A new set of predictions from overseas creator Matt Irwin Photography has sparked major excitement among Nikon shooters, outlining what could be Nikon’s most ambitious product year in recent memory. The rumored 2026 roadmap spans flagship full‑frame bodies, high‑end APS‑C models, second‑generation pro zooms, long telephoto primes, and an entirely new cinema‑lens lineup—touching nearly every segment Nikon users have been waiting for.
Z9 II Rumored as Nikon’s 2026 Flagship, With Possible RED Technology Integration
According to the report, Nikon is preparing a major successor to its flagship Z9, tentatively named Z9 II, positioned as one of the company’s core 2026 releases.
The update is said to be far more than a minor refresh, with improvements focused on:
- High‑ISO noise performance
- Dynamic range
Both areas have been long‑requested by professional stills and video shooters.
More intriguingly, the rumor suggests Nikon may integrate technology derived from its collaboration with RED, potentially enabling new video capabilities not seen on current full‑frame flagships.
As for timing, the prediction places the announcement at 50/50 between late 2025 and early 2026, with a development teaser expected sometime between March and September.
Two APS‑C Bodies Planned: ZRc Entry Model and High‑End Z90
Nikon is also rumored to be preparing a dual APS‑C launch, covering both entry‑level and professional segments.
Nikon ZRc (Z30 Successor)
A lightweight, vlog‑oriented model positioned as the successor to the Z30.
Expected focus areas:
- Portability
- Ease of use
- Affordable entry into the Z system
Nikon Z90 (High‑End APS‑C)
Long rumored and often dismissed as a “mythical” camera, the Z90 is reportedly back on the table for 2026.
Predicted specs include:
- 26MP stacked APS‑C sensor
- Performance positioned between Z6 III and Z8
- Targeting high‑speed stills and video creators
- Direct competitor to the Fujifilm X‑H2S
Whether the Z90 finally materializes remains one of the biggest uncertainties in the rumor set.
Major Lens Refresh: Second‑Gen Pro Zooms and New Ultra‑Wide Primes
Nikon’s Z‑mount lens lineup has expanded rapidly, but 2026 may bring a significant refresh to its core professional optics.
Z 70–200mm f/2.8 Mark II
Reported as a near‑certain 2026 release, featuring:
- New optical design
- VCM (voice‑coil motor) autofocus
- Improved tracking for both video and stills
The 14–24mm f/2.8 II is not expected soon, as the current version is already considered next‑generation.
Z 120–300mm f/2.8
Previously leaked product images make this lens one of the most credible items on the list.
Rumored features:
- Technology inherited from the Z 24–70mm f/2.8 II
- Possible built‑in teleconverter
- Positioned as a flagship telephoto companion to the Z9 II
New Ultra‑Wide Primes (Below 20mm)
Nikon’s ultra‑wide prime lineup remains thin, and 2026 may finally address this gap with:
- 14mm prime
- 16mm prime
Both reportedly designed for astrophotography, landscape, and architectural work.
Nikon Cinema Lens Line Expected: Manual + AF Hybrid Design
Following Nikon’s official confirmation of its cinema camera development, the rumor claims that a full cinema‑lens lineup is also in the pipeline.
Key points:
- 4 to 6 lenses planned in total
- Hybrid design supporting both manual focus and autofocus
- Targeted at both professional film crews and hybrid creators
- First 2–3 lenses expected as early as Q2 2026
If accurate, this would mark Nikon’s most serious push into the cinema ecosystem to date.