Close-up of a nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 lens with a detailed look at its design and features in a studio setting, showcasing its versatility.

Nikon Unveils Revolutionary 120-300mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens with Built-In Teleconverter

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-10-29

Nikon’s Latest Addition to the S-Line

Nikon has officially launched the Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a significant addition to its S-Line of professional lenses, tailored for full-frame mirrorless cameras. First teased in May, this new offering is already making waves with its unique built-in 1.4x teleconverter, a standout feature in this category.

Black Nikon NIKKOR S telephoto zoom lens with tripod foot and yellow accent ring.
Black Nikon NIKKOR S telephoto zoom lens with tripod foot and yellow accent ring.

Advanced Optical Construction with the Lens

This lens embodies innovation through its 30-element, 24-group design. It incorporates specialized elements such as ED, super ED, SR, and aspherical lenses, alongside Nikon’s advanced ARNEO and Meso-Amorphous coatings. These enhancements reduce weight and complexity, making it around 1.1 pounds lighter than its DSLR-era predecessor.

Telephoto scene shot at 420mm using Nikon Z8 and teleconverter in natural setting.
This shot was taken using the teleconverter, providing the maximum reach.Nikon Z8 | Pre-production Nikon Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S | 420mm (using 1.4x TC) | F4 | 1/500 sec | ISO 200 | Processed with Capture One

Teleconverter and Performance

The built-in teleconverter expands the lens’s focal range to 168-400mm f/4, enhancing its versatility for sports and wildlife photography. It supports Nikon’s external teleconverters for even greater reach, maintaining a compact, internally zooming, weather-sealed structure. Optical stabilization provides up to 6.5 stops of correction, crucial for dynamic shooting environments.

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Outdoor shot showing a scenic view with green landscape and blue sky.

Engineered for Precision

Focusing is driven by Nikon’s Silky Swift VCM motors, ensuring rapid and precise autofocus capabilities. The lens offers a focus limiter switch, allowing selective focus range adjustments and a close focusing distance of 0.98 meters at its widest setting. This release truly excels in delivering sharp and fast performance.

Nikon Z-series camera with telephoto Nikkor S lens against gold background.
A side view of a Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera attached to a large telephoto Nikkor S lens against a textured gold background.

Design and Usability

Nikon has crafted this lens to be manageable despite its size. Weighing in at 2,735 grams and measuring approximately 353.5mm in length, it includes an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot and a rotatable collar, designed for ease of use. Its large front accommodates 112mm filters, and it also accepts 46mm drop-in filters at the rear.

Black telephoto lens with gold ring, tripod mount, and side control switches.
A black telephoto zoom lens with a gold ring near the front element, featuring a tripod mount, focus ring, and various control switches on the side.
Black Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens with teleconverter on white background.
A black Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S telephoto lens with a built-in teleconverter, shown from the side against a white background.
Person holds large telephoto lens attached to camera outdoors using handle.
A person holds a large telephoto lens attached to a camera by its built-in handle while standing outdoors.

Impressive Image Rendering

Promising prime-like performance, this lens achieves exceptional resolution and bokeh, faithfully capturing detailed expressions and movements. Its robustness aids in suppressing ghosting and flare, thanks to the superior anti-reflective coatings.

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Hand holding a large camera lens with prominent yellow ring on the barrel.
A person’s hand holds a large camera lens featuring a prominent yellow ring around the barrel.

Technical Specifications

  • Lens Type: Zoom
  • Max Format Size: 35mm Full Frame
  • Focal Length: 120-300mm
  • Max Aperture: f/2.8
  • Autofocus: Yes, with linear motors
  • Filter Thread: 112mm
Hand inserts circular drop-in filter into Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 lens slot.
A person’s hand inserts a circular drop-in filter into the slot of a Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 lens attached to a camera body.
Professional camera with telephoto zoom lens on tripod against black background.
A professional camera with a large telephoto zoom lens mounted on a tripod against a black background.
Pronghorn standing in sagebrush field, looking directly at the camera.
A pronghorn stands in a field of sagebrush, looking directly at the camera.

Availability and Pricing

The Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is slated for release in mid-November with a retail price of $13,999. Aimed squarely at professional photographers, this new model is a formidable tool in challenging shooting conditions.

Waterfall cascading into rocky canyon, creating mist at its base.
A powerful waterfall cascades into a deep, rocky canyon, creating a large cloud of mist at its base.
Baseball catcher in yellow jersey tagging a runner at home plate.
A baseball catcher in a yellow jersey tags a sliding runner wearing a blue helmet at home plate.
Soccer player balances ball on his head at stadium during twilight.
A soccer player in a yellow jersey and black shorts balances a soccer ball on his head at a stadium during twilight.
Close-up of a nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 lens with a detailed look at its design and features in a studio setting, showcasing its versatility.

Source: dpreview.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the focal range of the Nikon 120-300mm lens?

The Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens has a focal range of 120-300mm, which extends to 168-400mm f/4 with the built-in 1.4x teleconverter.

How much does the Nikon 120-300mm lens weigh?

The Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens weighs 2,735 grams, which makes it lighter compared to its DSLR-era predecessor by around 1.1 pounds.

When will the Nikon 120-300mm lens be available?

The Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens is slated for release in mid-November.

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