Nikon is a Japanese company specializing in optics and imaging. Its products include cameras, binoculars, microscopes, and measurement instruments. It was founded in 1917. As of 2002, it has approximately 14,000 employees. Nikon is owned by Mitsubishi.

Among its famous products are the Nikkor camera lenses, the Nikonos underwater cameras and the Nikon F-series of professional 35mm SLR cameras.

Nikon's main competitors include Canon, Leica and Pentax.


For the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, see Patriarch Nikon.