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Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Lens

BH #NI12030028ED • MFR #20088
 13 reviews
Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Lens
Key Features
  • F-Mount Lens/FX Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • ED, SR, and Fluorite Elements
  • ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings
Speed, reach, and flexibility define the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR; an F-mount telephoto zoom characterized by an advanced optical design, quick focusing performance, and a bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture. Fluorite, short-wavelength refractive (SR), and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass is used throughout the optical layout to effectively suppress a variety of aberrations for improved clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy throughout the zoom range. ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats, as well as a Super Integrated Coating, have been applied, too, to suppress flare, ghosting, and surface reflections for improved contrast and color fidelity.
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR V... Overview

Speed, reach, and flexibility define the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR; an F-mount telephoto zoom characterized by an advanced optical design, quick focusing performance, and a bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture. Fluorite, short-wavelength refractive (SR), and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass is used throughout the optical layout to effectively suppress a variety of aberrations for improved clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy throughout the zoom range. ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats, as well as a Super Integrated Coating, have been applied, too, to suppress flare, ghosting, and surface reflections for improved contrast and color fidelity.

Balancing the optical merits, this 120-300mm is also characterized by its inclusion of a Vibration Reduction image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake to enable sharper handheld shooting. A Silent Wave Motor also benefits producing sharp imagery and affords quick and quiet autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. Additionally, a rotating tripod collar is featured to assist working with a support system and this lens utilizes an electromagnetic diaphragm to ensure consistent exposure stability when shooting at fast continuous speeds.

Designed for use with FX image sensors, this 120-300mm lens is also compatible with DX sensors where it will provide a 180-450mm equivalent focal length range.
Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture offers consistent illumination throughout the zoom range and benefits working in available lighting conditions as well as offers improved control over depth of field.
Featuring a combination of one extra-low dispersion element, two fluorite elements, and one short-wavelength refractive element, chromatic aberrations and color fringing is effectively eliminated throughout the zoom range for notable clarity and color accuracy.
Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake, benefiting this lens' use in low-light conditions. Additionally, a designated Sport Mode is well-suited to working in fast-paced conditions and a Tripod Mode helps to suppress subtle ground vibrations when working atop a support system.
Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override.
Focus range limiter allows you to constrict the focus system to a 19.7' to infinity range for faster focusing performance.
Assignable Function buttons can be used for lens-based activation of AF/AE Lock modes or for switching between different AF Area Modes.
Dust- and moisture-resistant lens barrel, along with a front fluorine coating, benefits the lens' use in inclement conditions.
Tripod collar offers well-balanced support when working from a monopod or tripod. The collar ring also incorporates ball bearings for smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations.
Specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with fast continuous shooting rates.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
UPC: 018208200887

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR V... Specs

Key Specs
Focal Length
120 to 300mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Lens Mount
Nikon F
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Filter Size
112 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Nikon F
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
20° 20' to 8° 10'
Minimum Focus Distance
6.56' / 2 m
Maximum Magnification
0.16x
Optical Design
25 Elements in 19 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Tripod Collar
Fixed and Rotating
Filter Size
112 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
5.04 x 11.95" / 128 x 303.5 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
11.95" / 303.5 mm
Weight
7.15 lb / 3250 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
16.665 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
21.4 x 12.6 x 12"

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR V... Reviews

Great football lens

By Greg
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-18

Great football lens…130-300 is a good range, and images are sharp. As expected for a lens this pricey.

The Best zoom lens EVER

By Sorin
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-15

This is the best zoom lens that Nikon produced. I attached it to D6 and the RAW files are almost like JPG , the color the sharpness, the highlight's are absolutely amazing! Some people are saying that is to expensive but you never had a accurate lens in your hands until this one. I personally made a deal with the devil and cancel my own funeral and spend my money on this amazing piece of art . I know that will keep me happy for many years to come.

Outstanding lens.

By marianne
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-07

I purchased this lens for youth sports photography. I can't believe the results I get from this lens paired with the D6. It's hard to take an out-of-focus shot and the detail is amazing.

Outstanding Lens

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-06

I sold my 300mm f2.8 Nikkor to get this lens - the ability to have equal or better image quality to the 300mm but with a zoom of 120-300 was an easy decision for me. I use this mostly for sports with my Z7 II and it works great and I'm incredibly impressed with the images. The clarity, color and sharpness are amazing - as you'd expect at this price point.

Sharpest zoom lens of all time

By Jeff
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-24

I have owned virtually every super telephoto lens that Nikon builds and this versatile zoom is tack sharp at every distance. It handles a 1.4 tele converter with no obvious degradation of sharpness. It is a tad heavy and it is expensive but it is an amazing tool.

Awesome Lens for Sports

By Randy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-10-27

I recently purchased this lens to complement my 200-400 f4 VRII. I tested it out on several night football games and boy did it perform. Fast focus, smooth as silk rotation from horizontal to vertical. The best I have ever used. Zoom was well damped and is a short throw to get from 120-300. Over great lens!!! So I decided to try it out inside for some 6U basketball. It was great!

Fills a needed niche

By Dan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-17

Though WAY overpriced (thank you Nikon for twist of the knife in the back), I find it fills an important 'sports niche' between the 400/2.8 and the 70-200/2.8 for sports photography... very versatile in a variety of sports including football, golf, soccer and volleyball. Sharpness is great, though in my unscientific assessment, not quite as sharp as the 400/2.8 - but more than acceptable throughout the zoom range, something I will gladly trade for the versatility and ability to adjust focal length quickly. The only downside is when you combine it will the other lenses needed for a game, it becomes a 'BEAST' to carry around in a tight sideline or arena - and forget about anything resembling hand holding. By far, the biggest downside is the PRICE - my personal opinion is the price/value relationship should be in the neighborhood of $5000 but Nikon thought otherwise (big surprise...) and you will have to be the judge on the price/value relationship - I decided to 'bite the bullet' mainly because I saw a lot of opportunities last season where the ability to fill the 'missing niche' with this lenses would have been a real plus - time will tell as we get deep into football season if the view is worth the climb...

AWESOME LENS!!!

By JOHN
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-13

Sharp and Fast!!! Took just 4 quick burst shots on this Hummer and 2 out of 4 were keepers! And this shot of the California Brown Pelican is straight out of my card - unedited! I bought this lens to replace my 70-200mm f/2.8, 300mm f/2.8, and 200-400mm f/4 with a 1.4 tele. Instead of carrying 3 lenses I would just now carry one for wildlife photography. I can't say it enough how very satisfied I am with my purchase. You won't regret it.

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Is this lens weather sealed?

Is this lens weather sealed?
Asked by: Bob
Yes this lens is weather sealed.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2020-03-20

Am looking for Arca foot replacement, any ...

Am looking for Arca foot replacement, any recommendations ?
Asked by: Bachar
The Kirk LP-63N Replacement Lens Foot for AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR Lens and Select Nikon Lenses, BH # KILP63N https://bhpho.to/3gNSx4k
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2021-03-23

How much does it weigh?

How much does it weigh?
Asked by: CHERYL
Yep, 7.2 pounds. Not gonna be your favorite Disneyland lens.
Answered by: William
Date published: 2020-05-28

Will this lens work well with the new D6 coming ...

Will this lens work well with the new D6 coming out?
Asked by: Jacqueline
The Nikon D6 uses the same F mount used in all current Nikon DSLRs, so this lens would be compatible.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2020-02-14

Does it work with a D70 body?

Does it work with a D70 body?
Asked by: martha
The D70 body does not support electronic aperture. The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED lens has an electronically controlled aperture.
Answered by: Bob
Date published: 2022-07-18

Will the lens work on the Sony A7r IV camera with ...

Will the lens work on the Sony A7r IV camera with the Commlite adapter?
Asked by: Carlos
Yes.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-09-09

any examples of the 2x converter with this lens?

any examples of the 2x converter with this lens?
Asked by: Roger
This lens is probably one of the best ever made by Nikon, but I would use a 1.4X teleconverter, you would be shooting at f/4.
Answered by: Larry
Date published: 2021-09-03

Does the foot conform to the Arca style quick ...

Does the foot conform to the Arca style quick release lens plate?
Asked by: Chris
It is just amazing how Nikon REFUSES to add the grooves for the ARCA clamps..... Sigma has it, Zuiko has it..... This is really an omen.
Answered by: Chris
Date published: 2020-09-12
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