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:
Not again: “some believe that Luxottica’s large holding of Nikon shares is a stepping stone to an acquisition” (source: Yahoo Japan)
Field tips: planning a successful tiger safari
This article “Field Tips: Planning a Successful Tiger Safari” is by Des Ong (Website | Facebook | Instagram, see also his previous guest posts):
TTartisan AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo lens for Nikon Z-mount is now available for $99 and with free worldwide shipping
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:
Nikon USA rebates for August 2026: new Z6 III trade-in program
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):
- Mirrorless Cameras
- Mirrorless Lenses
- Nikon ZR
- DSLR Cameras
- DSLR Lenses
- Accessories
- Nikon Binoculars
- Nikon Z5II trade-in
- Nikon ZR trade-in
- Nikon Z6 III trade-in
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 36 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
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 74 Comments
Nikon released new firmware updates for the Coolpix P1000 & Z5II cameras
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 31 Comments
Wildlife photography with the 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 lens for Nikon Z-mount: a different perspective
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):
