Nikon is proud to announce it has received multiple honours at the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026, including the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” distinction, awarded to the COOLSHOT PROIII STABILIZED / COOLSHOT 50i GII.

The breadth of Nikon’s design work continued to be recognised across its imaging portfolio, with the ZR, Z5II, and NIKKOR Z 28–135mm f/4 PZ  each securing “Red Dot” distinctions at the 2026 Red Dot Award: Product Design, one of the world’s most renowned design award programs.

Earning the competition’s highest honour – the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award – the COOLSHOT series was recognised by the judges for how it “combines ergonomic precision with functional details for intuitive use.”

Nikon’s design work was further commended by the panel, with its first cinema camera, the ZR, highlighted for how it “skilfully translates professional film functions into a compact, integrated camera concept for versatile use.” The Z5II was praised for “combining functional clarity, ease of use and sustainable design principles into a well-balanced system camera,” while the NIKKOR Z 28–135mm f/4 PZ lens was lauded for its “clearly structured operating logic,” delivering precision for professional film production.

The Red Dot Award: Product Design is one of the world’s most established design competitions, recognising products that stand out for their high design quality since 1955. Entries from around the globe are evaluated by an independent jury of international design experts through a rigorous, multi-stage process, assessing key principles of good design including functionality, usability, responsibility, and aesthetic quality.

These awards highlight Nikon’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative products that combine advanced technology with thoughtful, user-centric design, empowering creators across photography and filmmaking.

Nikon’s Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026 prize winning products:

NIKON ZR:  A MAJOR STEP INTO PRO FILMMAKING

Nikon’s first cinema camera represents a major step into professional filmmaking. Designed to integrate advanced cinematic functionality into a compact body, the ZR offers versatile usability without the need for complex rigs or accessories. Its streamlined design supports flexible shooting scenarios, enabling creators to transition seamlessly between professional and independent productions while maintaining high image quality and operational efficiency.

NIKON Z5II:  CREATE WITH CONFIDENCE

The Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera balances performance, accessibility, and thoughtful design. Built around Nikon’s powerful EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, it delivers reliable autofocus, strong low-light capability, and hybrid stills/video performance. With a design focused on usability and durability, the Z5II offers creators a dependable tool that combines advanced features with a clear and intuitive shooting experience.

NIKKOR Z 28–135mm f/4 PZ: A VERSATILE FX POWER ZOOM

Developed with video creators in mind, this power zoom lens delivers smooth, precise zoom control and consistent optical performance across its range. Its design supports demanding production environments such as documentary filmmaking and solo shoots, where flexibility and reliability are essential. With intuitive handling and high-resolution capability, the lens expands creative possibilities for professional video production.

COOLSHOT PROIII STABILIZED / COOLSHOT 50i GII: FOR RAPID DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

The COOLSHOT rangefinders exemplify Nikon’s expertise in precision optics and user-focused design. Engineered for speed and accuracy, these models deliver rapid distance measurement and stabilised viewing, ensuring reliable performance even in demanding conditions. Their ergonomic form factor and intuitive controls make them easy to operate, reinforcing their appeal for golfers seeking both performance and ease of use.

The Red Dot Award: Product Design is a world-class competition celebrating the best in design and business. The distinction “Red Dot” has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design. Visit the website for more information: https://www.red-dot.org/.

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