Nikon has been at the forefront of change. Over the past 90 years, the company has introduced some truly exceptional models, including 24-70mm, 85mm, and 24-120mm, amongst others. Each of the lenses has produced stellar results, and they continue to be a favorite of photographers even today. However, it appears that the company is discontinuing a lens that is loved by wildlife photographers. Have a look.
The lens we have been talking about is the AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm f2.8E FL ED SR VR. Nikon introduced the lens in 2021, but according to Asobinet, the lens has been discontinued. In fact, if you look at MAP Camera, you will see that the lens is listed as finished product, aka discontinued. On Nikon’s Japan website, it is out of stock.
Similarly, on Nikon USA’s website, you find the same lens as ‘archived.’ In other words, you can’t buy it. Overall, the lens has been discontinued from every platform, and until the stocks last.
The Nikon lens features ED, fluorite and SR elements, as well as Nano Crystal and Arneo coatings. It offers 9 aperture baldies, a minimum focusing distance of 2m, and a 0.16x magnification. The lens was huge and weighs 3250g, which is a lot given that it is designed for wildlife and sports photography.
What is interesting is that the company is discontinuing lenses to focus on other Z series variables. The Nikon 120-300mm came in too late, given that Nikon was already working with mirrorless. However, there is a replacement that might still be available. One such lens is AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f4E TC1.4 FL ED VR, which is still available on Nikon USA’s website.
If you are keen on buying the Nikon 120-300mm, then you can always look at eBay or Amazon for second-hand models. The news is not exactly sad, given that most photographers are now moved to mirrorless. There are only a handful, including serious enthusiasts, who still rely on DSLRs. If that is the case, then the used camera market will give them the best results.
DSLRs are clearly on a decline, and the discontinuation adds to that list. Perhaps this will give the company a chance to explore more ideas with ease.