Macro photography is a fascinating field that allows you to capture the intricate details of tiny subjects, from insects and flowers to jewelry and food. To achieve these close-up shots, you need a specialized lens that can magnify your subject and maintain sharpness and clarity at close range. In this review, we will take a closer look at the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens, designed specifically for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
Overview of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S Lens
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 105mm, making it ideal for capturing subjects at a moderate distance. The lens is designed for full-frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras but can also be used with APS-C models, where it provides an equivalent focal length of 157.5mm. The lens features a maximum aperture of f2.8, which allows for a shallow depth of field and excellent bokeh.
The lens is constructed with 16 elements in 11 groups, including one ED glass element and one aspherical ED element, which help to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions. The lens also features Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat, which reduce ghosting and flare when shooting in bright or backlit conditions.
One of the most significant features of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens is its close-focusing capabilities. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.29m (0.96ft) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1, the lens can capture subjects at life-size proportions. Additionally, the lens features a focus limiter switch, which allows you to limit the focus range to a specific distance and speed up the autofocus performance.
The lens also features Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which compensates for camera shake and allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without getting blurry images. The VR system provides up to 4.5 stops of compensation, making it ideal for low-light conditions or handheld shooting.
Image Quality and Performance
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens delivers outstanding image quality, with sharpness, contrast, and color rendition that are second to none. The lens produces tack-sharp images even at wide apertures, with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion. The bokeh produced by the lens is smooth and pleasing to the eye, thanks to its 9-blade aperture diaphragm.
The autofocus system of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens is fast, accurate, and virtually silent, making it ideal for both photo and video applications. The lens uses a stepping motor (STM) for quiet and precise autofocus, and you can also override the autofocus manually using the focus ring.
Handling and Design
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens is well-built and has a sturdy feel to it. The lens is weather-sealed, which means it can withstand dust and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor photography. The lens features a customizable control ring that you can assign various functions such as aperture control, exposure compensation, or ISO adjustment.
The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, weighing just 630g (1.39 lbs), which makes it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. The lens features a retractable barrel design, which allows it to collapse to a more compact size when not in use.
Pros and Cons of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S Lens
Pros:
- Excellent image quality with sharpness, contrast, and color rendition
- Close-focusing capabilities with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1
- Vibration Reduction (VR) technology provides up to 4.5 stops of compensation
- Fast, accurate, and silent autofocus system with manual override
- Weather-sealed and well-built design with a customizable control ring
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to other macro lenses in the market
- The retractable barrel design can be a bit finicky to use
- No focus distance scale on the lens
Who is the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S Lens For?
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens is an excellent choice for photographers who specialize in macro photography, whether it be for professional or personal use. It is also suitable for those who want a versatile lens for portraits, landscapes, and other genres of photography, as the lens offers exceptional image quality and close-focusing capabilities.
The lens is designed specifically for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, so it is ideal for those who have already invested in the Nikon Z system or are planning to do so in the future. It is also a great choice for those who prioritize the build quality and weather-sealing of their lenses.
Conclusion
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens is a versatile and high-quality macro lens designed for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. It delivers exceptional image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and close-focusing capabilities that make it a top choice for macro photographers. The lens’s weather-sealed and well-built design also makes it suitable for outdoor photography in various conditions.
While the lens is relatively expensive compared to other macro lenses in the market, it is well worth the investment for those who prioritize image quality and close-focusing capabilities. Overall, the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens is an outstanding addition to any Nikon Z mirrorless camera kit.
FAQs
- Can the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens be used with Nikon DSLR cameras? No, the lens is designed specifically for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras and cannot be used with Nikon DSLRs.
- What is the minimum focusing distance of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens? The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 0.29m (0.96ft).
- Can the VR system of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens be turned off? Yes, the VR system can be turned off using the switch on the lens barrel.
- What is the maximum magnification ratio of the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens? The lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1, which means it can capture subjects at life-size proportions.
- Does the Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens have a focus distance scale? No, the lens does not have a focus distance scale on the barrel.