What Gear Could Nikon Announce in 2025?

As the camera industry continues to evolve, Nikon finds itself at a pivotal moment. The transition to mirrorless cameras has been largely successful, with the Z-mount gaining traction among professionals and enthusiasts alike. However, to maintain momentum and excitement, Nikon will need to expand its lineup strategically in 2025. Here’s a look at what gear Nikon could—and perhaps should—announce to captivate photographers in the coming year.

Cameras

1. Nikon Z8s and Z9 II

Building on the success of the Z8 and Z9, Nikon could introduce updated versions of these flagship cameras. Expected improvements might include:

  • Z8s: Incremental upgrades such as a new sensor with enhanced low-light performance, faster burst rates (20-30 fps with RAW), and improved video capabilities (e.g., 8K at 60fps with ProRes RAW).
  • Z9 II: Advanced cooling for extended video recording, a more robust autofocus system, and dual CFexpress Type B card slots with faster write speeds.

2. Nikon Z7 III

Nikon Z7 II is due for updates. The next generation could include:

  • A stacked sensor for faster readout speeds and minimal rolling shutter.
  • 4K 120fps and 6K video with 10-bit internal recording.
  • Enhanced autofocus with AI-powered subject recognition and tracking.
  • Fully articulating touchscreens for improved usability.

3. Nikon Zf II

Following the likely success of the retro-styled Zf, Nikon could release a second iteration in 2025. This model might feature:

  • A 33MP sensor for higher resolution.
  • Improved IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) performance.
  • Customizable dials for enhanced tactile control.

4. Nikon Z APS-C Flagship

To appeal to wildlife and sports photographers seeking lighter gear, Nikon could introduce a high-performance APS-C mirrorless camera:

  • 32-36MP sensor for excellent reach and detail.
  • 15 fps mechanical shutter and 30 fps electronic shutter.
  • Dual card slots and weather-sealing for rugged use.

5. Nikon Z1 (Entry-Level Full-Frame)

An affordable entry-level full-frame camera could help Nikon attract new users:

  • 24MP sensor.
  • Minimalist design with limited physical controls.
  • Competitive pricing to rival the Canon EOS R8.

Lenses

1. Super-Telephoto Primes

Nikon could expand its lineup of Z-mount super-telephoto primes:

  • 400mm f/4: Compact and relatively lightweight, ideal for wildlife and sports.
  • 600mm f/4: A professional-grade lens for extreme telephoto needs.
  • 800mm f/5.6: Lightweight compared to DSLR equivalents, appealing to bird photographers.

2. Affordable Telephoto Zooms

To attract budget-conscious photographers, Nikon could introduce:

  • 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3: A versatile lens for enthusiasts.
  • 200-600mm f/6.3: A more affordable alternative to the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3, targeting hobbyist wildlife shooters.

3. Compact Primes

The Z-mount system could benefit from compact primes for street and travel photographers:

  • 24mm f/2.8: Ultra-light and compact for everyday use.
  • 35mm f/1.8 Pancake: A portable lens for versatile shooting.
  • 50mm f/2: A budget-friendly standard prime.

4. Professional Zooms

Nikon could release more professional-grade zooms with faster apertures:

  • 12-24mm f/2.8 S: Ultra-wide for architecture and landscape.
  • 24-85mm f/2.8: A versatile walkaround zoom with consistent brightness.
  • 70-200mm f/2 S: A groundbreaking lens for portrait and sports photographers.

5. Macro Lenses

Expanding the macro lineup could include:

  • 105mm f/2.8 Macro S: With VR and enhanced sharpness for studio and nature photography.
  • 60mm f/2.8 Macro: Compact and versatile for close-up and general use.

Accessories

1. Improved Battery Grips

Battery grips with additional controls, improved ergonomics, and hot-swappable batteries would enhance usability for professionals.

2. AI-Powered Viewfinder

A high-resolution EVF with built-in AI features, such as subject highlighting and augmented reality overlays, could revolutionize the shooting experience.

3. Modular Accessories

Modules that add functionality—such as XLR inputs for audio, larger displays for video monitoring, or advanced flash control—could cater to hybrid shooters.

4. CFexpress Type C Cards

New, faster memory cards compatible with CFexpress slots could improve workflow for high-resolution video and continuous shooting.

Innovations to Watch

Nikon may also venture into innovative technologies, such as:

  • Computational Photography: Features like enhanced HDR, focus stacking, and automated pano stitching could differentiate Nikon from competitors.
  • AI Autofocus Updates: Firmware updates with AI-powered improvements could make existing cameras even better.
  • Wireless Tethering and Cloud Integration: Nikon could introduce robust cloud workflows and wireless tethering solutions for instant file sharing and editing.

Conclusion

Nikon’s announcements in 2025 could redefine its market position. By balancing updates to its professional-grade cameras with fresh offerings for enthusiasts and newcomers, Nikon has the potential to excite and expand its user base. With cutting-edge lenses, innovative features, and strategic pricing, the future of Nikon’s Z-mount system looks brighter than ever. The key will be to stay ahead of the competition while catering to the diverse needs of modern photographers and videographers.

Advertisement:

Nikon Interview at the 2024 Photo Show: “The Z6 III is more the little brother of the Z8 than a direct successor to the Z6 II”

The French website Phototrend had a chat with Nicolas Gillet, Marketing and Communications Director at Nikon France. Here are a couple of notes about what he said:

  • More generally, the market fell a little on the full frame at the beginning of the year. It has stabilized in recent months, but the market is such that today, the launch of a new product can change the size of the market punctually.
  • Over 12 cumulative rolling months, the Nikon Z8 is the first in our portfolio. The Nikon Zf comes behind, because these are products that have lived for 12 months so it obviously counts. The Nikon Z6 III is also doing very well: it has only 2-3 months of sales and we are very confident.
  • We are on a sort of compromise between price and performance, which allows us to put a much more modern sensor in this Z6 range. This makes us say that the Z6 III is rather the little brother of the Z8 than a direct successor to the Z6 II.

LEAKED image of the new Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III VXD 1:1 MACRO Z lens to be announced on September 26

On September 26 at 6am London time Tamron will launch their next new Full Frame lens. It’s the 90mm F2.8 Di III VXD 1:1 MACRO.

Press text:

TAMRON 90mm F2.8 Di III VXD 1:1 MACRO for SONY E-MOUNT & NIKON Z MOUNT (Model F072)
TAMRON’s Legendary 90mm Macro is Reborn for Mirrorless

TAMRON’s new 90mm F2.8 MACRO for full-frame mirrorless offers unparalleled sharpness from center to edge and a velvety bokeh effect. TAMRON introduces its first 12-blade circular aperture, ensuring perfectly circular bokeh and minimal vignetting especially in the macro range. The 12-blade design creates 12 rays for stunning starburst effects when stopped down, making it ideal for dramatic images with point light sources. This compact mid-telephoto macro is just 126.5mm (5″) long and weighs 630g (22.2oz.), has a maximum diameter of 079.2mm. It fits comfortably in the palm making it easy to hold for long periods of time. The lens is equipped with a focus limiter switch that can restrict the AF focus range, enabling faster focusing during AF shooting. This feature also helps prevent the lens from searching focus in full range when losing focus during close-range AF photography. The rotational torque of the focus ring has been carefully calibrated to assist with precise Manual Focus operation. SonyAlphaRumors
This moderate torque makes fine-tuning the focus more exact and ensures that the results are accurate. The new hood design with a sliding window for easy filter use lets photographers rotate filters without removing the hood. The 90mm F2.8 MACRO is compatible with the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software. It lets users change lens settings, assign camera functions and update firmware when necessary. In addition, the mobile version is especially useful for macro photography where a tripod is often used. Users may customize functions for various still photography and videography shooting styles. This lens excels in macro, landscape, and portrait photography, offering unique photographic expressions across genres.

Key Features

  • High optical performance and image reproduction
  • Outstanding Flat-Field performance
  • TAMRON’s first 12-blade circular aperture for stunning circular bokeh and starburst effects
  • Compact size, just 126.5mm (5″) long and 630g (22.2 oz.)
  • New hood design with sliding window for easy filter rotationSAR
  • High-speed and high-precision VXD AF with superb subject tracking performance
  • Precise torque for comfortable MF operation
  • Focus limit switch to prevent loss of AF during close-up shots
  • Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility for lens function customization and firmware updates
  • Focus Set Button for assigning camera function and TAMRON Lens Utility function -Moisture-Resistant Construction and BBAR-G2 and Fluorine Coating
  • Ø67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras

Specifications of the 90mm Di Ill

  • Maximum Aperture F2.8
  • Minimum Aperture F16
  • Diagonal Angle of View 27° 2′ (for full-frame mirrorless format)
  • Lens Construction 15 elements, 12 groups (4 LD lens elements)
  • Filter Diameter 67mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance 0.23m/9.1″
  • Max. Mag. Ratio 1:1
  • Maximum Diameter 079.2mm
  • Length* 126.5mm/5′
  • Weight* 630g/22.2oz.
  • Diaphragm Blades 12 (circular diaphragm)
  • Standard Accessory Round-shaped hood with filter effect control window and caps
  • Compatible Mount Sony E & Nikon Z mount

*Length and weight are for Sony E-Mount

Compared with the Sony the Tamron can focus 5cm closer (23cm vs 28cm), has 12 blades instead of 9. I suspect price will be lower too.

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Thanks to the source for sending me this!