Nikon has announced the release of the lightweight NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering a versatile focal range, close-up capabilities, and features like quiet autofocus and dust resistance, making it ideal for various photography situations and portable shooting.
Map Camera's best-selling lenses of 2025 reveal a preference for versatile zooms, professional-grade lenses, and affordable primes, with Nikon leading in multiple categories, and popular models including the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, and Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM.
Nikon had an impressive 2025 with the launch of new cameras like the Z5 II and ZR, innovative lenses including the 28-135mm PZ and 35mm f/1.2, and the integration of RED technology, solidifying its resurgence in both photography and videography markets, earning an A- grade for the year.
Nikon's 12x25 S image-stabilized binoculars are highly praised for their compact size, lightweight design, and effective stabilization, making them ideal for wildlife watching and stargazing. Currently discounted for Black Friday, they offer excellent value despite some minor optical compromises.
Nikon has announced two new APS-C lenses: the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR, a versatile standard zoom with improved light gathering and macro capabilities, and the Nikkor Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7, a macro-capable prime lens ideal for low-light and portrait photography. Both lenses are set to be available in late October 2025, priced at $899.95 and $449.95 respectively.
Tamron is launching its versatile 18-300mm all-in-one zoom lens for Canon RF and Nikon Z APS-C mirrorless cameras on September 26, priced at $629 in the US and $849 in Canada, offering a wide zoom range, autofocus, image stabilization, and weather resistance, similar to previous versions for other mounts.
Nikon announced that due to US tariffs on Chinese-made goods, its camera prices will increase starting June 23, 2025, affecting the company's profits and prompting similar moves by other camera brands like Canon, Sony, and Leica.
The 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards celebrated humorous wildlife photography, with Milko Marchetti's "Stuck squirrel" winning the overall prize. The contest received over 9,000 entries, showcasing the lighter side of nature. Marchetti's winning photo, taken in Italy, captures a squirrel in a seemingly awkward position, delighting audiences with its comedic timing. Other notable winners include a "dancing" mantis and an eagle shaking its feathers. Marchetti's prize includes a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara, promising more photographic adventures.
An image of a squirrel stuck in a tree, captured by Milko Marchetti, has won the overall prize at the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, chosen from over 9,000 entries. The competition, in its 10th year, also recognized a frog in a bubble and a bream chasing a bald eagle among its category winners. Other notable winners include Kingston Tam for the Nikon Young Photographer Award and 10-year-old Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb for the Portfolio category. The awards celebrate the humorous and unpredictable moments in nature.
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2024 has announced its winners, with Milko Marchetti's photo of a squirrel appearing 'stuck' in a tree taking the top prize. The competition highlights humorous wildlife photography from around the world, featuring images like smooching owlets and a mantis practicing flamenco. The winning photos will be displayed at Gallery@Oxo Tower Wharf in London from December 11-15, 2024. Entries for the 2025 competition open in March 2025.
CNN Underscored tested various binoculars under $500 to find the best options for birdwatching and sports viewing. The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 emerged as the top choice for its crystal-clear views, durability, and ease of use, while the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8x32 was praised for its compact size and portability. The article emphasizes that spending between $200-$400 can secure a quality optic, with the Nikon Monarch M5 offering the best value for its price.
The Nikon Z50 II, while not a direct successor to the highly regarded Nikon D500, evokes similar qualities that appeal to sports and wildlife photographers. The D500, a powerful DX DSLR, remains a benchmark for Nikon's F-mount cameras, and the Z50 II channels some of its strengths, making it a compelling option in the APS-C mirrorless market.
Nikon has clarified that its newly announced camera should be referred to as the Nikon Z50II, not the Z50 Mark II, emphasizing the absence of 'Mark' in its name. Additionally, the official documentation consistently uses 'Z50II' without a space, deviating from the usual Z-series naming convention. This has raised questions about whether this was an intentional change or a marketing oversight.
Nikon has unveiled the Z50II, an upgraded version of its entry-level mirrorless camera, featuring a new image processor and a dedicated button for accessing 31 film-inspired color styles. The camera, priced at $909.95 for the body, offers enhanced shooting capabilities, including improved autofocus, 4K video at 60 fps, and a brighter electronic viewfinder. It also introduces features like a waveform monitor and a "Product Review Mode." The Z50II will be available in late November, with lens bundles also offered.
The Nikon Z50 II is a robust entry-level camera aimed at beginners transitioning from smartphones, offering a solid design and advanced features. Despite retaining the older 20-megapixel APS-C sensor, it includes the latest EXPEED 7 processor, improved autofocus, and enhanced video capabilities with 10-bit video and N-Log support. The camera's ergonomic design, customizable picture controls, and hybrid functionality make it suitable for both photography and videography, though it lacks in-body stabilization and features a basic display. Priced at $959.95, it provides a capable option for new users.