Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S Price

Nikon has officially announced the Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom lens built for sports and wildlife photographers featuring a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that shifts its range to 168-420mm at f/4, with retail availability set for November 12, 2026, at a price of 15,749 euros, according to Phototrend.

From the 2020 SLR Predecessor to the New Z-Mount Optics

The new zoom succeeds the older AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR. Nikon launched that earlier SLR model in January 2020 at a price of 10,999 euros ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games. That legacy optic weighed 3.25 kilograms without counting the FTZ adapter required to mount it on mirrorless camera bodies. Phototrend reported that Nikon initially revealed development on the Z-mount version in May 2026, highlighting the integrated 1.4x teleconverter from the start.

Integration of the 1.4x Teleconverter and Optical Formula

Activating the built-in 1.4x teleconverter requires only a side-mounted lever equipped with a locking mechanism. This adjustment changes the focal length from 120-300mm at f/2.8 to 168-420mm at f/4 without removing the lens or lowering the camera from the eye. Phototrend noted that Nikon is positioning this as the world’s first telephoto zoom combining a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture with an internal teleconverter. The optical construction uses 30 lenses organized in 24 groups, which includes eight lenses across five groups dedicated entirely to the teleconverter mechanism. Special glass elements comprise one ED, one Super ED, one aspheric, one fluorite, and one SR lens, paired with meso-amorphous and ARNEO coatings to reduce ghosting and flare.

Autofocus Speed and Optical Stabilization Performance

Focusing duties are handled by a multi-group AF system driven by Silky Swift VCM motors alongside an updated control algorithm designed for tracking unpredictable subject movement during continuous high-speed shooting. Phototrend stated that optical stabilization achieves up to 6.5 stops of compensation when utilizing VR Synchro, which pairs in-lens stabilization with sensor-shift stabilization on compatible bodies like the Z6 III. By comparison, the older SLR edition topped out at 4 stops of stabilization.

Weight Reduction and Physical Specifications

Weighing approximately 2,735 grams, the Z-mount zoom is 515 grams lighter than the previous reflex version. It measures 128 millimeters in diameter and 353.5 millimeters in length while maintaining an internal zoom structure that keeps its physical length constant during focal adjustments. Phototrend confirmed that the lens includes weather sealing against dust and moisture, a fluorine coating on the front element, and a tripod collar compatible with Arca-Swiss mounting plates.

Market Positioning Against the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8

Canon entered this specialized equipment tier in April 2023 with the release of the RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM, which debuted at 11,999 euros and weighs 2,590 grams. Phototrend observed that while the Canon alternative starts slightly wider at 100mm, it lacks a built-in teleconverter. Attaching an external 1.4x teleconverter to the Canon lens adds 225 grams, bringing the total weight to 2,815 grams and requiring the photographer to detach the lens in the field.

November 12 Launch Date and Pricing Details

The Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S arrives on store shelves on November 12, 2026, priced at 15,749 euros. Phototrend reported that this positions the zoom between the Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, launched at 14,999 euros, and the 600mm f/4 TC VR S, which debuted at 17,249 euros. Nikon bundles an HB-120 lens hood, a CL-L3 case, an LN-4 strap, and front and rear caps with every purchase.