Nikon Unveils New S-Line Telephoto Zoom Lens

Nikon announced the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom for full-frame Z-mount mirrorless cameras. It offers a native 120-300 mm range, extended to 420 mm by a built-in 1.4× teleconverter, with f/2.8 at 120 mm and f/3.9 at 420 mm.

Nikon is developing the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverterNikon Announces Development of Its Most Anticipated Zoom

The lens features VR, a 1.4× built-in teleconverter, and S-Line status, denoting “outstanding optical performance.” Nikon’s earlier AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E was discontinued in 2020, leaving a gap that Sigma’s 120-300mm f/2.8 Sports lens fills without a teleconverter. Nikon’s current 400 mm and 600 mm primes sell for $12,700-$14,700, setting a price benchmark.

Nikon Announces Development of Its Most Anticipated ZoomNikon is developing the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter

Nikon’s press release says the lens’s superior optical performance and mobility are meant to support professional photographers in sports and other genres. The company adds it will pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs and expanding imaging possibilities.

Nikon is developing the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter

Nikon has not disclosed a price, but analysts expect a cost at or above the $12,700-$14,700 range of its 400 mm and 600 mm primes. Reddit’s r/Nikon community praises the extended range but worries the 420 mm ceiling limits birding. Review editor Feroz Khan says he misses ability to open to f/2.8, indicating need for faster apertures. Sources say launch could occur later this year or next, pending hurdles.

Nikon Announces Development of Its Most Anticipated Zoom

If delivered as described, the built-in teleconverter could streamline sports and wildlife shooting by removing the need for separate teleconverters, reducing gear weight and setup time. The lens reinforces Nikon’s S-Line focus on high-performance optics for professional creators.

Nikon Announces Development of Its Most Anticipated Zoom

• “The superior optical performance and mobility of this lens will support professional photographers' imaging expression in genres such as sports photography and beyond.” — Nikon Corporation, Press Release

Nikon is developing the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter

• “Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users' needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.” — Nikon Corporation, Press Release

Nikon is developing the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter

• “I absolutely cannot state enough how versatile this zoom range would be for sports photography.” — Chris Gampat, The Phoblographer

Nikon Announces Development of Its Most Anticipated Zoom

• “that I owned, was because of the AF speed slowness, even after tweaking it to its maximum output level using their proprietary USB lens dock.” — Chris Gampat, The Phoblographer

Nikon Announces Development of Its Most Anticipated Zoom