Nikon Previews Autofocus Z Cinema Lenses Following RED Acquisition Integration

Nikon has unveiled a video teaser for upcoming autofocus Z-cinema lenses, marking a significant development in its cinema equipment line. The company confirmed these lenses will offer both autofocus and manual focus control, though specific details remain undisclosed. This announcement follows Nikon's September statement about developing dedicated cinema primes for the Z mount system. Keiji Oishi from Nikon's Imaging Business Unit and RED's new CEO indicated at the 2024 NAB show in Las Vegas that the company was actively considering cinema lens development. Nikon's engineering collaboration with RED has progressed rapidly since acquiring the cinema camera manufacturer earlier that year. Despite initial expectations of a slower integration timeline, Nikon has already adapted its Z mount for RED cameras and introduced products like the ZR Z cinema camera and V-Raptor XE. The teaser reveals on-board controls and geared manual focus rings, with multiple lenses shown arranged in a ring formation. These new cinema lenses won't be displayed at Nikon's NAB booth, leaving the teaser as the primary preview for filmmakers. The company's representative emphasized development aligns with target customer needs while declining to provide further specifications.