Nikon has officially announced the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, bringing a built-in 1.4× teleconverter to a constant-f/2.8 professional telephoto zoom. The full-frame Z-mount lens is listed at $13,999.95 in the United States, with preorders available from B&H Photo Video and Adorama.
The formal announcement is dated October 29, 2026. Nikon Japan schedules release for November 13, 2026, with Japanese reservations opening November 5 at 10 a.m. That date applies to Japan; the U.S. product listing confirms preorder status.
120–300mm f/2.8, or 168–420mm f/4 at the flip of a switch
Engaging the internal teleconverter extends the entire zoom range to 168–420mm, while reducing the maximum aperture by one stop to f/4. It does not provide 420mm at f/2.8. Nikon describes this as the first interchangeable zoom combining a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture with a built-in 1.4× teleconverter, according to its research as of the announcement date.
For a photographer working from a fixed courtside or field position, the practical benefit is quicker reframing: use the native range as action approaches, then engage the converter for a tighter composition without fitting an external accessory. The f/2.8 setting remains useful when light is limited indoors.
Key specifications
| Mount / format | Nikon Z / full-frame FX |
|---|---|
| Native range | 120–300mm, constant f/2.8 |
| Built-in 1.4× converter | 168–420mm, constant f/4 |
| Optical construction | 30 elements in 24 groups, including the internal converter |
| Autofocus | Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM); internal focusing |
| Zoom mechanism | Internal zoom; overall length stays constant |
| Stabilization | Lens-shift VR; up to 6.5 stops under Nikon’s stated Synchro VR test conditions |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.98m at 120mm; 2m at 300mm |
| Maximum reproduction ratio | 0.18× natively; 0.25× with internal converter |
| Filters | 112mm front screw-in; 46mm rear slip-in holder |
| Size / weight | Approximately 128 × 353.5mm; 2,735g |
Nikon’s 6.5-stop rating is measured under CIPA 2024 conditions on a Z6III, at the telephoto end, in NORMAL mode, with the teleconverter disengaged. It requires a camera supporting Synchro VR.
A lighter professional sports zoom
At approximately 2,735g, the new lens is 515g lighter than Nikon’s F-mount AF-S 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR, despite incorporating the teleconverter. Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings address ghosting and flare, while the magnesium-alloy construction and sealing target professional use. The tripod collar supports Arca-Swiss screw-type clamps.
This is the formal launch following the May development announcement and early listing. See our Lens Release Timeline for Nikon’s other tracked announcements.
Sources: Nikon global announcement, Nikon Japan release schedule, official specifications, and Nikon USA price and preorder listing. Pricing and regional schedules checked October 29, 2026.
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