The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is the world’s first zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 to feature a built-in 1.4× teleconverter.

A highly anticipated lens designed to meet the demands of professional sports photographers, the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a telephoto zoom lens that covers a focal length range of 120mm to 300mm with a fast, constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. Inikon claims that it is the world’s first zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 to feature a built-in 1.4× teleconverter.

Part of the S-Line series of NIKKOR Z lenses, the new zoom gives photographers the flexibility to cover a wide range of sports scenes, from low-light indoor events like figure skating and basketball, to outdoor sports such as tennis and soccer, where photographers often work at varying distances from their subjects.  

Despite being a zoom lens, it delivers, Nikon says, “outstanding rendering performance comparable to that of a prime lens across the entire frame. With superior resolution and large, natural bokeh, the lens captures athletes’ facial expressions and movements in fine detail, creating immersive images that make viewers feel as if they were part of the action.” 

The built-in 1.4× teleconverter extends reach to a super-telephoto focal length of 420mm (the maximum aperture is f/4 when the built-in teleconverter is used) with a single easily accessible switch, while maintaining superior rendering performance. The lens is surprisingly nimble, weighing approximately 6 lbs (2,735 g), making it about 1.1 lbs (515 g) lighter than the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR (released in 2020). The reduced weight and time saved switching equipment supports photographers’ ability to capture decisive moments in rapidly changing sports action. 

Primary features 

• Delivers fast, highly precise, and smooth autofocus (AF) control with the Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) – an AF drive actuator that combines a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon – to track rapidly moving athletes.
• Features Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikon history, and ARNEO Coat to effectively suppress ghosting and flare for clear images, even in situations where light sources are likely to enter the frame.
• Powerful 6.5-stop vibration reduction (VR) performance at the center and edges of the frame when used with a camera that supports Synchro VR.
• Features an internal focusing (IF) system and an internal zoom mechanism that keep the overall length of the lens constant during focusing or zooming.
• Supports Arca-Swiss tripod heads for smoother mounting and removal of the lens.
• The tripod collar features a rubber cushion and integrated finger grip for stable portability.
• Supports both front screw-on filters and rear slip-in filter holders.
• Includes the HB-120 Bayonet Hood, which has no protruding parts and is easy to attach and remove, allowing convenient storage and easy handling.
• Offers high durability using magnesium alloy and superior dust- and drip-resistant performance through extensive sealing.

The new NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F/2.8 TC VR S lens will be available in mid-November 2026 for a suggested retail price of $13,999.95.