Nikon has launched the Nikkor Z 120‑300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a zoom lens for full-frame Z-mount mirrorless cameras. Nikon says it’s the world’s first telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture and a built-in teleconverter. Sports and wildlife shooters are the target audience.
Build
This is a big lens. It weighs 6 lbs (2,735 g) and measures 14 inches (353.5 mm) long and 5 inches (128 mm) across. Even so, it’s over 1.1 lbs (515 g) lighter than its Nikon F-mount predecessor, teleconverter included.
Three tactile rings sit on the barrel. One handles zoom, one handles focus and a control ring can also be set to focus. A large Arca Swiss-compatible tripod foot doubles as a carry handle. It works with screw-type clamps, not lever-type.
Optical design
Inside, 30 elements sit in 24 groups. The built-in teleconverter accounts for 8 elements in 5 groups. The glass mix includes ED (Extra-low Dispersion), Super ED, aspherical, fluorite and SR (short-wavelength refractive) elements, one of each. Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat treat the glass, and the front element gets a fluorine coating.
Focus
Autofocus relies on Nikon’s Silky Swift voice coil motors and a new control algorithm that keeps pace with the fastest burst speeds. Nikon says the lens is 60% faster at the wide end and 30% faster at the telephoto end than its F-mount predecessor.
A focus limiter restricts the range from infinity to 6 meters for quicker response. Close focus runs from 3.22 feet (0.98 m) at 120mm to 6.57 feet (2 m) at 300mm.
Aperture
The lens holds f/2.8 across the whole zoom range. That helps in low light. It also gives you a shallow depth of field. Nine iris blades produce smooth, round bokeh.
Stabilization
VR stands for vibration reduction, Nikon’s optical image stabilization. Nikon rates it at up to 6.5 stops, based on its own testing. Internal focusing and internal zoom keep handling stable.
Teleconverter
The ace up the sleeve is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter. Flip a switch and the focal range becomes 168-420mm. You pay with one stop of light, because the maximum aperture drops to f/4.
For video shooters covering sports or wildlife, a switch beats swapping lenses mid-event.
What we think
On paper, the Nikkor Z 120‑300mm TC VR S is a stunning lens, though we haven’t tested it yet. It pairs a huge zoom range with a constant f/2.8 aperture. The instant teleconverter stretches that reach even further. Stabilization and the faster autofocus system should help keep shots sharp.
For pros shooting sports and wildlife, the price looks easier to justify. The rest of us will rent it or dream about a lottery win.
Pricing and availability
The Nikkor Z 120‑300mm f/2.8 TC VR S costs $14,000. It should be available from mid-November, and B&H lists an estimated ship date of Nov. 12.
