We can’t say we saw this one coming. Nikon has announced that it’s bringing its Z Series photographic lens glass tech to single-vision glasses. The move promises better contrast and resolution for single-vision prescription glasses wearers.
It’s been some time since folks with glasses got any sort of advancement in the field. That’s an almost criminal situation for people who are, technically, basic cyborgs. Still, if it means they can have Nikon glass resting on their noses at all times, the new Nikon-Essilor Corporation Z Series Single Vision single-focus lenses are very welcome.
Look at that, Nikon
The company’s Z Series Single Vision lenses were born out of wanting “to deliver a field of vision that allows people to more accurately appreciate the beauty and subtle differences of the world.” They join the Japanese optics company’s Z Series Progressives, launched in 2024, which use Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) technology to tackle presbyopia (progressive loss of focus) in older eyeglass wearers.
MTF originated in camera lenses, so switching it over to other forms of glass makes sense. The new single-vision lenses go a few steps further, tackling “myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism,” and other vision issues. Glasses made using Nikon’s glass “provide improved contrast and high-resolution vision to consumers of all ages,” according to the company.
If you’re desperate for premium glass on your snout, you’ll either have to book a trip and an appointment with a Japanese optometrist or wait a while. The company’s tech is out in Japan right now. A global launch is probably planned at some point, but no firm date has been announced. The Z Series Progressives took about a year to leave Japan. Hopefully, you can stumble myopically around until that much time has passed.
