Nikkor 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Lens announced, with the D6.

[Akira]

What is tricky is that "SR" is located right between the designations of special glass type (FL, PF, ED) and the mechanical specialty (VR).

Traditionally, Nikon hasn't emphasized the use of high-index refractive glass in its cross section, unlike some other manufactures.  Also, judging from the proportion of the image of the lens posted above, it doesn't appear particularly small or light, compared to Sigma equivalents.

So, I would guess that "SR" refers to some newly employed mechanism.  (Stress Reduction?!)

[Ilkka Nissilä]

What is tricky is that "SR" is located right between the designations of special glass type (FL, PF, ED) and the mechanical specialty (VR).

My vote is on super refractive. 

[longzoom]

It will be interesting to compare this one to the new 100-300/4, in 1-2 years.

[Bill De Jager]

It will be interesting to compare this one to the new 100-300/4, in 1-2 years.

Presumably that refers to this unconfirmed leak.

EDIT:

It's interesting that the list includes a 35/1.2 and 85/1.2.  I was just thinking about future Z-mount f/1.2 lenses in the last day or so, and was even going to post something here about that.  We've known all along about the upcoming 50/1.2.  I was going to suggest that the 35/1.2 and 85/1.2 are likely, and maybe even a 105/1.2.  That last one would be audacious, but if it's feasible (i.e. cost not totally extravagant) you can imagine the appeal.

[MILLIREHM]

Thanks for the list though it switches to the Z-System (probably because of the 100-300/4)

As the list is here I'd like to express regret that there is no dedicated Micro Nikkor on this list, so no native close-up capability in the Z System over 4 (or even more years),that be considered as a wise planning as this can be considererd as essential for a lot of users. (There is a pattern in offering 1,8 and 1,2 versions of primes, so maybe we will see an 28 f/1,2 as well.) I doubt if evolving a lens system in one direction (fast and superfast primes of conventional focal length) is the right thing for Nikon to do.

I might be wrong (if the 65 and 105 mm f/1,8 will turn out as Macro lenses)

[longzoom]

65/105 - probably yes.

[Akira]

Presumably that refers to this unconfirmed leak.

EDIT:

It's interesting that the list includes a 35/1.2 and 85/1.2.  I was just thinking about future Z-mount f/1.2 lenses in the last day or so, and was even going to post something here about that.  We've known all along about the upcoming 50/1.2.  I was going to suggest that the 35/1.2 and 85/1.2 are likely, and maybe even a 105/1.2.  That last one would be audacious, but if it's feasible (i.e. cost not totally extravagant) you can imagine the appeal.

Apparently, there will be no compact Z lenses at least for a few years to come...

[MILLIREHM]

Apparently, there will be no compact Z lenses at least for a few years to come...

That might be a critical failure as well

[Akira]

That might be a critical failure as well

I wish I would be wrong.  All the manufacturers, Nikon, Canon Sony or even Fujifilm were emphasizing the compactness and light weight of the mirrorless system.  The only compact and lightweight things they have offered so far are the camera bodies...

[tommiejeep]

Akira, the entire size thing went away with top class lenses being introduced for MILC (both size and weight) .   The ergonomics of my D750 were better than my a7rii a7iii , Z6 and EM1 for my shooting.   I can still keep my sizes and weights down by using adapted lenses when I travel by air.    Manual Focus has become more enjoyable with MILC focus aids.   The weight of the MILC bodies keeps increasing.  The weight of my Df (and dead D750) are not that far off the a7iii and Z6.   I do not travel by air with the D500 and never took the D3S on a flight.   There are things I really like about shooting a MILC (for certain shooting) and things I like about DSLRs for other types of shooting.
Tom

[Akira]

Tom, I enjoyed shooting with D750 and thought it was the best balanced DSLR I had ever used or handled.  The AF-S 50/1.8 was a humble little gem in my opinion.  I'm still occasionally tempted to go back to the combo.

Although I enjoy my current combo (X-E3 with its genuine grip and Zeiss Touit 1.8/32), I hadn't abandoned the possibility to go back to Nikon by switching to Z series.  However, the size and weight of what are supposed to be "humble little" Z lenses 50/1.8 and 35/1.8 virtually shit the door.  Z6 and Z 50/1.8 combo is heavier than D750 and AF-S 50/1.8!  (Although the difference is only 65g, and the lens is optically superior.)

[MILLIREHM]

Missed chances, that photographers who want to have lightweight compact equipment will enter the Z-system in the mid-term future although the Z bodies itself are compact and lightweight despite these customers might be crucial for its success. So far its just speculative that the S-line might be accompanied by a C-line.

Of course those people wont buy a fast FL lens like the 120-300 mm as well

[longzoom]

IBIS only, so far, is a most powerful driving motive for some, including me.  Unnecessary FT for native Nikkors are very important, too. That's why all of my D-bodies are gone. All of them. But it is my situation only. Everyone's way should vary.  LZ   

[Ilkka Nissilä]

So far its just speculative that the S-line might be accompanied by a C-line.

Nikon have stated in the launch events of the Z system that there will be other lines that will be less expensive (than the premium S-line) and this has been quoted by reputable web sites (I was not there). It's not speculation when it is coming from Nikon, it speaks of their intention. They have also said that  the Z6 and Z7 are "high end" and there will be lower priced camera bodies as well.

I think it will happen quite soon, within 1 year. This is because the number of people who want premium optical quality at premium prices are always in the minority, and the viability of a system cannot be based on such a small group of buyers. There will have to be a DX camera in the Z system and accompanying lenses to get a lens and camera kit within $1000. This taps into a huge number of potential buyers.

[Frank Fremerey]

A fx body with the 70-200 and a dx body with this and I´ll be in theater heaven 

yes!!!

and the price is?

H E F T Y

I guess, how far north of a 2.8/300G???