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Nikon Unveils NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S With Built-In Teleconverter for Sports and Wildlife Photographers

Nikon unveils the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a professional telephoto zoom with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, fast autofocus, and 420mm reach.

Wayne Grayson • Nov 03, 2026

Nikon has introduced the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a new professional super-telephoto zoom lens for its S-Line of Nikkor Z lenses. This is a truly unique lens in this segment of super-telephotos thanks to its integrated 1.4x teleconverter.

Built for Nikon's full-frame Z-mount mirrorless cameras, the new lens combines a versatile 120-300mm focal range with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and that integrated 1.4x teleconverter. According to Nikon, it's the world's first interchangeable zoom lens to combine a constant f/2.8 aperture with a built-in teleconverter.

The result is a lens that allows photographers to move between closer action and distant subjects without changing lenses or missing critical moments.

Extended Reach at the Flip of a Switch

The standout feature of the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is its built-in 1.4x teleconverter.

With a simple switch on the lens barrel, photographers can extend the focal range from 120-300mm to 168-420mm. Engaging the teleconverter reduces the maximum aperture to f/4, but provides additional reach without requiring a separate accessory or a lens change.

A switch on the lens barrel allows for easy activation of the 1.4x teleconverter.

That flexibility is particularly valuable for sports photographers covering unpredictable action. A photographer shooting basketball or hockey can take advantage of the f/2.8 aperture for challenging indoor lighting, but also quickly extend their reach when they need to shoot outdoor sports with subjects farther away.

Professional Optics and Fast Autofocus

As part of Nikon's premium S-Line, the new lens is designed to deliver exceptional sharpness and image quality throughout its zoom range.

Its optical construction includes 30 elements in 24 groups, incorporating specialized glass elements to minimize aberrations. Nikon's Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat help suppress ghosting and flare, particularly when shooting toward bright lights or in difficult lighting conditions.

For autofocus, Nikon uses its Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM) system, designed to deliver fast, accurate, and smooth focusing when tracking rapidly moving subjects.

The lens also supports up to 6.5 stops of vibration reduction when paired with a compatible Nikon camera supporting Synchro VR, helping photographers achieve sharper handheld shots at longer focal lengths.

Lighter, More Flexible, and Built for the Field

The new Z-mount lens succeeds Nikon's well-regarded AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR, introduced in 2020.

Despite adding the integrated teleconverter, Nikon has reduced the weight by an impressive 515 grams (1.1 pounds). The new lens weighs 2,735 grams, or just over six pounds. It’s a big boy.

In terms of dimensions, the lens is 353.5 mm in length (13.9 inches) with a max diameter of 128 mm (5.1 inches). On the front of the lens is a 112mm front filter thread, but the lens also accepts 46mm drop-in filters.

The good news is that an internal zoom mechanism keeps the lens's length constant throughout the focal range, while weather-resistant construction and a magnesium-alloy body help it withstand demanding shooting environments.

Other professional conveniences include an Arca-Swiss-compatible tripod foot, customizable controls, and support for both 112mm front-mounted filters and 46mm rear drop-in filters.

Pricing and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is expected to be available in mid-November 2026 and is available for pre-order right now at B&H for $13,996.95.

For more information, check out Nikon's official product page.

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