The post, “Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S – my dream lens?” is by Des Ong (website | Facebook | Instagram, see also his previous guest posts):
I was excited to read the recent piece from NR suggesting that a Z 300mm f/2.8 might be released later this year. For the past decade, the DSLR version has been my primary telephoto lens. Although my VR I copy is very old, it has proven to be consistently reliable.
One of the main reasons I favour this lens over longer telephotos is its size. When I travel, I like to keep things simple, and a compact setup allows me to move freely between different modes of transport. Over the years, my approach to image-making has also evolved. These days, I prefer a looser composition, leaving more space around the main subject. When needed, I can always add a teleconverter to get closer to the action. With longer lenses, however, backing up when you’re too close isn’t always possible, nor quick and easy. The higher resolution of the Z8 and Z9 has also given me added flexibility to crop further if required.
When this rumour first surfaced, I was a little disappointed by the suggestion that the lens might be a zoom rather than having a built-in teleconverter. For me, the latter is far more important. Having used the 400mm f/2.8 TC and the 600mm f/4 TC, I’ve found the built-in TC to be a game-changer for fast-paced wildlife photography. If we do end up getting both features, as NR has alluded to, I’d be absolutely over the moon.
I’m accustomed to using the legacy lens with an FTZ adapter, but this old workhorse is fairly heavy at around 3kg. When Sony released their 300mm f/2.8 at roughly half the weight, I very nearly switched systems. As a result, weight remains a concern for me with this new lens. There’s no doubt in my mind that a straight Z 300mm f/2.8, especially one with a built-in TC, would be lighter than the lens I currently use. This assumption is based on the fact that the Z 400mm f/2.8 TC weighs almost the same as my 300mm. However, with the added complexity of a zoom design, I worry that there may be little to no weight savings. While that would be understandable, it would also be disappointing if the lens ended up heavier due to the additional features.
That said, I’m very much looking forward to its eventual release and the opportunity to try it out in the field.
First leaked pictures of the upcoming Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens
Nikon is rumored to announce a new Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC lens by the end of the year
