- To be distributed to select professional photographers at the North American World Cup; features a built-in teleconverter - Expected price tag exceeds $8,000, boosting anticipation for the new "dream lens" for sports and wildlife photography
Nikon's next-generation, high-performance telephoto zoom lens, the 'NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S', is finally set to be unveiled at the upcoming major sporting event.
According to camera industry sources and foreign media, Nikon will conduct real-world field tests of this new premium lens during the '2026 FIFA World Cup', which will be held in North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico) from June 11 to July 19. This testing will be carried out by pre-releasing the lens to a very select group of invited professional photographers worldwide.
The 'NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S' lens currently being tested belongs to Nikon's top-tier 'S-Line' lineup. As indicated by the 'TC' in its model name, its most prominent feature is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter. This allows photographers to instantly extend the focal length with the simple flip of a switch—without having to swap lenses or attach external accessories. This feature is expected to deliver unparalleled mobility on the field of dynamic sports matches like the World Cup, where capturing a split-second moment is everything.
The lens is also drawing significant attention regarding its form factor and size. According to leaked size comparison data, the new 120-300mm lens is predicted to hold a substantial advantage in terms of maneuverability and weight balance compared to the existing flagship prime lens, the 'NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S'. By maintaining the versatility of a zoom lens and a bright, fixed f/2.8 aperture while squeezing in a built-in teleconverter, it has fully captured the anticipation of sports, wildlife, and documentary professionals alike.
Market experts project the retail price of this lens to start at a minimum of $8,000 (well over 11 million KRW). Despite the steep price tag, its unique specifications—combining prime-lens-level image quality with the sheer convenience of a zoom lens—are expected to drive robust demand in the professional market immediately upon its official release.
As the world's press photographers gather to capture the ultimate moments, camera enthusiasts around the globe are keeping a close eye on the results this new flagship telephoto lens will deliver from every corner of the 2026 World Cup stadiums.
[ Editor's Note ]
"The DNA of the legendary AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8 from the DSLR era is finally making a flawless comeback for the mirrorless Z-mount. Now armed with the ultimate weapon—a built-in teleconverter—trying to spot this lens in the hands of photojournalists during the 2026 World Cup will be a fun little side quest for camera geeks. If your bank account can handle it, this is bound to be the endgame lens for sports and wildlife photographers." - Senior Camera Editor -
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