So today, Nikon is announcing commemorative editions of a lot of their really good products. This is commemorate the fact that the company is now 100 years old. To that end, all of these new products are collectors editions and, well, I guess they’re exciting. But nowhere as exciting as a new camera.
Any way, the press release and all the details and photos are after the jump.
TOKYO (April 3, 2017 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of commemorative models and goods celebrating Nikon’s 100th Anniversary, which falls on July 25, 2017. These special items will be available only in limited quantities; More information including prices and availabilty will be announced in June 2017.
Since its establishment (as Nippon Kogaku K.K.) in 1917, Nikon has provided the world with unique value through its optical products based on optical and precision technologies. 100th anniversary commemorative models have been planned and developed with the tradition and advanced technologies, which have always led the times, that Nikon has cultivated over the past 100 years at their foundation, but they also incorporate the thanks and hope we feel looking toward the next 100 years. All commemorative items with the 100th Anniversary logo and special finishes and features that give them an even more elegant look and feel will be released. They are commemorative editions of our two flagship digital SLR cameras, a commemorative edition of the ultimate NIKKOR lens in our series of f/2.8 maximum aperture lenses, a commemorative set of three NIKKOR lenses, and finally, commemorative editions of three binoculars. In addition to the 100th anniversary commemorative models, we are also preparing a special collection of commemorative goods.
See our 100th Anniversary site for further details.
D5 100th Anniversary Edition
The D5 is Nikon’s flagship FX-format digital SLR camera. It has supported the work of professional photographers in such fields as press, sports, and nature photography, and has also aided in activities related to the study and exploration of space. The D5 100th Anniversary Edition, in which the heritage of a flagship model is embodied, has a dark metallic gray finish and a stamp on the bottom noting Nikonâs contribution to the study and exploration of space. An anniversary booklet detailing Nikonâs contributions to the study and exploration of space is also included.
D500 100th Anniversary Edition
The D500 is the DX-format flagship that offers both agility and highly precise rendering. With its metallic gray finish and commemorative logo, the 100th Anniversary Edition combines an elegant look and feel with practicality. It comes with an exclusive metal case that has a plate on which the commemorative logo and serial number are engraved. The case contains a commemorative body cap and a commemorative leather strap embossed with the commemorative logo.
NIKKOR 70-200E 100th Anniversary Edition
This is the 100th anniversary edition of the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, a fast telephoto zoom lens that has been well received for its ability to offer both superior agility and excellent optical performance since its release in 2016. The commemorative lens comes with the individual glass elements that make up the internal workings of the lens, as well as a special stand and case for displaying them, providing those who purchase and use the lens with a sense of just how the lens achieves its characteristic rendering.
NIKKOR Triple F2.8 Zoom Lens Set 100th Anniversary Edition
NIKKOR lenses have become synonymous with Nikon’s optical technologies. The NIKKOR Triple F2.8 Zoom Lens Set 100th Anniversary Edition is a set of three f/2.8 maximum aperture zoom lenses that best represent the NIKKOR name. The set is comprised of the wide-angle AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, the normal AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, and the telephoto AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. The same commemorative serial number is engraved on all three lenses.
There are indeed a few other products. But you and I both probably don’t care enough. Has Nikon done a great job? Sure! But special edition products of already pretty ugly cameras and lenses aren’t very appealing to most folks.