{
  "id": 19379942,
  "title": "My favorite Nikon lens is made in China – do you know where YOUR Nikon cameras and glass are made?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/my-favorite-nikon-lens-is-made-in-china-do-you-know-where-your-nikon",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-10T18:45:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Camera World",
    "slug": "digital-camera-world",
    "url": "https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/my-favorite-nikon-lens-is-made-in-china-do-you-know-where-your-nikon-cameras-and-glass-are-made"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ever wondered where your Nikon camera or lens originates from? It may come as a surprise that Nikon gear is primarily manufactured in Asian countries, with Japan being a notable exception. Aside from Sigma, major manufacturers such as Canon, Fujifilm, Sony, Panasonic, OM System, and Ricoh also produce some of their products outside Japan, with facilities in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and China. For Nikon specifically, cameras and lenses are made in Japan, Vietnam, and China, but the majority are produced in Thailand.\n\nNikon announced in 2020 that it would cease camera production in Japan as a cost-cutting measure. Consequently, all of Nikon's mirrorless cameras – including flagship models like the Nikon Z9 and Z5IIC – are made in Thailand. Apart from these, all other Nikon mirrorless cameras are produced in Thailand as well.\n\nHowever, the manufacturing of Nikon's optical engineering marvels remains distinct. The renowned Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct and Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, among others like the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, and Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, are all manufactured in Japan. Even some 'holy trinity' lenses, such as the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, are also produced in Japan.\n\nInterestingly, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a newer addition, is manufactured in Thailand, not Japan. Beyond Japan, Nikon cameras and optics are split between China and Thailand. For instance, the Nikon Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is made in Vietnam, while the rest are split between China and Thailand.\n\nPersonal preference aside, some individuals may not care about the country of origin. In 2026, the manufacturing quality differences may be negligible for many. Yet, for me, there's a certain allure in owning a Nikon lens manufactured in Japan, particularly my favorite lens, the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, even though it's made in China.",
  "summary": "You might assume that your Nikon camera is made in Japan, but that hasn’t been the case for years",
  "key_points": [
    "Nikon cameras and lenses primarily made in Japan, Vietnam, China, Thailand",
    "Majority of Nikon mirrorless cameras produced in Thailand since 2020",
    "High-end Nikon lenses like Z 58mm f/0.95 S, Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S made in Japan"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}