This article, Nikon 1 Celebration, features a selection of my favourite Nikon 1 photographs. Even though the Nikon 1 product line was discontinued almost 2 years ago (July 2018) it remains a very capable camera system.
I’ve always loved using my Nikon 1 gear with extension tubes for close-up photography. While there was a 1 Nikkor macro lens on the lens road map for the system, it was never produced by Nikon.
When my wife and I travel I usually take a pair of Nikon 1 J5 bodies plus a V3. I always pack a set of extension tubes in my travel bag since one never knows when close-up photography subjects will call out to be captured.
For many photographers who own Nikon 1 gear, one of their favourite lenses is the 1 Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6. It is simply a superb telephoto zoom for bird photography. No Nikon 1 celebration would be complete without a good selection of bird images.
While I seldom use 1 Nikkor prime lenses for photography, I did some experimentation with the 32 mm f/1.2 with flower photography and liked the results.
My Nikon 1 celebration has to include a good selection of travel images. My wife and I have used the system extensively since 2014 during our many travel adventures. As a travel camera system, Nikon 1 is hard to beat.
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 10 mm, efov 27 mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO-400Ring of Beara Ireland, Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 50 mm, efov 135 mm, f/8, 1/640, ISO-400Deirbhile’s Twist, Ireland, Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 6.7-13 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 6.7 mm, efov 18 mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-160
Or Italy…
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 50 mm, efov 135 mm, f/8, 1/50, ISO-400Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 10 mm, efov 27 mm, f/8, 1/250, ISO-160Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 6.7-13 mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 6.7 mm, efov 18.1 mm, f/5.6, 1/200, ISO-400
Our Nikon 1 gear never let us down. It is simply a wonderfully small, capable and fun-to-use travel photography system.
Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-250
Since Nikon announced it was discontinuing the Nikon 1 product line, I’ve periodically had Nikon 1 owners contact me and ask if I think there is any possibility that the product line could be reintroduced sometime in the future.
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 60 mm, efov 162 mm, f/8, 1/80, ISO-1600
For as much as I love the Nikon 1 system… and would welcome its reintroduction… that ship is long gone.
Nikon 1 V2 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200, ISO-1000
Its unfortunate that the Nikon 1 system was underrated and vilified by so many people. I doubt that most of them really understood the system’s capability.
Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 20.3 mm, efov 54.8 mm, f/8, 1/10, ISO-160
For those of us that still own and use Nikon 1, we can enjoy its wonderful portability, flexibility and fun for many years to come!
I must admit that I was more than a little surprised when I looked back through thousands of Nikon 1 images that I’ve published on this photography blog over the years.
The variety of subject matter was quite astounding.
Reviewing my images reminded me that the size of a sensor is only one part of a camera.
It is hard to put a value on the ‘heart’ of a camera. How it makes you feel when you use it.
How it enables a photographer to be ‘at one’ with it… thus encouraging creativity and visual expression. The Nikon 1 system was, and remains, something special.
I’ll end this article with my final nine Nikon 1 celebration photographs. Whether you own Nikon 1 gear or not, I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane.
Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. Image were produced from RAW files using my standard process.
If you enjoyed the images in this article you may want to check out our Nikon 1 eBook: The Little Camera That Could. It is available for purchase and download. It is priced at $9.99 Canadian. Readers interested in purchasing a copy can use the link below.
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20 thoughts on “Nikon 1 Celebration”
So nice to read comments about a system that many have forgotten about. Like you say it was a very underrated system. I use extension tubes with the 30 to 110 zoom and really enjoy that combination with the J5 but I’ve also gotten good results using another set up as well. I have a little Nikon 55 to 200 VR lens With a 4T Nikon close-up lens attached w /FT1 and the J5 has my old V1 grip which gives me stability because I find the cameras is very small for my hands. I had to modify the grip so the screen would open but it works really well and it gives me a little bit more reach and distance from my subject. I seen you at times use your 70 to 300 for close ups with good success. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to afford that lens as of yet although I do have a 70 to 300 full frame lens but it’s not as sharp as the Nikon one lens. Thank you again for sharing and I noticed many of these pictures are in your e-book that I purchased. You certainly do justice to the system you are using. I thought once you got Olympus cameras that you would shelf your Nikon cameras I see that hasn’t happened good for you.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with your Nikon 1 gear, including how you have put your FT-1 adapter to good use!
My wife and I still have our extensive Nikon 1 kit and we still use it. Her favourite body is the V3, while mine is the J5. It has been a challenge to get out with any camera during the pandemic so I’ve had to rely on photographs from my collection of Nikon 1 and Olympus images. Both of these smaller sensor systems are very capble in their own right.
I appreciate that many readers here own and use Nikon 1 gear. So far this year I have published over 25 articles that feature images captured with Nikon 1 gear. My plan is to have some ongoing articles that feature images captured with Nikon 1 cameras. As of today, this website has 421 articles that feature images captured with Nikon 1 equipment… far more than can be found anywhere else on the internet.
I have a Nikon 1 V2 and a Nikon 1 J5, and many lenses. I’m still looking for a 10 – 100 Zoom (non PD) at a good price. I like them both and still use them both on occasion. I enjoy using them very much. Your work with them was very helpful in showing me how to get the most out of them; thank you for that.
I still have my D750, and a Z50, and a Z6. I enjoy those as well, but my D750 isn’t seeing as much use these days. When I started with the Z6, if felt familiar. I think it has a lot of J5 DNA in it.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with Nikon 1, as well as other Nikon cameras! The 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 is our workhorse lens when we travel. Other than bird images, I’d estimate that over 75% of our travel images have been created with that lens. I love the focal length versatility that it provides, in a small and easy to handle package.
I love my Nikon J1 and use it almost exclusively. Takes lovely pictures. Have had it for about 7 years. Here’s the problem. I purchased a new computer and the transfer system is not compatible with Windows 10. I contacted Nikon, and they suggested another system to install. That didn’t work either. Any suggestions? I do seem to be able to install photos using Photoshop, but not Nikon’s transfer system. Thanks.
Unfortunately computer software is not my area of expertise… plus I have never used the Nikon software program so I have no experience with it at all. Sorry I could not provide any assistance. I suppose if Photoshop works on your system, you may need to do all of your work in post with that program. Perhaps other readers can provide some insights.
The other thing you could try is the Nikon 1 chat forum on DPReview: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/1058. Perhaps someone there may have have useful information.
Thank You for this article on the NIkon 1 system. I always loved however Nikon stopped their support and the lenses were very difficult to come by in India. But I enjoyed using the V3 a lot.
A great article with some wonderful images that really show the capabilities of the Nikon 1 system. I got into Nikon 1 when it had already been discontinued. I’ve used many cameras over the years and there’s nothing quite like Nikon 1. It’s my favourite travel system and there’s something about it that just feels right.
Thanks for adding to the discussion and sharing your experiences with the Nikon 1 system!
When my wife and I travel, she uses a Nikon 1 V3 with a 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6. I pack three Nikon 1 bodies in a mid-sized Tenba shoulder bag: J5/6.7-13 mm f/3.5-5.6, J5/10-100 mm f/4-5.6, and a V3/70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6. I’ll also pack a 30-110 mm f/3.8-110 with a set of extension tubes specifically for close-up photography. The overall size and weight of my kit versus its capability and flexibility is incredible for travel photography.
What a wonderful tribute and an excellent passel of Nikon 1 images! Just goes to show that it was a very capable system in very good hands. Had Nikon just continued to support it, the system held much promise. I guess Nikon is saddled with a bit too many lines then (even venturing into action cameras which was short-lived). I would’ve loved owning Nikon 1 gear had it been more readily available in our part of the world but it wasn’t meant to be as our market is too small and minor to carry the lenses that mattered to birders (the bodies are available, the lenses are rarely so, which is of course, strange).
From still life to landscapes, perched birds to birds in flight (oh, plus jet planes a-smokin’, too!) you’ve made a strong case that contrary to what the naysayers were claiming, the Nikon 1 system is more than its sensor size. So much so that it’s hard to pick a favorite among the images you’ve posted (although I’m really biased and leaning towards the bird images).
Thanks for the comment Oggie… much appreciated! It was an interesting experience putting this article together in terms of image selection. Going through the extensive image gallery on my website really drove home how capable and flexible the Nikon 1 system was, and still is.
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Nikon 1 V2 + Nikon 1 CX 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 @ 157mm, efov 424mm, f/5.6, 1/50, ISO-2500
So nice to read comments about a system that many have forgotten about. Like you say it was a very underrated system. I use extension tubes with the 30 to 110 zoom and really enjoy that combination with the J5 but I’ve also gotten good results using another set up as well. I have a little Nikon 55 to 200 VR lens With a 4T Nikon close-up lens attached w /FT1 and the J5 has my old V1 grip which gives me stability because I find the cameras is very small for my hands. I had to modify the grip so the screen would open but it works really well and it gives me a little bit more reach and distance from my subject. I seen you at times use your 70 to 300 for close ups with good success. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to afford that lens as of yet although I do have a 70 to 300 full frame lens but it’s not as sharp as the Nikon one lens. Thank you again for sharing and I noticed many of these pictures are in your e-book that I purchased. You certainly do justice to the system you are using. I thought once you got Olympus cameras that you would shelf your Nikon cameras I see that hasn’t happened good for you.
Hi Gerry,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with your Nikon 1 gear, including how you have put your FT-1 adapter to good use!
My wife and I still have our extensive Nikon 1 kit and we still use it. Her favourite body is the V3, while mine is the J5. It has been a challenge to get out with any camera during the pandemic so I’ve had to rely on photographs from my collection of Nikon 1 and Olympus images. Both of these smaller sensor systems are very capble in their own right.
Tom
It was a great little system – RIP
It certainly was Dan!
Tom
Please keep on more article for Nikon 1 system. There are still a lot of Nikon 1 follower on your blog
Hi Felix,
I appreciate that many readers here own and use Nikon 1 gear. So far this year I have published over 25 articles that feature images captured with Nikon 1 gear. My plan is to have some ongoing articles that feature images captured with Nikon 1 cameras. As of today, this website has 421 articles that feature images captured with Nikon 1 equipment… far more than can be found anywhere else on the internet.
Tom
I have a Nikon 1 V2 and a Nikon 1 J5, and many lenses. I’m still looking for a 10 – 100 Zoom (non PD) at a good price. I like them both and still use them both on occasion. I enjoy using them very much. Your work with them was very helpful in showing me how to get the most out of them; thank you for that.
I still have my D750, and a Z50, and a Z6. I enjoy those as well, but my D750 isn’t seeing as much use these days. When I started with the Z6, if felt familiar. I think it has a lot of J5 DNA in it.
It was great to see all these photos again.
Hi George,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with Nikon 1, as well as other Nikon cameras! The 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 is our workhorse lens when we travel. Other than bird images, I’d estimate that over 75% of our travel images have been created with that lens. I love the focal length versatility that it provides, in a small and easy to handle package.
Tom
I love my Nikon J1 and use it almost exclusively. Takes lovely pictures. Have had it for about 7 years. Here’s the problem. I purchased a new computer and the transfer system is not compatible with Windows 10. I contacted Nikon, and they suggested another system to install. That didn’t work either. Any suggestions? I do seem to be able to install photos using Photoshop, but not Nikon’s transfer system. Thanks.
Hi Rosie,
Unfortunately computer software is not my area of expertise… plus I have never used the Nikon software program so I have no experience with it at all. Sorry I could not provide any assistance. I suppose if Photoshop works on your system, you may need to do all of your work in post with that program. Perhaps other readers can provide some insights.
The other thing you could try is the Nikon 1 chat forum on DPReview: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/1058. Perhaps someone there may have have useful information.
Tom
Excellent article and showcase, Tom. I’m still enjoying my Nikon 1 experience, especially for hiking and travel.
Thanks Bill… I’m glad you enjoyed the article and images!
Tom
Thank You for this article on the NIkon 1 system. I always loved however Nikon stopped their support and the lenses were very difficult to come by in India. But I enjoyed using the V3 a lot.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Shirish… I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
Tom
A great article with some wonderful images that really show the capabilities of the Nikon 1 system. I got into Nikon 1 when it had already been discontinued. I’ve used many cameras over the years and there’s nothing quite like Nikon 1. It’s my favourite travel system and there’s something about it that just feels right.
Hi David,
Thanks for adding to the discussion and sharing your experiences with the Nikon 1 system!
When my wife and I travel, she uses a Nikon 1 V3 with a 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6. I pack three Nikon 1 bodies in a mid-sized Tenba shoulder bag: J5/6.7-13 mm f/3.5-5.6, J5/10-100 mm f/4-5.6, and a V3/70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6. I’ll also pack a 30-110 mm f/3.8-110 with a set of extension tubes specifically for close-up photography. The overall size and weight of my kit versus its capability and flexibility is incredible for travel photography.
Tom
Tom,
What a wonderful tribute and an excellent passel of Nikon 1 images! Just goes to show that it was a very capable system in very good hands. Had Nikon just continued to support it, the system held much promise. I guess Nikon is saddled with a bit too many lines then (even venturing into action cameras which was short-lived). I would’ve loved owning Nikon 1 gear had it been more readily available in our part of the world but it wasn’t meant to be as our market is too small and minor to carry the lenses that mattered to birders (the bodies are available, the lenses are rarely so, which is of course, strange).
From still life to landscapes, perched birds to birds in flight (oh, plus jet planes a-smokin’, too!) you’ve made a strong case that contrary to what the naysayers were claiming, the Nikon 1 system is more than its sensor size. So much so that it’s hard to pick a favorite among the images you’ve posted (although I’m really biased and leaning towards the bird images).
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
Thanks for the comment Oggie… much appreciated! It was an interesting experience putting this article together in terms of image selection. Going through the extensive image gallery on my website really drove home how capable and flexible the Nikon 1 system was, and still is.
Tom
Hello ! That’s a wonderful and very informative tribute. Thanks for that. I enjoyed the trip. I hope you did too !
Best regards,
Andy
Hi Andy,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! I’ve been enjoying my Nikon 1 trip for many years now…
Tom