Nikon’s Upcoming Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S May Not Be Its Most Expensive Lens

New rumors have emerged about Nikon’s upcoming NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S, including a potential U.S. price of $13,999 and an announcement expected at the end of October. If the reported price proves accurate, the lens could cost less than some of Nikon’s most expensive Z-mount telephoto lenses, depending on whether regular retail prices or current discounts are used for comparison.

According to Nikon Rumors, the lens could be priced at $13,999 in the United States. European pricing remains less clear: an earlier report cited €15,499, while a subsequent update suggested it could reach €16,000. Differences in taxes, import costs, and regional pricing can make direct currency comparisons difficult. Nikon has not confirmed the price in either market.

The lens is expected to be an expensive option, given its constant F2.8 aperture, built-in 1.4x teleconverter, and vibration reduction. However, the rumored U.S. price would put it below the current listed price of some flagship Z-mount telephoto lenses before discounts are applied.

The NIKKOR Z 600mm F4 TC VR S and NIKKOR Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S are both listed at high prices, although current rebates can substantially reduce their retail costs. The final comparison will depend on the new zoom’s official price and the prices of the competing lenses when it launches.

Rumored Weight and Dimensions

Nikon Rumors reports that the upcoming lens will weigh approximately 2,590g, matching the weight of Canon’s RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM. That would make it considerably lighter than the F-mount NIKKOR AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR, which weighs approximately 3,250g.

The new Z-mount lens is also rumored to measure around 352mm long, approximately 28mm shorter than the NIKKOR Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S.

These dimensions could make the new zoom more manageable for professional sports and wildlife photographers who need a fast telephoto lens but want to avoid the weight and bulk of a large super-telephoto prime.

Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens rumored price in Europe: 15,499 EUR incl. VAT
https://t.co/Zw9MObuPV7

— Nikon Rumors (@nikonrumors) October 26, 2026

Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter and Vibration Reduction

As its name suggests, the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. Engaging the converter extends the focal length range to 168-420mm, while reducing the maximum aperture to F4.

The lens also includes vibration reduction, which should help reduce camera shake when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths. Together, the built-in converter and stabilization are intended to give sports and wildlife photographers greater flexibility without requiring them to change lenses or attach a separate teleconverter.

Nikon officially announced the lens’s development in May 2026, describing it as an S-Line telephoto zoom for full-frame Z-mount cameras. The company has not yet confirmed the final specifications, price, or shipping date.

Limited Production Could Mean Long Waits

According to Nikon Rumors, production will be very limited, potentially resulting in long wait times for customers. That could be an important consideration for professional photographers planning to purchase the lens for upcoming assignments.

The lens has already been photographed in use at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in October, suggesting that preproduction examples have reached photographers ahead of its expected launch.

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S is rumored to cost $13,999 in the United States, with European pricing potentially reaching €16,000. Nikon Rumors expects an announcement around October 28 or 29, 2026, although Nikon has not confirmed the date.

B&H Photo has a product page where interested buyers can sign up for availability notifications. Pricing, production volumes, and shipping details remain unconfirmed until Nikon makes an official announcement.