Nikon unveiled the Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a professional telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter activated by a switch, making it unique among 120-300mm f/2.8 lenses. With the teleconverter engaged, it becomes equivalent to a 168-400mm f/4 lens.
The new lens contains 30 elements across 24 groups and includes Nikon's ARNEO coat and Meso Amorphous Coat for flare suppression. It uses ED, fluorite, Super ED, and aspherical glass elements. The lens measures 353.5 millimeters long with a maximum diameter of 128 millimeters and accepts 112mm filters or 46mm drop-in filters.
The lens weighs 2,735 grams (just over six pounds), about 515 grams lighter than Nikon's discontinued AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR despite adding the teleconverter. Nikon achieved this weight reduction by using thinner lens elements and lighter autofocus motors. The lens features an Arca Swiss-compatible tripod foot, eliminating the need for a separate plate.
The Silky Swift VCM autofocus system provides rapid focusing. The lens focuses as close as 0.98 meters at 120mm and two meters at 300mm. It delivers up to 6.5 stops of vibration reduction when paired with compatible Nikon bodies including the Z9, Z8, Z6 III, Z5 II, Zf, and ZR.
The Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S will be available in mid-November for $13,999.95.