Nikon Rumors

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

By [NR] admin | Published: May 7, 2026

As part of May’s rebates, Nikon USA also reduced the price of the wireless close-up Speedlight system – now up to $300 off:

The Nikon R1C1 wireless close-up Speedlight system is compatible with Nikon DSLRs and Z-series mirrorless cameras that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and i-TTL, including the Z5, Z6, Z6II, Z6III, Z7, Z7II, Z8, Z9, Z50, Zf, and Zfc.

Update: (today only) the SmallRig EN-EL15c USB-C battery (for Nikon Zf, Z8, Z7 II, Z7, Z6 III, Z6 II, Z6, Z5, D850, D810, D810A, D780, D750, D610, D500, D7500, and D7200 cameras) is now more than 50% off:

Posted in Deals, Nikon Flashes| 58 Comments

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

By [NR] admin | Published: May 7, 2026

The new Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter is rumored to be priced in the $8,000 range. This is not confirmed, and it is just the initial informtion I received. Nikon may adjust the price prior to announcement based on the latest geopolitical developments.

B&H Photo currently does not list a price on their product listing page.

The new 120-300mm lens is expected to be officially released by the end of 2026. Keep in mind that the release timeframe has not been finalized, and there may be delays.

The old Nikon Nikkor AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens for F-mount (now discontinued) was priced at $9,499.95 when announced back in 2020. Nikon USA was recently selling that lens for $6,649.95, so $8-9k for the new Z-mount version is possible given the latest technologies and the advantages of the Z-mount:

Similar lenses for comparison:

Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens: $10,599
Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4: $7,805
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM: $3,599

Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens| 63 Comments

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

By [NR] admin | Published: May 7, 2026

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 (check B&H Photo for pricing). I just mentioned this lens in my “What to expect next from Nikon” post earlier today. The lens has actually been rumored for months – see also the leaked pictures I reported in January:

Here is the official word from Nikon:

Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens| 150 Comments

What to expect next from Nikon (updated May 2026)

By [NR] admin | Published: May 6, 2026

Here is an updated list of what to expect next from Nikon (see previous reports):

Cameras

Nikon Z9II: now coming in 2027 with heavy RED integration, which I think is the reason for the delay (see rumored specifications).
Nikon mirrorless camera without a viewfinder: designed for photography (similar to, or based on the ZR). This could also be a new Nikon compact full-frame fixed lens camera.
Nikon APS-C camera: most likely a new top-of-the-line/high-end DX model. The Z30 is already up for replacement – it was first announced in June 2022. There were some unconfirmed reports that this could be a mini-Nikon ZR model with some RED tech inside. The RED Komodo, for example, features a Super 35mm sensor, commonly regarded as an APS-C equivalent (it’s slightly larger than a typical APS-C sensor).

Lenses

New/cheaper 14-24mm, 14mm, or similar wide-angle lens as a companion to the new 24-105mm – to be paired with the Z5II (not a replacement for the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens).
New Nikon 16-35mm lens or a similar lens designed for vloggers.
Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens expected in the second half of 2026 (not confirmed).
Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.4 (to match/complete the 35mm/50mm f/1.4 lenses) expected later (may not arrive in 2026).
More Nikkor Z cinema lenses – this has been reported for months.

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged what to expect| 134 Comments

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

By [NR] admin | Published: May 5, 2026

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: