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

The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Lens is a professional-grade F-mount telephoto zoom, characterized by speed, reach, and flexibility, covering focal lengths normally captured using multiple prime lenses in a single, constant f/2.8 lens. Designed for FX-format cameras, it’s aimed at sports, wildlife, and event photographers who need a versatile working range along with the demanding optical and handling standards of professional sports lenses.

Optically, the lens is built from 25 elements in 19 groups, including one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element, two Fluorite elements, and a newly developed SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive) element, working together to effectively suppress a wide variety of aberrations, including chromatic aberration, for improved clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy throughout the zoom range. Nano Crystal Coat suppresses ghosting and flare, particularly from diagonal and internal light sources, while ARNEO Coat specifically reduces flare and ghosting caused by incident vertical light, and a fluorine coating on the front element resists dust, water, grease, and dirt. A rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to smooth, pleasing bokeh.

Autofocus is handled by a ring-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) with an improved AF servo drive, delivering fast, accurate focusing performance well suited to tracking fast-moving, erratically paced subjects such as athletes. A focus range limiter restricts the focus system to a 19.7 ft.-to-infinity range for quicker focus acquisition, and assignable Function buttons allow lens-based activation of AF/AE Lock or switching between different AF Area Modes. An electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism affords stable aperture control during continuous high-speed bursts.

Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system, using lens-shift voice coil motors (VCMs), compensates for camera shake with up to 4 stops of correction (CIPA standard), with a dedicated Sport mode for erratic subjects alongside a Tripod mode. Build quality includes weather-sealed construction along with a fixed, rotatable tripod collar for balanced support and quick switching between horizontal and vertical orientations. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 2.0m (6.56 ft.) at all zoom positions, yielding a maximum magnification of 0.16x, and accepts a 112mm filter thread. It measures approximately 128 x 303.5mm and weighs approximately 3,250g (7.15 lb.), and is compatible with Nikon’s AF-S teleconverters.

As an FX-format lens, the AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR delivers its full 20°20′-8°10′ angle of view on Nikon full-frame F-mount bodies while remaining compatible with Nikon DX-format APS-C cameras at an effective 180-450mm equivalent focal range (13°20′-5°20′ angle of view).

Key Features
– 120-300mm constant f/2.8 telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount, FX-format
– 25 elements in 19 groups, including 1 ED, 2 Fluorite, and 1 SR element
– Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat
– Fluorine-coated front element
– Ring-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus with improved AF servo drive
– Focus range limiter and assignable Function buttons
– Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism
– Vibration Reduction (VR), up to 4 stops, with Sport and Tripod modes
– Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
– Weather-sealed construction
– Fixed, rotatable tripod collar
– Minimum focusing distance of 2.0m (6.56 ft.) at all zoom positions
– Maximum magnification of 0.16x
– 112mm filter thread
– Compatible with Nikon AF-S teleconverters
– Approximate weight: 3,250g (7.15 lb.)
– Compatible with Nikon full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) F-mount cameras