Nikon Rumors has revealed an up to date listing of Nikon {hardware} and its nation of origin, however for those who’ve not stored tabs on the legendary Tokyo-based model’s actions over the previous few years, you is likely to be a little bit stunned to study that the ‘Large N’ determined to cease making cameras in Japan a number of years in the past and that solely a choose few lenses are nonetheless manufactured domestically.
The lion’s share of Nikon’s mirrorless {hardware} is made in Thailand – together with all of its Z-Sequence cameras – however an growing variety of lenses (18 to be precise) are being manufactured in China, too. And for those who’ve been stunned by the standard of optics from Chinese language manufacturers resembling 7Artisans and Viltrox, you will not be stunned to listen to that Nikon optics made in China nonetheless boast the ‘Large N’s’ legendary high quality.
I purchased my beloved Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR – one of many greatest lenses for fowl pictures – with none thought as to the place it was made, and its high quality is difficult to beat. The zoom ring and management ring transfer fluidly, nothing rattles and the entire thing feels strong as heck, particularly due to that premium-feeling inside zoom.
The Z-mount ushered in a brand new period of producing for Nikon because it moved the lion’s share of its manufacturing from Japan to Thailand and China (Picture credit score: Nikon)
And whilst you can moan about Nikon gear dropping a few of its ‘mojo’ by being manufactured exterior of Japan, you possibly can’t argue with the costs. The Z 180-600mm is an unimaginable deal for a full-frame, super-telephoto lens in 2024. I feel it is revolutionized the standard of long-range lenses which can be an achievable buy for the common fanatic, besting the already superb Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.
China’s churning out some critical S-Line optics, too. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a merely sublime-quality lens, as is the mammoth Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S. I all the time thought it was a slight disgrace that the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S isn’t made in Japan (it’s made in Thailand) on condition that the remainder of the S-Line ‘holy trinity’ – Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S – is constructed there. However Thailand churns out top-quality optics, too.
It did initially shock me that Nikon determined to maneuver all digicam manufacturing to Thailand – even the flagship Nikon Z9 is made there. But it surely would not appear to have damage digicam gross sales and it definitely did not cease me from choosing up my Nikon Z8. Total, the manufacturing shift hasn’t impacted my day-to-day as a Nikon photographer.
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If I am being solely trustworthy, I can not assist however really feel {that a} digicam or lens made in Japan – the undisputed king or queen of photographic manufacturing – has that little bit of additional pizazz. However does it ache me to be utilizing pro-grade Nikon equipment manufactured in Thailand and China? No, by no means.
It’s nonetheless implausible, it’s nonetheless dependable and it’s nonetheless Nikon.
