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

NASA released new photos (Artemis II multimedia | Artemis II gallery) taken before, during, and after the Artemis II mission around the moon. On this timeline, you can toggle between the pictures taken with the Nikon Z9 and Nikon D5 cameras.

NASA only uses flight-qualified or previously validated cameras for its missions, based on thermal behavior, vacuum, radiation, and vibration tolerance, as well as glove-controlled operation, etc. Back in 2022, NASA also tested the Nikon D6, Canon R6, and Nikon Z7II models, but they were not selected for flight, largely because NASA prioritized proven reliability and high-ISO performance over newer specs. For more details, you can check the NASA Handheld Camera Initial Test Results (download the PowerPoint presentation) – here are some of the slides:

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Posted in Nikon D5, Nikon Z9| Tagged , | 24 Comments

Nikon renewed its yellow Land Cruiser cross-country tour for a second year – here are the new locations


Nikon renewed its yellow Land Cruiser cross-country tour for a second year – here are the new locations for 2026:

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Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 37 Comments

Nikon USA rebates for May remain unchanged


Nikon USA rebates for May remain unchanged – see the details at:

The European Nikon rebates can be found here:

May the 4th be with you!

Full list of discounted Nikon gear in the USA:

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Posted in Deals| Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Weekly Nikon news flash #884

 
→ The new Leitz Cine HEKTOR lenses for Nikon Z-mount are now in stock (additional information).



→ Think Tank Photo released new PhotoCross Sling V2 camera bags (check the official website for additional information).


→ Additional information on the upcoming Thypoch Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8 lens for Z-mount (the first Chinese full-frame autofocus constant-aperture zoom lens).


MonsterAdapter released an experimental firmware update version 1.2 for the Monster Adapter LA-FZ1 Nikon F lens to Nikon Z-mount camera adapter, which enables autofocus support for Nikonos RS lenses.


Topaz Labs released 6 new models for their photo and video apps (Topaz StudioTopaz Photo, and Topaz Video). Additional information is available here.


→ This “rumor” is making the rounds online: new Nikon NIKKOR 18-200 f/5.6-8 lens. I think the picture is AI-generated.


Magnum photographer Raghu Rai was cremated with his Nikon Z8 camera.

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Posted in Weekly Nikon News Flash| 29 Comments

Nikon Reflex Nikkor 2000mm f/11 lens review by Jo Geier



 
 
Jo Geier published a review with sample photos taken with the Nikon Reflex Nikkor 2000mm f/11 lens (see eBay listing of this lens). Here is a recap:

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Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged | 91 Comments

Do not buy Nikon gear from Best Buy unless you plan to keep it – they have a 15% restocking fee


Do not buy Nikon gear from Best Buy unless you are really planning to keep it – a reader recently reminded me that Best Buy has a 15% restocking fee for drones, digital cameras, camera lenses, camcorders, action cameras, and many other products:

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Posted in Other Nikon stuff| 18 Comments

What’s new on Kickstarter?


Here are the latest photography-related Kickstarter crowdfunding projects:


New: Viperpod full-size tripod that doesn’t rely on the ground: $45,076 raised of $10,000 goal with 133 backers and 32 days to go.


NEWProWrapp Impact+ gear wrapper with max shock resistance: $34,926 raised of $6,416 goal by 329 backers with 14 days to go.


New: Reeflex 300–600mm telephoto lens for smartphones: $448,731 raised of $11,665 goal by 1,332 backers with 26 days to go.


“I’m Back Roll” digital back sensor for film cameras: $894,481 raised of $6,416 goal with 329 backers and 14 days to go. Additional information on this project can be found here and here.


Rewindpix non-disposable digital “Film” camera: $890,941 raised of $15,000 goal from 6,377 backers with 10 days to go.


CamCast turns your camera into a smart, connected system (late pledge available)


Yashica pocket camcorder (late pledge available)

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 43 Comments