Nikon Rumors

Not again: “some believe that Luxottica’s large holding of Nikon shares is a stepping stone to an acquisition” (source: Yahoo Japan)

By [NR] admin | Published: August 23, 2026

A recent Japanese article (Bunshun Online / Bungeishunju magazine’s “Marunouchi Confidential” column from mid-August 2026) mentioned again the speculation about a potential Luxottica acquisition of Nikon. The article notes Nikon’s large losses for the fiscal year ending March 2026. Against that backdrop of restructuring and a new president, the article states that EssilorLuxottica (known for Ray-Ban) has rapidly increased its stake toward 20%, and that “some believe that Luxottica’s large holding of Nikon shares is a stepping stone to an acquisition”. You can read the article on Yahoo Japan (behind a paywall). Here is the relevant quote:

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged Essilor Luxottica| 12 Comments

Field tips: planning a successful tiger safari

By [NR] admin | Published: August 22, 2026

This article “Field Tips: Planning a Successful Tiger Safari” is by Des Ong (Website | Facebook | Instagram, see also his previous guest posts):

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged Des Ong, [NR] Guest Posts| 20 Comments

TTartisan AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo lens for Nikon Z-mount is now available for $99 and with free worldwide shipping

By [NR] admin | Published: August 20, 2026

The previously reported TTartisan AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo lens for Nikon Z-mount is now officially announced. The Neo series focuses on lightweight, affordable autofocus lenses (weight: 332–338g, price: $99 with free shipping when purchased from the official store):

US Orders: B&H Photo
Worldwide: TTartisan Store (use code RUMORS for 5% off)
Full-frame 85mm Focal Length
332g-338g Lightweight Design
F1.8 Large Aperture
0.8m Minimum Focusing Distance
Comes with a Lens Hood
US addresses ship from US warehouse

Here are the details on the new lens:

Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged Chinese lenses for Nikon cameras, third party lenses for Nikon Z-mount, TTartisan, TTartisan 85mm f/1.8, TTArtisan Neo| 109 Comments

Nikon USA rebates for August 2026: new Z6 III trade-in program

By [NR] admin | Published: August 19, 2026

Nikon USA started a new Z6 III trade-in program that gives you a $200 bonus plus up to $800 in instant savings on a new Z6 III camera. You can trade in any working digital interchangeable-lens camera. This offer is valid through August 30, 2026.

Here is the full list of Nikon USA rebates for August:

Rebates by categories (see full list):

I have not seen one of those in a while – Nikon is currently running a sale on eBay where you can save up to 30% on select gear, including cameras, lenses, binoculars, and rangefinders. The items are sold by BuyDig (see all Nikon listings at BuyDig), an authorized Nikon dealer (USA warranty). Some listings are marked as “Certified Refurbished”:

Refurbished Nikon gear is also sold at B&H Photo.

Posted in Deals| Tagged lens only rebates, Nikkor Z-mount lens only rebates, Nikon Rebates, Nikon Z rebates, trade-in| 32 Comments

Should you buy a used Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR or go modern with the Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens: a real‑world comparison

By [NR] admin | Published: August 18, 2026

The post Should you buy a used Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR ($1,750) or go modern with the Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens ($2,096): a real‑world comparison is by Gergely, a wildlife, nature, and sports photographer. You can read more of his gear breakdowns and field tests on his website, view his portfolio on Flickr, or watch his documentaries on YouTube.

Posted in Nikon Lenses, [NR] Reviews| Tagged Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, [NR] Guest Posts| 67 Comments

Nikon released new firmware updates for the Coolpix P1000 & Z5II cameras

By [NR] admin | Published: August 17, 2026

Nikon released a new firmware update version 1.9 for the Coolpix P1000 super-zoom camera with a single fix:

Fixed an issue where, in rare circumstances, the camera would stop responding when adjusting zoom during burst photography.

Nikon also released a new firmware update version 1.20 for the Z5II mirrorless full-frame camera with multiple fixes:

Posted in Nikon Point and Shoot, Nikon Z5II| Tagged Firmware updates, Nikon Coolpix P1000, Nikon Z5II| 28 Comments

Wildlife photography with the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount: a different perspective

By [NR] admin | Published: August 17, 2026

This guest post on using the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount (order at B&H Photo in the US and the 7Artisans store for international shipping) for wildlife photography in the Manu National Park, Peru, is by the Spanish professional wildlife photographer Francis De Andrés (Website | Instagram):