It seems that Nikon lost the patent infringement lawsuit against Viltrox in China

By [NR] admin | Published: July 28, 2026


Several readers have contacted me to report that Nikon’s Chinese Z-mount patent (202010127062.4) was declared fully invalid by CNIPA. I have very limited informtion on this, and no official source, so here is the AI recap based on the tips I received (see previous coverage of the Nikon vs. Viltrox lawsuit):

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Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged , , | 52 Comments

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art lens tested on the Nikon Zf & Z9

By [NR] admin | Published: July 28, 2026




This Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art lens ($1,059) reviewed on the Nikon Zf & Z9 cameras with a Megadap Pro+ adapter is by Dariusz Breś (Instagram | Facebook | Flickr | Previous posts):

I’ve had too many 35mm lenses to count: big and small, heavy and light, light and dark… No wonder, it’s the standard focal length in the world of prime lenses. Today I’ll be reviewing just such a standard: the second installment of the 35 Art line, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG II Art lens.

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Posted in Nikon Lenses, [NR] Reviews| Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

DIY handgrip for Nikon Z6III cameras

By [NR] admin | Published: July 28, 2026

A reader sent me his DIY project. For a long time, Johann F. Saba from Germany used the Meike handgrip for the Nikon Z6 and Z6II, but there is nothing like it available for the Nikon Z6III. He purchased a SmallRig cage for the Nikon Z6III, cut away the left and top parts, sanded them down smooth, and applied the same black paint. Here is the result:

In the past, I have covered several handgrip/bracket options for Nikon Z6III cameras – see this post for the full list:

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Posted in Nikon Z6III| Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Cooke SP3 & AP3 cinema lenses now available also for Nikon Z-mount

By [NR] admin | Published: July 28, 2026



Cooke Optics announced today that its Cooke SP3 and Cooke AP3 cinema lenses will also be available for Nikon Z-mount:

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Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Is the Z in Nikon Z just the letter N rotated at 90 degrees?

By [NR] admin | Published: July 27, 2026



Ever noticed something a little too perfect about the Nikon Z logo? The brand name Nikon contains two N letters. Is the Z in Nikon Z just the capital letter N rotated at 90 degrees clockwise (or counterclockwise)? Z with 2 lines for the double NN? Nikon’s official explanation never mentions this. In the original 2018 announcement, they wrote:

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Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 81 Comments

Weekly Nikon news flash #896

By [NR] admin | Published: July 26, 2026


→ The new Peak Design modular field L-bracket system for Nikon cameras has already raised almost $500k on Kickstarter (additional information).


→ The excellent Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens is now $1,600 off (see all current rebates).


→ The Atomos Ninja TX GO 5.2″ HDMI Wi-Fi-enabled camera monitor/recorder is now $240 off.


→ Nikon Lunch & Learn (free) on Wednesday, July 29, at noon at Paul’s Photo.


→ The current Nikon UK rebates are ending next week.

→ 7Artisans will announce a new AF 10mm f/2.5 full-frame fisheye lens for Nikon Z-mount (additional information).

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Posted in Weekly Nikon News Flash| Tagged | 68 Comments

Meike 24mm f/1.4 MIX lens review: a budget wide-angle that punches above its weight

By [NR] admin | Published: July 26, 2026


This Meike 24mm f/1.4 MIX lens review is by Daniel Kuhn (Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn):

Meike 24mm f/1.4 MIX Review: A Budget Wide-Angle That Punches Above Its Weight

Wide-angle prime lenses often force photographers into a difficult choice: pay flagship prices for premium optics or settle for noticeable image-quality compromises. The Meike 24mm f/1.4 MIX challenges that assumption by offering a fast aperture, modern autofocus, and professional-grade construction at a significantly lower price than many established competitors.

After extensive real-world testing in portrait, fashion, street, and astrophotography, the lens proves to be much more than another affordable alternative. It delivers impressive center sharpness already at f/1.4, with corner performance improving quickly as the lens is stopped down. Contrast remains strong, colors are pleasing, and the eleven-blade aperture produces smooth, natural-looking bokeh that is rarely associated with wide-angle lenses in this price class.

Build quality is another pleasant surprise. The all-metal construction feels robust without becoming excessively heavy, weather sealing inspires confidence outdoors, and the dedicated aperture ring adds a tactile shooting experience that many photographers still appreciate. Autofocus performs quietly and reliably, making the lens equally suitable for still photography and video work.

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Posted in Nikon Lenses, [NR] Reviews| Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments