Nikon’s 120-300mm F/2.8 TC VR S Lens Could Launch This Month

Nikon may have another major lens announcement coming before the end of October. The company is rumored to be preparing the launch of its NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F/2.8 TC VR S, a professional telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter.

Nikon announced the lens’s development in May 2026, confirming that it would be part of the company’s premium S-Line lineup for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The manufacturer has yet to announce a final price or release date, but recent reports suggest the lens could be officially unveiled by the end of this month. 

According to Nikon Rumors, the upcoming lens was spotted at the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, where photographers were reportedly using it in the field. Images from the event offer another look at the large telephoto zoom ahead of its expected announcement.

A Professional Telephoto Zoom With a Built-In Teleconverter

The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F/2.8 TC VR S is designed for professional sports and wildlife photography. Its constant F/2.8 aperture offers strong low-light performance and subject isolation, while its built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the focal range to 420mm at F/4.

Nikon has confirmed the lens’s core design and intended market, although full specifications have not yet been released. The integrated teleconverter should allow photographers to extend the lens’s reach without carrying a separate teleconverter or changing lenses during a shoot. 

The lens is also expected to be a substantial piece of equipment. Nikon Rumors reports a length of approximately 352mm, reportedly 28mm shorter than the NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S. Despite its size, leaked images from Singapore appear to show the lens being used handheld without a monopod, although the images alone do not establish how comfortable it would be to use that way for extended periods.

More leaked pictures of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens:
https://t.co/Cvc6LGExeW https://t.co/QkqK2f6Nko

— Nikon Rumors (@nikonrumors) October 12, 2026

Price Could Exceed $14,000

The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F/2.8 TC VR S is expected to be an expensive lens. Nikon Rumors reports that its price could exceed that of the NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S, which is currently listed at $14,196.95 after a $500 rebate.

The same report says some retailers have already begun accepting pre-orders, although Nikon has not officially announced pricing or confirmed a retail release date. Production is also rumored to be limited initially, potentially resulting in long wait times for buyers.

If the reported pricing proves accurate, the lens would sit firmly in Nikon’s professional telephoto lineup, targeting photographers who need a fast zoom for demanding sports and wildlife assignments.

A Mirrorless Successor to Nikon’s DSLR 120-300mm F/2.8

The upcoming lens follows the NIKKOR AF-S 120-300mm F/2.8E FL ED SR VR, a DSLR lens Nikon announced in 2019 alongside the D6. That lens launched at $9,600 before eventually being discontinued.

The new Z-mount version brings the concept to Nikon’s mirrorless system, with a built-in teleconverter extending its reach to 420mm. The updated lens could be particularly useful for sports photographers who need a fast aperture and the flexibility to adjust focal length quickly.

Pricing and Availability

Nikon has not yet announced the official price or availability of the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F/2.8 TC VR S. Nikon Rumors expects the lens to be announced toward the end of October 2026, but that timing remains unconfirmed.

Nikon’s official development announcement confirms the lens’s existence and built-in 1.4x teleconverter, while the remaining details, including pricing, final specifications, and shipping dates, are still to come.