Nikon appears to be developing a great new super telephoto zoom lens for its Z system: the rumored Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens. Leaked images have been circulating, showing this new lens to be a solid, professional-grade lens featuring a built-in teleconverter (TC) and Vibration Reduction (VR) capabilities. This new lens promises to be at the top of its class when it comes to image quality and build quality, given that it’s an S-line lens.

This new zoom lens, featuring a constant f/2.8 aperture, will be great for tackling tough subjects like sports, wildlife, news, and even landscapes. It will be great for those situations where you don't have to change lenses, especially when you consider that this lens will have a built-in teleconverter, which will extend the lens’s capabilities to about 168-420mm at a lower aperture, similar to other similar lens designs like the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens.

It appears this new lens will be based on an extremely popular F-mount lens idea, the old AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens, but will be adapted to the new mirrorless system, taking full advantage of the new Nikon Z series system’s capabilities, like faster, more precise focus, better stabilization on cameras like the Nikon Z9/Z8, and possibly even better sharpness, given the new system’s flange distance.

Rumors have been circulating that this new lens will be announced at the CP+ show later this year, which fits well into rumors about Nikon’s 2026 plans for high-end tele-zooms for professionals.

No official details have been announced on this new lens, but this information is based on leaked images from sources like Rednote and other rumor sources.

TheCameraNews.com will be keeping an eye on this new lens, which promises to be a “must-have” lens for action and wildlife photographers who want the quality of a prime lens in a zoom lens.