We could see Nikon's ultra-fast 58mm f/0.95 prime in January

When it launched the Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras earlier this year, Nikon also promised a new ultra-fast 58mm f/0.95 lens would arrive some time in 2019 – and according to reports it could land as soon as January. 

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, to give it its full name, will be the fastest lens in Nikon's history, thanks in no small part to the new Z mount that Nikon's new full-frame mirrorless cameras enjoy, and promises to deliver exceptional optical performance. 

With an ultra-wide f/0.95 maximum aperture, Nikon believes the lens will produce beautiful bokeh and ensure outstanding point-image reproduction capabilities, delivering compelling photos with a striking three-dimensional look. 

The lens will be manual-focus-only, though, as it's both difficult and expensive to engineer an autofocus system that can move such large and heavy elements. 

While there's no information on price yet, you're going to need deep pockets, as the 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is likely to cost in the region of $6,000 (around £4,700 / AU$8,360) – and it seems we won't have long to wait for confirmation

Pictures have started to appear on social media, including the one above from Yusuf Kathawala on Instagram, who works for Nikon Professional Services in India. Responding to comments in his feed, Kathawala added that it was "coming in January most probably".

If it's not January, it's still likely to be in the first quarter of next year – samples of the lens are thought to already be out in the field, a fact that Kathawala's post appears to confirm – so it's likely an announcement isn't very far away. We'll keep you posted. 

Phil Hall

Phil Hall is an experienced writer and editor having worked on some of the largest photography magazines in the UK, and now edit the photography channel of TechRadar, the UK's biggest tech website and one of the largest in the world. He has also worked on numerous commercial projects, including working with manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm on bespoke printed and online camera guides, as well as writing technique blogs and copy for the John Lewis Technology guide.

Latest in Camera Lenses
Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G lens indoors
Sony’s super wide-angle 16mm F1.8 prime shoots fast and travels light, but relies on distortion correction
Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 lens
I tested Sony’s longest telephoto zoom lens, and it’s a winner for wildlife photographers
Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS indoors
Sony unveils its first lens with a massive 800mm reach – and it could be a dream optic for wildlife photography
Sigma
I’ve tested all 4 of Sigma’s bargain f/1.4 primes for Canon cameras – here’s how to decide which one to buy
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 S in the hand in front of gray slatted backdrop
Nikon's first 35mm f/1.2 looks like my dream prime lens – apart from the price tag
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM attached to a Canon EOS R1
Canon's hefty ultra-wide zoom lens for pros doesn't disappoint, but its excellence relies heavily on lens corrections
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Ray-Ban smart glasses with the Cpperni logo, an LED array, and a MacBook Air with M4 next to ecah other.
ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Twitter's massive outage to iRobot's impressive new Roombas
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today