Nikon - NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens for Z Series Mirrorless Cameras - Black

I was surprised to see this lens "in stock" only a couple weeks after release and Nikon saying this is planned to be backordered for many months. I wanted the lens, eventually, but was going to wait until the rush was over but with no other longer range Z lenses seeming to be announced, anytime soon, I just decided to get it...and boy am I glad I did. I've been using my 200mm f4 macro to pass the summer. With the FTZ adapter and the older lens now becoming a manual focus one, it was fun but there are a lot of things I was missing with the Z body (I shoot Z7ii and Z6ii). The biggest thing is the in camera focus stacking (you need AF for this). Works incredibly, under calm outdoors situations as the key is to have absolutely NO subject movement while it's doing its thing. I won't get into this feature as it's a lens review, but if you don't know about it, look up the many videos on the "tube" and have some fun trying it out. About the lens itself. This thing is SHARP. In my opinion, it outperforms the 200mm f4 macro, which was legendary for its sharpness. Not only that, it's pretty lightweight. This lens on the body feels the same weight of just the 200mm f4 lens I was using, with both in each hand. Part of me going into the Z system was to shed weight and this fits the bill. It's smaller size will also allow me to bring this macro on trips where before the "brick" (200mm) just added too much weight and size in my backpack. It's also not all that long of a lens. Having larger hands, the lens diameter seems pretty wide and fits in them very naturally. Large focus ring is smooth as butter with the perfect amount of travel to dial focus in, when shooting manual. Beautiful bokeh. Very very shallow depth of field, but it's a macro, so that's how it should be. The AF seems a little slow, compared to other Z lenses I have, but I feel like it's perfect speed for they type of photos this was created to be used for. I think a fast snappy AF would be too much when trying to focus on little tiny things. It does lock right on and stay, though. I've only been using it for the weekend, but I've had such a fun time playing with it and the light weight makes it seem like nothing to carry around all day. Nikon really knows how to make lenses.

The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro is a true Dual Threat lens giving you amazing Macro but also amazing Portrait capabilities. After receiving the lens in the evening, I shot 182 images by early morning working from my dining room table and then outside at first light. You need to know your gear and get some practice with this lens. It's sophisticated in all respects and deserves the respect of your time and patience. There is heavy breathing as the lens tries to focus on what you want. Some helpful tips: Switch to manual focus occasionally on the fixed/non-moving subjects. Rock back and forth firing multiple shots. When you're ready and I personally am not, use the photo stacking techniques in conjunction with Photoshop. In your camera settings for Auto Focus, switch to Pin Point. Put the dot exactly where you want to be in focus. Keep in mind even stopped down, your depth-of-field will be very shallow. Buy a 2nd battery for your camera! As a portrait lens, the Z 105 is amazing! The Bokeh is strong! You will have a ton of fun impressing family and friends with portraits. I personally own the Nikkor Z 50mm f1.2 and the 50mm f2.8 Macro. Had the 105mm Macro been available, I would not yet own the 50mm f1.2 and probably passed on the 50mm Macro. I do own both the Z6ii and Z7ii as well as the other Z lenses and started shooting Nikon in 1980 when I bought the F3. This lens is a great deal as it is 2 lenses. Understand you'll need to "slow down to speed up" with lots of Macro practice. If you're like me and limited patience, go run and gun as a portrait lens. It's a blast!

I am upgrading from the Nikon 105mm F-Mount AF Macro. This lens feels lighter, but it is definitely bigger. It is roughly the same size as the F-Mount 105mm with the F to Z adapter attached. The focusing takes longer when it has to search the entire range, but there is a switch to limit the search when shooting close up. One thing I noticed is that if you don’t turn off the camera before removing the lens, the VR mechanism will rattle in the lens. So make sure you turn off the camera before removing the lens. It is sharp and works as expected and the quality is appropriate for an “S” lens.

I was hesitant to purchase this lens due to it being a prime and at this cost. I have to say it has exceeded my expectations. I love this for portraits, live music, and landscape. It’s a bit large but I’m able to shoot all day and not feel weighed down. Because it’s a macro lens, the F/ will change depending on how close/far you are from your subject. It’ll give you the “equivalent”. For example, if I have it set to F/2.8 but I’m < 7 inches of my subject, it’ll change the F/ to 3.6 or higher. For those that didn’t know (like me) - who thought the lens was broken haha it’s not. FroKnowsPhotos has a YouTube video that explains it better. Anywho, fantastic lens, definitely worth the purchase. Also, does a fantastic job in low light.

I needed a sharp lens for my Nikon Z9 to shoot closeups and portraits. This lens more than fit the bill. Images are sharp, focusing is fast, colors and the bokeh are amazing. The size is managable. A great lens to add to your primary lenses and zooms at a reasonable price.