The history of Nikon lenses

Domestic production of optical instruments and original manufacturing of optical glass.

Two of Japan’s leading optical manufacturers merged with capital investment from Koyata Iwasaki, the President of Mitsubishi, to form a comprehensive, fully integrated optical company known as Nippon Kogaku K.K.

First Nikon Spectacle Lens ‘Pointal’ is marketed to the consumer.

First Nikon Spectacle Lens ‘Pointal’ is marketed to the consumer. Nikon has since then been a leading innovator in the field of ophthalmic optics with breakthrough innovations in material, design, and coatings.

The World’s first titanium ophthalmic frames

Nikon introduces the first anti-glare coating with built-in scratch resistance.

Nikon introduces the first anti-glare coating with built-in scratch resistance. Nikon introduces a high performance anti-glare coating with true, built-in scratch resistance. This technology becomes immediately popular in Japan, where nearly all of lenses now feature this type of coating. This coating uses nano technology, used for camera lenses – an ultra performant treatment that effectively reduces unwanted reflections in cameras.

The first ultra-high index lens.

A revolution in the field of plastic lens material, 1.74 ultra-high index lenses are very quickly picked up by the market.

Today, Nikon makes ultra-high-index 1.74 double sided aspheric stock lenses as the thinnest and lightest lenses in its range.

Nikon’s first custom made Single Vision lens, according to the frame shape.

Nikon’s first custom made Single Vision lens, according to the frame shape. Quick to adopt the new digital surfacing technology, Nikon introduces Seemax, the custom made Single Vision lens with frame shape optimization providing the best in optical performance at the time.

Nikon introduces Presio i Digital, its first double-side customized progressive lens.

Nikon introduces Presio i Digital, its first double-side customized progressive lens. As part of its efforts to use the latest technology to provide ever sharper and better quality vision to demanding wearers, Nikon introduces its first double design progressive lens. Presio i Digital, with aberration filter is a breakthrough innovation in the optical lens market.

The first clear lens that filters blue light¹.

Nikon introduces SeeCoat Blue, the first clear lens that filters blue light¹ while increasing contrast perception when using digital devices. SeeCoat Blue received the Good Design Award.

^{1. Blue light between 380nm to 500nm (with blue-violet light between 400 and 455nm as stated by ISO TR 20772:2018).}

The first coating to improve the brightness in dim light conditions. Nikon continues to break new ground with SeeCoat Bright, the world’s first everyday coating that helps wearers to enjoy brighter vision, especially in dim light conditions.

Nikon Corporation celebrates its 100th anniversary of harnessing the power of lenses to contribute to a better future for humans, creating breakthrough technologies and products in the process.

A revolutionary breakthrough where every lens is co-designed with the end-user based on his needs, preferences and viewing habits for the ultimate viewing experience.