Nikon Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S vs Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L Specs
Nikon Announces the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S with Built-In Extender
Nikon Inc. officially announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S on October 29, 2026, introducing a pro-level telephoto zoom lens equipped with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, canonrumors.com reported. The lens covers a focal length range from 120mm to 300mm at a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, extending to 420mm when engaging the internal teleconverter.
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The Tech TL;DR:
- First f/2.8 zoom lens featuring a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, pushing the reach to 420mm via an accessible switch.
- Retails for $13,996.95, with a scheduled release window of mid-November 2026.
- Weighs approximately 2,735 g (6 lbs) and incorporates Synchro VR image stabilization.
Optical Engineering and Specifications Compared to Canon
The newly announced Nikon optic enters a market previously anchored by Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM, which debuted in April 2023. Imaging specs outline distinct architectural choices between the two flagship systems. The NIKKOR Z model weighs 2,735g and measures 353.5mm in length, whereas Canon’s alternative registers at 2,590g and spans 323.4mm. According to canonrumors.com, Nikon opted for Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM) focus motors, diverging from the dual-nano USM setup found in Canon’s build.
| Specification | NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S | Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 120-300mm (168-420mm with TC) | 100-300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Image Stabilization | 6.5-Stop Synchro VR | 5.5-Stop IS |
| Tripod Mount | Arca-Swiss compatible foot | Standard collar (requires third-party plate) |
| Weight | 2,735 g (6 lb) | 2,590 g (5.7 lb) |
| Launch Price | $13,996.95 | $10,599.00 |
Nikon Outperforms Canon in Center and Mid-Frame Sharpness
Published MTF data reveals performance contrasts across the frame. At the wide end, the Nikon design demonstrates high center contrast at 120mm, though its sagittal and meridional lines drop off more steeply in the extreme corners compared to Canon’s 100mm baseline. At 300mm, the Nikon design maintains higher sharpness across the center and mid-frame regions. When extended to 420mm via its built-in teleconverter, the Nikon optic retains higher center detail and better corner meridional performance than the Canon RF 100-300mm paired with an external RF 1.4x extender, canonrumors.com noted.
# Example CLI check for lens firmware metadata ingestion via ExifTool
exiftool -G1 -Aperture -FocalLength -LensModel NIKKOR_Z_120-300mm.NEF
Physical Construction and Market Availability
Nikon structured the optical formula with 30 elements in 24 groups, integrating one ED glass, one Super ED glass, one aspherical element, one fluorite lens, and one SR lens element, alongside Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat treatments (imaging.nikon.com). The physical chassis incorporates an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot, dual filter options supporting a 112mm front thread or a 46mm drop-in filter, and extensive magnesium alloy weather sealing. The unit scales down weight by approximately 515 grams compared to Nikon’s legacy F-mount AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR released in 2020.
Global deployment is slated for mid-November 2026, carrying a manufacturer suggested retail price of $13,996.95 in the United States, €15,749 across the Eurozone, and £13,999 in the United Kingdom.
