Nikon’s pro sports zoom is official. It’s the first constant f/2.8 telezoom with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, it weighs 2,735g and it costs £13,999.

By Alastair Jennings

Back in May we reported that Nikon was developing a fast telephoto zoom with a built-in teleconverter. Today it has confirmed the details. The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is aimed squarely at professional sports photographers. Nikon says it is the world’s first telephoto zoom to combine a constant f/2.8 aperture with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter.

Flick the teleconverter in and the 120-300mm range becomes 168-420mm. Switch to DX crop mode and you can reach the equivalent of 630mm. Nikon says image quality is comparable to a prime lens even with the teleconverter engaged. That’s a bold claim, and we’re keen to put it to the test.

Lighter than the F-mount version

The lens replaces the AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR. Even with the extra teleconverter optics on board, the Z-mount version is around 515g lighter, at approximately 2,735g. Nikon also points out that the lens fits into international-standard carry-on bags, which will be welcome news for anyone who travels to fixtures by air.

The optics include Super ED and SR glass along with Nikon’s Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings, which should keep flare and ghosting down under stadium floodlights or when shooting into the sun. Up to 6.5 stops of in-lens Vibration Reduction is available with Synchro VR. Focusing uses a multi-focus system with Nikon’s Silky Swift voice coil motors, and a new control algorithm is designed to keep up with the fastest continuous shooting speeds of bodies like the Z9 and Z8.

Built for the touchline

We like the practical details here. The zoom is internal, so the centre of gravity stays put as you zoom. The tripod collar is Arca-Swiss compatible, although Nikon recommends screw-type clamps rather than lever types. You can use either a front screw-in filter or a rear drop-in filter. The control ring can be set up as a focus ring, and functions can be assigned to two L-Fn buttons and an Fn ring. The lens is sealed against dust and moisture and has a fluorine-coated front element. It comes with the new HB-120 bayonet hood, which has no protruding clamp knobs.

At £13,999 this is very much a professional tool. For agency and club photographers who currently carry a 120-300mm and a separate teleconverter, though, having 420mm f/4 at the flick of a lever could be worth the investment. We’ll be asking Nikon for a sample as soon as stock lands.

Find out more at Nikon Europe.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S specifications

Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S price and availability

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S goes on sale in November 2026. It costs £13,999 in the UK and €16,499 in the Republic of Ireland.