National Geographic Pictures of the Year: Which ones were taken with Nikon cameras?
Search all Robert G Allen Photography articles:
National Geographic recently released their photos of the year for 2025. Although some were taken by Nikon cameras, none were taken by Nikon’s mirrorless cameras!
Out of 20 photos chosen by Nat Geo for their 2025 pictures of the year, 3 or 15% were taken with Nikon cameras and lenses.
The Nikon cameras and lenses used and what the subject of the photo was were as follows:
D750 with the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED lens: Jaguar taken by Fernando Faciole
D850 with the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G lens: Shark taken by Nikon USA ambassador Brian Skerry
D780 with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens: Pig in boarder fence taken by Jaime Rojo
What jumped out at me is that all of these Nikon photographers were using Nikon DSLR cameras in 2025, not mirrorless ones! Is this because they are not successful financially to be able to afford at least current mirrorless Nikon gear? You mean to tell me that a Nikon ambassador, Brian Skerry, can’t afford a current Nikon mirrorless camera and camera housing to go with it? To add insult to these Nikon photographers, all of the other camera brands represented among the remaining photos were using modern mirrorless models within their respective brand. This is an embarrassment to Nikon. The message is clear; Nikon mirrorless is not worth upgrading to and that their DSLRs are good enough. To add insult to insult, one of the lenses used above, the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens, is being reported on another website as being discontinued. Although, this is not true and is inaccurate reporting, at least it still hints at how old this equipment is.
I have to admit, as I have mentioned in other posts on this site, I would have never upgraded to Nikon mirrorless if it wasn’t for the release of the Nikon D6. Let me explain. I have always used the current Nikon flagship camera, starting with the D3s. When the D6 was released, I purchased it as I had with the other flagships. I loved the D6! You have to hold it to understand how this camera feels in your hand (much like the Nikon F6 film camera). Along with the superb AF and speedy performance, the D6 was a dream DSLR. So, what was the problem. One thing jumped out as soon as I started to use it: The shutter was way too loud, especially when used during events such as conferences and weddings. I quickly realized that I had to go mirrorless if I wanted a quieter camera and still use a current flagship Nikon camera. That’s when I purchased the Z9 and never looked back to DSLRs. To see just how loud Nikon DSLR cameras are, to go this link.
To see the Nat Geo pictures of the year for 2025, go to https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/graphics/pictures-of-the-year-2025
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts. In the meantime, here are a few photos of my own taken by the same 3 DSLRs:
Studio session with a wedding client. Nikon D850 with the Nikkor 24.0-120.0 mm f/4.0 G lens.
Trade show event, casual mingling shot using my on-camera Nikon SB-5000 flash. Nikon D780 with the Nikkor VR 24-120mm f/4G lens.
Wedding party before the ceremony. Nikon D750 with the Nikkor 24.0-120.0 mm f/4.0 lens.
National Geographic recently released their photos of the year for 2025. What was interesting is that none were taken by Nikon’s mirrorless cameras!
Out of 20 photos chosen by Nat Geo, 3 or 15% were taken with Nikon DSLR cameras and lenses.
The Nikon cameras and lenses used were: