Nikon announced the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S on October 29, 2026: a full-frame Z-mount telephoto zoom with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. The suggested retail price is $13,999.95, and Nikon says it will be available in mid-November.

Price and availability

  • Suggested retail price (US): $13,999.95 (Nikon says dealers set actual prices)
  • Availability: mid-November 2026; Nikon gave no exact day
  • Mount: Z, full-frame

Key facts

  • Aperture: constant f/2.8; f/4 with the teleconverter engaged
  • Focal length: 120-300mm, or 420mm with the 1.4x teleconverter on, switched with a single switch
  • Lens grade: S-Line, which Nikon describes as its grade of NIKKOR Z lenses for outstanding optical performance
  • Image stabilization: Nikon claims up to 6.5 stops of shake correction, measured on a Z6III at 300mm without the teleconverter; the camera must support Synchro VR (lens and body stabilization working together)
  • Autofocus: Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM)
  • Coatings: Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat which Nikon says reduce flare and ghosting
  • Build: magnesium alloy, dust- and drip-resistant sealing (Nikon says not guaranteed in all conditions)
  • Zoom and focus: internal, so the lens length does not change

Weight and handling

Nikon lists the lens at about 2,735g, roughly 6 lb. That is about 515g lighter than the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR, Nikon's F-mount lens from 2020, according to Nikon.

The tripod collar is Arca-Swiss compatible and has a rubber cushion and an integrated finger grip. Nikon advises against lever-type clamps. A HB-120 bayonet hood is included, and the lens takes front screw-on filters and rear slip-in filters.

Why it matters

Nikon says the built-in teleconverter is a first for a constant f/2.8 zoom, among interchangeable zoom lenses announced as of October 29, based on Nikon's own research. Flipping a switch for 420mm at f/4 avoids taking the lens off the camera mid-shoot. Nikon pitches the lens at professional sports photographers and names figure skating, basketball, tennis and soccer.

The trade-off is cost and mass. At nearly 2.7kg and almost $14,000, it is aimed at working professionals, and you give up one stop of light whenever the teleconverter is on (our read, not a Nikon statement).

More launches are in our lens news and camera news hubs.

What we checked

Details come from Nikon USA's press release dated October 29, 2026, fetched October 31, 2026, and re-checked November 1, 2026.