Nikon Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S Lens

When the action moves fast, the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S keeps up. This professional super-telephoto zoom is built for sports and wildlife. Its 120-300mm range gives you flexibility as the action changes, while the built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends your reach without changing lenses. A bright f/2.8 aperture, responsive autofocus and a design suited to handheld work combine with image quality Nikon describes as comparable to a prime lens.

Engaging the integrated teleconverter changes the lens into a 168-420mm f/4 zoom. The switch can be operated without changing your grip or looking away from the action. Because the teleconverter is built into the lens, its optics are matched to the lens design and its operation preserves the weather sealing.

The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture lets you choose faster shutter speeds to stop motion or lower ISO settings to reduce noise. It also helps separate subjects from distracting backgrounds with soft bokeh and supports shooting in available light.

Specialized optical elements address several sources of image degradation:

• ED and Super ED glass help control chromatic aberration, with Super ED glass further reducing the secondary spectrum.
• An SR element controls short-wavelength light to improve color accuracy while allowing a more compact optical design.
• An aspherical element reduces coma and other aberrations, including at wide apertures.
• A lightweight fluorite element helps reduce lens weight and improve balance and handling.

Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat reduce reflections, ghosting and flare from light entering at different angles. This helps retain contrast and color accuracy in backlit scenes and other difficult lighting. Nikon’s Meso Amorphous coating uses an ultra-fine mesoporous structure and a precision base coat to improve its anti-reflection effect.

Silky Swift VCM autofocus moves focusing elements quickly, accurately and with very little noise or vibration. Its magnetic drive replaces conventional gearing, while an integrated guide bar helps limit focusing vibration. The quiet operation is useful for video and situations where camera noise would be distracting; reduced focus breathing also helps keep the angle of view more consistent during focus transitions.

Internal focusing moves only an internal lens group, so the lens does not change size during autofocus. A/M Auto-Priority Manual Mode allows a transition from autofocus to manual focus during AF operation, with switch sensitivity designed to reduce accidental manual-focus engagement.

Vibration Reduction compensates for camera shake to improve handheld stability. Up to 6.5 stops of correction are listed, and Synchro VR combines lens stabilization with sensor-shift stabilization in compatible Nikon cameras. Nikon’s stated test conditions use CIPA 2024 standards with a Z6III, without a teleconverter attached, at the telephoto end in NORMAL mode, measuring yaw, pitch and roll compensation.

An electromagnetic diaphragm provides electronic control of the aperture blades for accurate autoexposure during continuous shooting.

Optimized optical elements, fewer moving lens groups and simplified mechanical components help make the lens more manageable. Weather sealing and rubber gaskets help resist dust and moisture, although Nikon does not guarantee complete dust- and drip-resistance in every situation. Fluorine coating repels water, dust, grease and dirt to make the lens surface easier to clean and withstand repeated wiping.

Controls support quick adjustments while shooting:

• Two customizable L-Fn buttons provide access to functions such as subject tracking, autofocus lock and image playback.
• The Memory Set button stores a preferred focus distance for recall with the Fn ring. Compatible equipment must have the latest firmware to use Recall focus position.
• A click control ring provides another lens control.
• Cycle image area using built-in TC is supported on the Nikon Z9 with firmware C:5.30 or later.

The integrated Arca-type tripod plate simplifies attachment to compatible supports. Nikon specifies screw-type Arca-Swiss-compatible clamps for the tripod collar; lever-type clamps may not hold securely enough and are not recommended. A streamlined lens hood with minimal taper is designed to improve portability while retaining practical protection.

Filter and teleconverter options let you adapt the lens to your workflow:

• Use 112mm screw-on front filters or 46mm slip-in rear filters, separately or together; a rear filter holder is supplied.
• For additional reach beyond the built-in teleconverter, the lens also supports the separately sold Nikon Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x and TC-2x.

Safety warning: Do not use this lens if you have a pacemaker or another medical device. Magnets in the lens could cause the device to malfunction.