Nikon has officially announced the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, the latest professional telephoto zoom lens of the Z system. This is the world's first lens with a full-range f/2.8 maximum aperture that has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, allowing the focal length to be extended up to 420mm with just a switch.

Main information:

• Built-in 1.4x teleconverter, increasing maximum focal length to 420mm
• Focus using Silky Swift VCM motor
• 6.5 stops of anti-vibration when used with devices that support Synchro VR
• Structure includes 30 elements in 24 groups: including one ED lens, one fluorite lens, one short wavelength refractive (SR) lens, one Super ED lens and one aspherical lens.
• Coating: ARNEO, Meso Amorphous
• Weighs about 2,735g, about 515g lighter than the F-mount version released in 2020
• Nikon Rumors notes that the lens will be produced in very limited quantities, the waiting time may be long.
• Suggested retail price 13,999.95 USD, on shelves mid-November 2026

The biggest difference lies in the built-in teleconverter, because to lengthen the focal length, the photographer must remove the lens, attach a teleconverter and then reinstall it, which is both time-consuming and at the risk of missing the moment. With this lens, the 1.4x teleconverter is located inside the lens body, turned up to 420mm with just an easy-to-reach switch. Nikon maintains that image quality remains high when the teleconverter is enabled.

Nikon positions this lens for professional sports photographers: from low-light indoor sports like figure skating and basketball, which utilize full-range F2.8, to outdoor sports like tennis and soccer, where the distance to the subject is constantly changing.

Even though it is a zoom lens, according to Nikon, the quality of the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S can be compared to Prime lenses, with very high mass, sharpness and speed.

Silky Swift VCM focus system, full name is a drive mechanism that combines a Voice Coil motor and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The company describes its focusing ability as fast, accurate and smooth, enough to follow athletes moving at high speed.

In terms of optics, the lens uses Meso Amorphous Coat, which Nikon says has the best anti-reflection ability in the company's lens history, combined with ARNEO Coat to limit ghosting and flare, keeping images clear even when light sources enter the frame.

Vibration reduction reaches 6.5 stops at both the center and edges of the frame when used with cameras that support Synchro VR. This number is measured according to CIPA 2024 standards, measured on the Z6III, NORMAL mode and when the teleconverter is not turned on.

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With the configuration of a high-end zoom lens, the internal zoom is certain, without changing the length for good operation on a gimbal (a tripod style with a multi-axis head often used for super zoom).

The base mount is compatible with the Arca-Swiss head in the form of a screw clamp (a common tripod type), making installation and disassembly faster, but Nikon notes avoiding using a lever clamp because it may not hold firmly. The stand also has rubber cushions and integrated handles for a more stable grip when moving.

The lens supports both front screw-on filters and rear-mounted filter trays, and comes with an HB-120 bayonet hood with no protruding parts, so it's easy to attach, easy to remove, and compact when stored.

The lens body uses magnesium alloy, accompanied by a seal to prevent dust and water from spills and splashes, but Nikon has not specified specific details about water resistance, so you need to be careful when using it.

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Weight is a point Nikon emphasizes. The lens weighs about 2,735g, about 515g lighter than the F-mount AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR launched in 2020.

With a professional telephoto lens, every gram of lightness counts when holding the camera for the entire match, and the time saved by not having to disassemble the teleconverter also helps the photographer not miss the decisive moment.

This lens was announced by Nikon to be in development since May 2026, and has only now been officially launched with a specific price and sale date.

The price of about 14 thousand dollars puts it in the right segment of professional equipment for sports and arena photographers, and of course not a lens for general users.

There is some side information like Nikon Rumor that this lens will be produced quite limitedly, so it will be more difficult to buy, wait longer, those who need it can take advantage of it.

According to:

Nikon