Reviews |Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR price, specs, release date confirmed

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR price, specs, release date confirmed

Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is set go on sale in spring with a price tag of £9,499

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR specs, price release date confirmed
News

Following its earlier development announcement, Nikon has confirmed the specifications of the AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR telephoto zoom lens for its DSLR cameras.

Introduced in time for the Olympic Games this summer, the AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E is aimed at professional sports photographers. Its focal length range should be especially useful when shooting close-range sports around smaller pitches and courts.

The new lens gives photographers who need a 300mm focal length the extra flexibility of a zoom lens. And because the image quality is claimed to be comparable with a prime lens, it’s safe to take advantage of its compatibility with Nikon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

This pro-level optic features Nikon’s new SR glass, as well as ED glass, to combat chromatic aberration and minimise colour fringing, including that of blue light which is usually hard to control.

According to Nikon, the AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR has ‘smooth, precise’ autofocusing and its electromagnetic diaphragm delivers accurate exposures at fast frame rates.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR specs, price release date confirmed

Optical Construction

Nikon has used 25 elements in 19 groups for the AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR, with Nikon’s ED glass and SR glass. There are also ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings to help suppress chromatic aberration, coma, ghosting, and flare.

According to Nikon, the news lens’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system enables up to 4EV shutter speed compensation, even when a teleconverter is in use.

The new lens features customisable function buttons and an integrated tripod foot. A lens hood is also supplied.

Naturally, being a professional-grade lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is dust and weather-sealed.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Price and Availability

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is set to go on sale early this spring with a suggested retail price of £9,499.

Specifications

  • Product type: Lens
  • Announced: 7th January 2020
  • Mount: Nikon F
  • Format: Full-frame (FX)
  • Focal length range: 120-300mm
  • Max aperture: Constant f/2.8
  • Construction: 25 elements in 19 groups
  • Minimum focusing distance: 2m
  • No. aperture blades: 9
  • Min aperture: f/22
  • Filter thread: 112mm
  • Dimensions: 128×303.5mm
  • Weight: 3.25Kg