Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S Finalized – 420mm f/4 Reach, 6.5-Stop VR, and a Lighter Body

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by Alexandra ThompsonToday

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Five months after Nikon first announced development of the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, the finished lens is here, and the details left open in May are now filled in. The full-frame S-Line zoom combines a constant f/2.8 aperture with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that turns it into a 168-420mm f/4 lens, internal zoom and focus, up to 6.5 stops of Synchro VR, and a new 2,735g (6.0lb) body.

We reported on the development announcement in May, when Nikon gave only the focal range, the aperture, and the teleconverter. At the time, weight, optical construction, autofocus motor, minimum focusing distance, stabilization performance, and pricing were still unknown. The finished lens now fills in those details. The lens follows the F-mount AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR from 2020 as Nikon’s fast tele zoom. According to Nikon, the new Z version is about 515g / 18.16oz lighter than the F-mount lens, although the older lens has no built-in teleconverter.

The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a Z mount lens for FX (full-frame) cameras, and it also covers DX. The optical design has 30 elements in 24 groups, with ED, Super ED, fluorite, SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive), and aspherical elements. The lens focuses with Nikon’s Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) motor, zooms and focuses internally, and has an electromagnetic diaphragm with a range from f/2.8 to f/32. It measures approximately 128 x 353.5mm / 5.1 x 14in and weighs approximately 2,735g / 96.5oz. Nikon positions the lens primarily for sports photographers, citing figure skating, basketball, tennis, and soccer as examples of situations where fast action, changing subject distances, and different lighting conditions all come into play.

Two zooms in one barrel

The built-in 1.4x teleconverter first appeared in the Z lineup on the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S in 2022. The 120-300mm is the first zoom in Nikon’s lineup to use the same idea. Nikon also calls it the world’s first interchangeable zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, based on its research as of October 29, 2026. With the converter engaged, the focal range becomes 168-420mm, and the maximum aperture drops by one stop to f/4. On an FX camera, the angle of view goes from 20° 20′ to 8° 10′ without the converter and from 14° 40′ to 5° 15′ with it. In DX crop mode, the lens reaches 3° 50′ at the long end with the converter.

Nikon says that the switch takes “a single action”, so there is no need to remove the lens or open the mount to an external converter. On the Z9 with firmware C:5.30 or later, the lens also supports a “Cycle image area using built-in TC” function.

Optics, coatings and focus

Nikon claims rendering “comparable to that of a prime lens across the entire frame” at all focal lengths. To control ghosting and flare, the lens uses the Meso Amorphous Coat, which Nikon describes as the best anti-reflection coating in its history, together with ARNEO Coat and Nano Crystal Coat. A fluorine coat on the front element repels water, dust, and grease.

Minimum focus distance changes with focal length. It is 0.98m / 3.22ft at 120mm, 1.38m / 4.53ft at 200mm, and 2m / 6.57ft at 300mm. Nikon does not give a maximum magnification figure. The A/M mode is Auto-Priority Manual, and Nikon has changed its sensitivity to reduce accidental switching to manual focus. A recall focus position function is available on cameras with current firmware.

What it offers for video

Nikon presents the lens as a sports stills tool, but some features are relevant for filmmakers who shoot sports, wildlife or events on Nikon Z bodies. The internal zoom and internal focus keep the length of the lens constant, so the balance on a support stays the same through the zoom range. Nikon also says the lens center of gravity sits closer to the camera body and remains consistent while zooming, which should make panning easier with a supported setup. The SSVCM drive sound is suppressed “to an almost-silent level”, which Nikon names as an advantage for video recording. Nikon gives no data on focus breathing.

The VR system gives up to 6.5 stops of correction (CIPA 2024, at 300mm without the converter) on a camera that supports Synchro VR, such as the Z6III that Nikon used for the measurement. Nikon says that this performance applies at the center and at the edges of the frame.

Build and handling

The barrel uses magnesium alloy and has dust- and drip-resistant sealing. The lens takes 112mm screw-on filters at the front and 46mm slip-in filters at the rear with the supplied holder. Nikon includes the HB-120 bayonet hood.

The tripod collar has a rubber cushion, an integrated finger grip, and a foot that fits Arca-Swiss clamps directly. Nikon recommends screw-type clamps only, because lever-type clamps may not hold the lens firmly. As with Nikon’s other recent super-telephoto lenses, the product page contains a warning that the magnets in the lens can affect pacemakers and other medical devices.

Price and availability

The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S has a suggested retail price of $13,999.95 in the US, and it is available for pre-order at B&H. The lens is expected to ship in mid-November 2026. For more information, visit the Nikon website.

Is a built-in teleconverter worth this price for your sports or wildlife work, or would you rather carry a lighter zoom and an external converter? Let us know in the comments below!