographer installed Doom on a Nikon Zf camera appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The previously reported Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air APS-C lens for Nikon-Z mount is now officially released and available for purchase:

• US: B&H Photo
• Worldwide: Meike store

Update – Meike also announced a new AF 85mm f/1.4 Ⅱ full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount:

Also announced: new Meike AF 85mm f/1.4 Ⅱ full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount for $498

Additional information on the new Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air APS-C lens:

• APS-C | f/1.7 to f/16
• 85mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
• Fast Compact Prime
• STM Stepping Motor
• 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Weight: 6.7 oz

Here is the current Meike lens lineup:

The post Meike AF 56mm f/1.7 Air APS-C lens for Nikon-Z mount released and available for order for $159 appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Last month, on May 16th, I reported that Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited (MRMC), a former Nikon company, had filed for bankruptcy/liquidation. At that point, I could not find any confirmation from my sources, but I can now report that Mark Roberts Motion Control Ltd entered bankruptcy/liquidation on May 22nd, 2026:

The former Nikon company Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited (MRMC) is not in bankruptcy/administration

In April, Nikon announced it was selling Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited (MRMC) to a UK-based investment company. A month later, MRMC filed for bankruptcy/liquidation. You can draw your own conclusions here.

Nikon to sell MRMC to an investment company

No detailed public information is yet available on the exact reasons for failure (e.g., debts, trading losses post-buyout), but the rapid timeline after the private equity-style buyout has raised questions in industry circles.

Update: my understanding is that all employees were laid off.

The post The rumors were true: Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited (MRMC) has filed for bankruptcy/liquidation a month after Nikon sold it appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens with the Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S (currently $2,000 off) by Michna:

The upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S 1.4x lens is rumored to be priced around $8,000+

Nikon officially announced the development of a new Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter

The post Comparing the size of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens with the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Lensbaby recently announced a new Petzval-inspired Twist 28mm f/3.5 full-frame manual-focus pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount with a classic swirling character for $190 (all Lensbaby lenses for Nikon Z-mount can be found here):

• Pre-orders: B&H Photo
• Petzval-inspired swirl
• Fixed f/3.5 aperture
• Lens design: 4 elements in 3 groups
• Antireflective multicoated lens element
• Weight: 140g
• Minimum focusing distance: 200mm (8 inches)
• Price: $190
• Additional information:

The Twist 28 draws on 19th-century Petzval optical design, which produces a sharp center of focus with a swirling blur effect in the outer portions of the frame. At 28mm, this optical characteristic applies across a wider field of view than prior Twist lenses, which photographers have used to create layered, motion-influenced images in tighter focal lengths.

Lensbaby also offers an additional bamboo case for the Twist 28 lens:

Sample photos taken with the Lensbaby Twist 28mm f/3.5 lens:

Via PhotoRumors

The post New: Lensbaby Twist 28mm f/3.5 full-frame manual-focus pancake lens for Nikon Z-mount ($190) appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Here are the latest Godox products (several Godox flashes for Nikon are currently on sale):

Godox MF-T76N macro twin flash for Nikon cameras.

Godox EazyFlow foldable softboxes.

Godox LED video flash light FL15Bi.

Godox ML40Bi Bi-Color Portable LED Light

Godox received Red Dot Design awards for the iT32, iT30Pro, X3Pro, and ML80Bi flashes.

The post The latest Godox products appeared first on Nikon Rumors.