Approaching the Scene 157: The Nikon 105 2.8 MC VR S Macro Is Crazy Sharp!

(LINKS BELOW) I’ve been playing with Nikon’s new 105 2.8 S Micro lens. I love it and I’ll show you why while comparing it with the other three 105s that I have collected over the years. It’s the sharpest by far. For those of you that use On1 Photo RAW, please check the links in the full description below to see RIck and my new Photokit for ON1: Working the Landscape. We’re proud of it, it's a great deal for a limited time and I think you’ll really enjoy it.
LINKED TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 Intro to ATS 157
01:24 Linked Table of Contents in full video description
01:47 Join our free Office Hours July 27th on honing your photo skills
02:33 Kase filters & yes, Nikon’s 112 hood fits all 2.8 zooms and the 14-30
05:16 Testing Canon R5 & Sony A1 so stay tuned
06:04 My four 105s: First the latest F & Z macro 2.8s
07:17 The 105 S macro focus breathes, unavoidable for macro.
08:36 Why I love the 105 1.4 F lens
09:25 My oldest lens: the legendary 105 2.5 AIS
10:04 My lens calibration & testing setup with Reican FoCal software
12:06 Reican FoCal lens AF calibration
13:46 Older DSLR lenses require more AF calibration even on mirrorless
14:36 Focal aperture sharpness test results
19:44 Image analysis: edge sharpness & vignetting
22:51 Image analysis: macro images
25:00 The new 105 2.8 S is a focus stacking dream with Z cameras
26:21 Image analysis: portrait images
30:35 Conclusions: The 105 2.8 S is the sharpest 105 yet
LINKS:
Rick and my new On1 Photo Kit: bit.ly/WtLOn1
Nikon 105 2.8 MC Macro S: bhpho.to/3piRWvA
Nikon HB-97 112mm hood: bhpho.to/3zkdfRn
FoCal (check Digital Darkroom too): bhpho.to/38BXLhs
The Kase filters I recommend & sell: www.hudsonhenry.com/kase
Frequently updated links to all the gear I use: bit.ly/HudsonsLinks
Using my links helps support this video series. Thank you!
I invite all of you to join Rick, Woody, David, Darren and me for our free live Office Hours Tuesday July 27th at 10AM Pacific. We’re going to delve deeper into this topic and discuss practice, honing your photography skills and the importance of working through failure. Be sure to submit a question when you sign up.
Office Hour signup site: bit.ly/2UgDaX4
Thanks to everyone for the great questions you are sending in. Keep them coming either in the comments below or by emailing me directly. I hope to see you in the next Office Hours Session.
Stay safe and healthy.

[@DK-ys2cw]

Love mine! Not only is it extremely sharp, but there is something about it when I pick it up and hold it in my hand. I don’t know what it is, but it’s awesome.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's light and nimble, but rock solid feeling. They just don't miss with these S lenses.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you, Hudson! I ordered mine back in June, as soon as I heard it was released, but still don't have it yet. Still, I've seen several other reviews of this lens, done by others I respect, and they all agree, so that's nice to hear. Can't wait to get it in my hands. Take care.

[@marcelbakker6512]

Thanks for this review. Well done. Ordered a couple of days ago the 105 Z lens for the Z7II. Can't wait!!!

[@Phresh2life]

This video was EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you for this comparison!

[@renkebienert7793]

Many thanks for the review! Impressing MTF charts, which confirm and prove my own "impression". I own a copy of the 105 MC VR S myself since a month and love it. Sharp and no CA. Extremely nice for focus stacking.

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

ordered the new 105 yesterday. love this channel.

[@gabehill9817]

Once I get my 70-200 f2.8 (or maybe the 100-400) I absolutely will be picking up this lens. It just looks so good.

[@lindakarlin2980]

Mine is also on order. Looking forward to getting it.

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Nice round up of the 105mm options for Nikon users. That new 2.8s lens looks like a winner.

[@Dickymint1000]

Really pleased with my 105 Z lens. Great, informative video, thanks

[@sunrise_sunshine]

Really nice information, hoping to buy 105 S lens. Thanks so much for making this video.

[@creativityrevealed3659]

I have a 135 AI-S that is always close by and could never get rid of it. One of my favorites for that old school experience and love it’s characteristic with monochrome. Being sharp isn’t everything. Love that you did a broad comparison because I am seriously looking at that new 105mm. Thanks man 🥳

[@russellwright9961]

I have the 135 AI-S and love it! It’s contrasty and renders really well on my D700. I agree with you about characteristics with Monochrome, it’s micro-contrast is a a big reason for it…

[@sbphotography3751]

Thanks for this very informative and useful channel.

[@EdCatlett]

I'm loving the new 105 and really am just using it for nature so it is amazing. The thing about the old 105 2.5 is the visceral feel when you focus it. It is hard to adequately describe how silky it feels.

[@sparkeyjames]

The 55mm AIS and 105mm AIS 2.8 F mount manual focus Micro lenses are classics. The fact that they still make the 55mm 2.8 manual focus lens 4 decades after its introduction is amazing. It has always been lauded as one of Nikons sharpest lenses. I concur having owned two of them at separate times one from the 1980's and one purchased brand new in 2021.

[@jimwlouavl]

It’s nice to hear someone with an attachment to their lenses. They’re more than just tools. I have the 105 f/2.8 Micro Ai-S and will probably sell it when I get the Z lens, but I will miss it and will still keep my old 55mm Micro for the way it is built and feels.

[@frankcruz8068]

Excellent work! I will go shopping as I do after watching your videos. Time to replace my macro lens.

[@RonSkinnerPhotographer]

Love that lens, I was able to get it the day it was released from NikonUSA, sharpest macro I’ve ever used and I have the old F-mount 105 and the Nikon 200mm F4

[@cavedroid]

Wait, are you saying this is sharper than the Nikkor 200mm f4? I just wan't to be sure before I get the new 105 MC and the 2xTC.

[@carljarvinen1189]

Mine’s on order, can’t wait to get it….

[@berniestang2616]

Did u ever get this lens ? I want one , haven’t ordered yet … wonder how long it could take ?? Thx .

[@randybocksnick3750]

HUDSON-- I just got my Case neutral density #6 today(7-23-2021)I got it through you and I got say very exciting getting it with your name on the mailer! You were correct about the quality! Love it! Randy Bocksnick(Montana)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That's so great Randy! :-)

[@guddakaka]

Nikon 105 2.8 MC VR S --> Amazing lens .. love to have it.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Excited! Still waiting for mine......

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's worth a wait. Hope it isn't long.

[@charlesdavis6371]

Great video, on point and something I'm looking at. I do have a 105 DC and the 2.8 f-mount micro. Not sure I can swing the z-mount, but perhaps in the spring.

[@andyvan5692]

Hudson, if you like the f 2.5 105mm try the f 2.8 version ( had the PN-11 as a kit with it), this is fab. great bokeh, and good portrait lens as well, without the ext. tube on!! and the pn-11 makes this a great macro lens too.

[@gregcorker2193]

Great review.

[@kenparrent6770]

Thie new 105mm S lens, along with the 14-24mm, is on my wish list. Could have used both on recent road trip.

[@nespressoman]

You are fantastic!

[@cheemy1000]

Bought 3 lenses with my new Nikon. This was one of them. Fantastic lens.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Following up on this one. I got my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 S on July 29th, and am LOVING it. It's everything Nikon (and you) have described, and produces beautiful results, fast, and silently. (and I don't miss that extra pound from my previous DSLR days.) :)

[@berniestang2616]

Adding this to my want list . SOON .. .

[@MacroTh3ory]

Love my 105mm with a clip on DCR-250 and macro flash diffuser.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Thank you Hudson for another very informative video. I am glad that I switched to the Z system. That Reican sharpness comparisons made me very happy that I made the right decision. The Z lenses especially the S line are truly amazing. The 70-200 mm f/2.8 S in my arsenal is so far my favorite. I pre-ordered the 105 mm f/2.8 S lens along with the 50 mm f/2.8 MC the day Nikon started accepting pre-orders. I only received the 50 mm, and for no reason given to me by Nikon, they cancelled my 105 mm order. They were in the same order, so I'm sure it has nothing to do with my payment. I wish Nikon was more honest regarding shortages. It is disappointing that even I pre-ordered to get in front of the line, I still got bumped out and now have to wait even longer. Nikon is doing some airline style of selling more product than they have, and then forced paying customers out if demand is more than product availability.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That's crazy and one I hadn't heard before. I prefer to pre-order from B&H, even using NPS. I like the people at B&H and I think they get things faster than Nikon direct. They are a VERY large and important customer in comparison to us little people making individual orders. If they make a squawk it gets heard at higher levels. Amazon is good too. That's why I use those two as my affiliate link hubs at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@ThePinoyAggie]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I agree. It was the first time I pre-ordered with Nikon. Never again.

[@christianbernhardt9803]

Hudson - Enjoy for channel and the learning you provide. I own the 105 MC 2.8 and love it. I also understand the value of large aperture portrait lens. Curious about the lack of mention of the S-line 105mm f1.2 as an option in your discussion.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You mean the 50 1.2S?

[@daviddrake8433]

Wow! Your Reikan aperture sharpness graph for the new Nikon 105/2.8 S lens looks almost exactly like the graph I got from my Nikon 60/2.8D F lens right down to the actual values reported. It is interesting to see that my old D-type macro lens is no slouch. My newer 60/2.8G F lens although not bad, did not do so well as the D lens. I look forward to eventually upgrading my kit to include the Z7ii and the 105/2.8 S lens but I'll probably keep the old D macro lens just because.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Would you email a reikan pdf of that test chart? I have that lens and it's not in the same universe as the S 105... [e-mail]

[@JonnyPink65]

I was a life long Nikon shooter until the R5 came out, the switched to Canon - AMAZING system all the way around. I bought the Z9 hoping..... it is sharp but still lacks what Canon has in so many ways. To that end, I have been looking at macro lenses for my Z9. You mention focus breathing - means out of focus or it struggles and I see that with Nikon still. My Canon 100mm L lens locks on focus for macro or I can use in manual focus and it is spot on - more so that the newer RF lens. Thank you for this review - I think I will go 3rd party as I have had amazing results with the Laowa on many cameras!! Great review and thank you for this info. One thing I dont see anyone using for macro that is a must is flash....

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Focus breathing is when the lens changes focal length as you focus closer. All macros do it to some extent. Nikon has really worked to eliminate it in the current crop of S lenses to thier credit. The 105mc is insanely sharp and accurate when focusing. It's probably the sharpest 105 macro yet made by all tests and accounts. It shocks me. I reviewed the R5 teen it launched and enjoyed my time with it. There's a video on this channel from then. All the brands are killing it honestly. Hard to buy a bad new camera. You'd have to pry the Z9 or my Q2 away from me though. ;)

[@JonnyPink65]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for the reply!!! I agree with you on new cameras for sure. I will have to try this lens. ❤

[@davidroberts6766]

Love, with a capital L, my new 105mm MC S macro. One of the best optics that I have ever used!

[@ScutuRC]

22:27 - the old lens show up as 15mm instead of 105mm .. probably because no cpu and manual identification. Thanks for the comparation. I really enjoy my 105 f2.8 S as well, even if I dreamed a while back to get the 105mm f1.4 instead, but the macro capabilities open a whole new world for you!

[@michaeld9758]

112 mm filters are major change. Your comments on the HB-97 hood was the most interesting. I didn’t realize it fit the 24-70 f 2/8 but sure enough it does. I can’t afford the 70-200 but thanks for commenting. You’ve given me food for thought, the NiSi or Kase. My 112 mm Schneider clear was about $200. Why do you think Nikon is headed in the 112 mm direction?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They've made their whole 2.8 S knew fit that hood plus Their only 82mm threaded ultra wide the 14-30. It was so much sense. Now if they would just tell the world. Why didn't they tell the world about it... (sorry Dr. Strangelove reference I can't resist).

[@michaelmccarter2890]

Thanks!

[@rdcoff]

Hello, The first thing that struck me was that the Z lens held pretty hard to about f20 at a normal working distance. If this is correct, then that's very useful! You can check on this, but recall that at close-up distances approaching 1:1 you will want as much depth of field as possible because it shrinks to mm sizes. Since the Z lens reports the "Effective F number", it lies about real depth of field close up. I don't have the lens here, this is just "macro"-lore. And I think this lens has some fancy menus that you can access thru the LCD. Could be interesting, check the manual. I would expect that at real close-up distances like 0.5-1.0 magnification, it will report crazy high f numbers that are a composite of the aperture and the magnification. Try this - set your lens to 2.8 at infinity, then rack it to 1:1 and see the f number change two stops worth. That's the difference in exposure only. Or, that's how I understand it. It has a compensating aperture. -Rob

[@aaronmurgatroyd5810]

Thanks for this video, recently bought the S 105mm micro to replace my old F 105mm micro (mainly due to the focus speeds as I found the FTZ adaptor with the old F mount 105mm lens was slow), I am finding the new one much faster to focus on close subjects (< 30cm), did you find the same?

[@bnorris07]

Hey Hudson, have you noticed a loud focus motor on this lens? Mine is loud enough that I’m not sure how it would work with video with large focus pulls.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I waited to answer this till I could spend a bit more time with it and my initial thoughts are confirmed. Like all the S line lenses it's AF motor is really quiet most of the time, but... if it looses focus and racks way back looking for a macro subject or way out looking for an infinity subject, then there is some faster gear it spins into that gets way louder. Being a macro with such a broad focusing range, this is neither the fastest or the quietest of the new Z lenses to autofocus. It's probably better to manual focus for video. I would not count on this lens as my go to action photography lens (unless the action is tiny and close) or my go to autofocus video lens (unless again the action is tiny and close). You can limit how far the lens racks out toward infinity searching for focus in close up work (no more than .5 meters), but you'll still hear the louder AF motor at times using that limit. The good news in all this is that the focusing is really optimized for manual focusing (as a macro lens should be). It's a joy to manually focus with precision.

[@waveland]

I’m just getting back to Nikon, shooting with the Z9, and getting myself up to speed on the lens lineup. I tested the 105 and the manual focus by wire drive me nuts. I didn’t buy the lens. But I’ve since found out an August 2022 firmware update has opened up a linear focus option. What’s crazy is now you can expand the focus throw to as much as 720 degrees which is ultra fine control. I want to go back now and retest the lens. The same update applies to the 50 1.2 which I do have, and manual focus all of a sudden gets much easier. For the 50 I have the focus set to 240 who’s is plenty.

[@waveland]

A quick follow up. In some cases I’m finding 540 degrees of focus throw very helpful, as it provides absolute pin point control when working close focus at wide apertures. Linear focus has quickly become a feature I hate to shoot without.

[@smkunder1]

Love your videos, when you do in camera focus stacking on the Z do you do a delay. I am on waitlist for 105 S

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

If it's a long stack or if I'm using flash, yes. You hit the buffer with a long stack and just adding an extra second avoids that. It's probably fine, but it feels odd to see it stutter and slow down. Flash needs a recycle time.

[@stevelink3]

Hey Steve, just FYI, I use the Flashpoint Zoom Li-Ion X R2 Circular flash (with Flashpoint R2 Pro N TTL Transmitter) on my Z7 for Focus Shift Shooting Mode ("focus stacking"), and for at least 55 images, shooting at f5.6 ISO 64, and 1/2 to 1/4 flash power, the flash has kept up with the camera. The rechargeable battery lasts a very long time as well. With the myriad accessories/light mods available for it, i highly recommend this Flashpoint R2 System!

[@coltoncyr2283]

Chris Frost just reviewed this lens. He called it the best macro lens he's ever tested. Better than Sony 90mm! Crazy! Nikon is KILLING IT on the lens stage. But for me, I might buy the Laowa 100mm macro, for the 2:1, and half price. I also don't do portraits so just don't need it.

[@stevelink3]

Hi Colton. I have the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro for Nikon Z7. While it IS truly ultra-sharp (when you do nail focus), it has 2 downsides as noted in my comments above. I'm VERY anxious to see image sharpness comparisons between the Laowa and this Nikkor S MC 105. Please let me know if you need more info on it.

[@coltoncyr2283]

@@stevelink3 I have a set of extension tubes when I had my dslr. I just purchased the extension tubes for Z mount. Something about $43 just seemed the smarter move hahah. I've seen people say the 105mm is the best macro lens ever made, but for me saving $957 is better. Maybe down the road when I can get a used one, then I'll pair both! But I'm super excited to link this on my 50mm Z lens!! My next lens focus is wide angle. Just waiting for a used 14-30mm to put on my CC lol. I've been on $0 for a long time!

[@stevelink3]

@@coltoncyr2283 Nice move on the extension tubes. I used one with an old 50mm Nikkor paired with a Nikkormat FT3…I got some sharp images, but I was no expert in that technique. Also heard that reversing a lens can yield sharp results too, but obviously you would lose all xmf lens data, etc. Good luck!

[@isotechimages.9130]

Was lucky to pick up the 105mc as soon as it came out with a 10% discount loving this lens the only issue l have is the focus breathing but guess that can't really be avoided with this type of lens. Nikon forced my hand as far as l concerned so l got a R6 for wildlife and to be honest l enjoy it more than my Z6 but the macro lens coming out for the RF mount will be $700 dollars more than my 105mc here in Australia and it gives me an excuse to use my Z6 more. Loving my Z6 and my R6.

[@carlmarch603]

Great video, Hudson. FYI: I’ve had a lot of trouble with FoCal on my M1 MacBook Pro - think there are some Rosetta bugs (the program crashed or failed to finish calibration several times (not tied to any particular body or lens)). Running the same version (MR3) on my Dell XPS 17” worked perfectly. So, I’d recommend to your viewers to avoid FoCal on the Apple M1 platform for the time being. Off to Costa Rica next week - looking forward to some macro and focus stacking with the new 105 MC on the Z7II…

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks for that Carl. I just decided to go with the XPS 15" instead of waiting for a worthy MBP. Noted about the M1. I'll email the Reican guys about it.

[@carlmarch603]

I contacted them - they didn’t admit to any M1 issues, but suggested not to use a hub because that is known to cause crashes (which I was not - I use Tether Tools cables)

[@normanreid1229]

I know everybody is having trouble getting their hands on one of these because of the chip shortage. I ordered mine from Best Buy and got it in 3 days. I think they got a supply and few people think of them as a source for camera gear. If you are waiting, you might check their web site.

[@rdcoff]

It's me again. I made a mistake. Got something twisted in my mind. Actually...those compensating apertures open up when you lessen the degree of reduction (moving from say infinity to life size). I have my D850 here with a Tokina 100 f2.8 macro. If you put it at infinity and set it to f2.8, and hold the depth of field preview down while you move to 1:1 you'll see the LCD indicator move to 5.6 while the aperture actually opens up. If you do this at f-stops that are "stopped down" at, or past past f5.6, the LCD won't change, while the aperture opens up automatically. I just put a Nikon lens on (200 macro) and it behaves more or less the same, the point is it's compensating.

[@KillingTheMost]

great

[@nitch3304]

Hudson great review as always. Just wondering have you tried the 50 1.2? 35 years of using Nikon professional lenses and its the most fun I've ever had.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I know I'd love it... I have the 1.8 and love it. I may have to try it now. :)

[@nitch3304]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I have the 1.8 but the 1.2 is next level. I use it for video and it's crazy sharp. It's a heavy beast but once you see the images out of it. I only have x6's so I hate to think how good it is combined with the z62.

[@sbshutterbug]

Hudson, thanks for this video. I have a question on the interpretation of the Focal chart for the Z 105 S. I know the differences are small, but the chart indicates the sharpest aperture is f/4, but the table below the chart indicates the sharpest aperture is f/3.2. Which is correct? Thanks!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No that's the chart # for the old lens. The new one is F4.5 according to focal if you pause and check the results charts. Wide open to 7.1 are insanely sharp and it's sharper than the old lens's best aperture all the way out to 13. Crazy.

[@sbshutterbug]

​@@HudsonHenryPhoto The table below the Z lens chart lists Peak QoF of 2102.1 at f/4.5, 2168.2 at f/3.2, and 2132.6 at f/4 that puts f/3.2 as the sharpest, which is inconsistent with the graph that shows f/4 as the sharpest. I have the Z lens and I agree it's crazy sharp. I'm just trying to understand the chart. Thank you again for all your great videos.

[@jraitio8031]

Good video of very interesting 105, but are you gonna review z 85?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'll consider it for sure. :)

[@lucapucci9566]

Would you use the f mount 105 Micro VR with a 2x teleconverter for travel photography?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No absolutely not. That lens isn't compatible, nor is the new S. Even if it were, 2X TCs are really made to extend only the highest quality big primes without quality reduction. For example the 400 2.8 caliber (generally 5 figure lenses). It's true the epic new 70-200 S is surprisingly good with it, but quality is still degraded. Lesser lenses like the 400 4.5 are better served by the 1.4 TC. Again though, no 105 is made for TC compatibility.

[@tonyhayes9827]

I see the set up requires you to point the camera at the middle of the target but how do you know the sensor plane and the target plane are perfectly parallel?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You line it up by eye, but it really tests that center dot and the center of the projection. For comparisons like this you don't move the target or camera body and both tests are equal. Since it's really only testing the center projection... I get level and square and shoot a patterned wall to check edge to edge sharpness by eye (My siding shots).

[@laurencegoode1387]

Just stumble upon this. Interesting results. Mine differ. Though you can see the starker, harsher rendering of the 105mm Z Micro compared to the others. I have run many tests comparing most 105mm Nikons ever made. I find the old 105mm F/2.5 to be the most color accurate. But it is one of the last editions. Older editions, and the first series do not have the color, nor the sharpness of latter ones. I would guess your 105mm F/2.5 is earlier, rather than later. I concur that the 105mm F/1.4 E is a astounding lens. However, I use the VR F/28 Micro most of all, wide open, for portraiture for it's unique, almost glamorous look. And the F/2.5 for stopped down work. TTFN

[@gosman949]

So where does the 1.8 85s lens fit in the line up? Should I sell my 85s and get the 105s that can do Macro too?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The 85 is a fabulous portrait and street lens. Not quite as epic as the 105 1.4, but way lighter, cheaper and sharper wide open. It's a better street and portrait option. The 105 2.8 macro S is slower focusing (if it misses and racks way in close it can take a long time to rack back out), let's in less light and is bigger. If you do more macros than portraits and street shooting, then you might consider it.

[@warlordpriest1]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto also considering the 85 but street and night-scapes seem to be more my cup of tea. Thanks for sharing your impressions and the comparison to the 105s. I may just get the 85 first.

[@contemplatively]

It's hard to find a person who tried the 105mm f1.4 and didn't love it. I actually use it for macro photography by adding an extension.

[@filetdelumiere5037]

Interesting comparison between 105 mm lenses. @At 17:30 it lacks the graphic for the old F mount macro lens 105mm f/2.8. We finally do not know how it compares to the new one... :(

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ah, I'd have done it if you could run that test on non-AF lenses, but alas...

[@tedvanhorn2227]

I received my z nikon 105 f2.8 last Thursday. I am totally blown away by this lens. One of the first thing I tried was focus stacking on my Z7II with the new lens. Incredible images with this combo. I find it hard to sleep as I am thinking up all kinds of new projects to shoot. thanks for your discussion and tech details.

[@davidpalermo4695]

Have you ever tried the Nikkor 105 f/2 Defocus Control lens? I wish you would have included this lens.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I know people love it. Never tried though. Testing the Plena now. Spectacular lens.

[@oliverracz2686]

I don't think there is a Z mount 105 f/1.4 planned, at least not for the time being. There is a 135mm lens on the roadmap, my guess is that will be an f/1.8, and the recently announced 85 f/1.2 should be pretty sweet too, if a little expensive.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

This is exactly why I moved from my D750 to the Z7ii rather than a D850 - the new S lenses are where Nikon is investing their engineering and development and, thus, where I want to spend my money.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Such a wise and correct statement!

[@curtwells9628]

Just wondering why I would purchase the 105 S lens when I have the 70-200 S lens which covers that focal length as well as they are both 2.8.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The reason is macro. The 70-200 S is a fabulous lens and much faster focusing. It's far more versatile for sure. For capturing the small world in detail, this 105 MC is the best macro I've yet used. It's level of sharpness and color rendition sets a new standard. It just brings smiles whenever I mount it and get close to a subject. It was nuts in Costa Rica. :) Everyone who I know that has it finds a new appreciation for close up work.

[@curtwells9628]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the reply, I was debating on the new 105 Z mount since I have a 105 2.8 D F mount lens. Is the Z mount a huge upgrade?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yes for sure. It's in another league. Just an incredible macro lens.

[@patrickmolloy6994]

This is such a great lens. Thanks for this brill review. I wish 'd seen this 3 daysvago as I just spent £50 on step up rings :) I had NO IDEA that the hood from the 14-24 fits the z70-200! anyway its not completely wasted as the 24-70 f4 is smaller. phew. I need to convince management I need the 24-70 f2.8 now !! thanks again!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

I’ve now preordered the MC 105mm … you convinced me 😂

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

I got mine on release day (thanks to B&H pre-order) and it has already become my product photography workhorse. I've been looking forward to getting your take on it! I'm also seriously thinking about spinning off a second KZbin channel to do reviews of a lot of the gear that I use to produce content, and I have earmarked this 105/2.8 to be the introductory video. I already know it won't compare to your work, but I hope I can bring something of value to the table.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I can't wait to check it out!

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Oh great. Expectations. The one thing I can't live up to!

[@stevelink3]

@@JustinOpinionChannel Hey Justin, have you ever tried the fully MF Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro lens? At about half the price of this superb Nikkor S MC lens, it has 2 downsides for product work...Being fully manual, it won't enable the Z7's Focus Shift Shooting Mode, and the MF ring is WAY TOO short Focus Throw, meaning that one really has to have Patience, and work to achieve pinpoint focus at the desired focus point! That said though, when you DO nail focus, the resulting images are truly ultra-sharp! That's why I'd love to see a side-by-side image comparison between it and the Nikkor 105 MC S lens! I'd love to see your channel as well!

[@EugeneMaynard]

🙏🏾

[@donl]

I have had my 105 2.8 MC for about 2 months now. It is crazy sharp and does everything I bought it for. I do have one CON which I was surprised because all other Z lens I have are don like this. The focus is slow. I actually would say it is very slow. Using it as a portrait lens has been frustrating. As a MACRO lens it is a dream.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

IT's really slow when it starts looking for a closer subject and racks all the way in before going out. i really wish Nikon had set the focus limiter to .5m- infinity instead of vice versa. It would have made it more versatile. It's actually pretty quick if it doesn't hunt for a close subject. All macros do that though. They rack so far out to focus close that it just takes time to do it before going out. Most have focus limiters that eliminate close focus. Nikon chose to put a limiter that only focuses close. Huge bummer on an otherwise perfect lens. A trick I've used is manually focusing close and then letting autofocus dial it in. If it starts the wrong way, just grab it manually and correct.

[@donl]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks.. I am working on it. It still is an awesome lens.

[@TaipeiGeek]

I wish I had such a big room with so much gear, but I'm currently enjoying lock down and have no access to a vaccine yet, so my life is boring. Watching your KZbin videos and dreaming of better times.

[@intrinsicimagery]

I am so sad for you. I live in the US, and got my vaccine in January. Vaccine inequality is a worldwide shame.

[@TaipeiGeek]

@@intrinsicimagery Nah, it's not that. I live in Taiwan, and we're a rich country. What happened is, we had 0 local infections for a year, so we basically lived a normal life in a kind of bubble and nobody had reason to vaccinate. We're an island nation and hence we controlled the borders well. Then in May a pilot came in and started to spread it locally. We had 500 cases per day in May, and now it went down to 10-20 cases per day and around 5 million people out of 23 million got vaccinated already. I'm just not yet at the age group to be eligible, but I think at this rate I might get it by September (I already registered).

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Agree JJ. Stay safe TG. I hope it comes sooner.

[@romiemiller7876]

It's hard to fit filters on the 14-24 lens for SLR cameras. I'll have to try this.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Every single thing possible is better with the new 14-24 S than the old. Don't get me wrong. For many years the F-mount 14-24 was my favorite workhorse, but this new 14-24 is significantly sharper, lighter, and much easy to use. The new HB-97 112mm multi-lens hood feature is the icing on the cake. Links are at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@romiemiller7876]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I have a D800, si that's the lens I have. When I get a new camera it'll be the D850 for several reasons, even though I'd like to have a Z7II for some things.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I've got one collecting dust I need to sell. It has been since I picked up the original z7. I expected to hate it like I did the Sony mirrorless of the time. Instead I fell in love with that evf and never looked back. Can't imagine going back to the DSLRs. It'd almost be like returning to film from digital.

[@romiemiller7876]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I can understand that. If I shot portraits of kid a lot, or editorial/news of speakers or other places where the mirror noise is bothersome, I'd get a Z7. But I do a lot of work where the DSLR works better. If I can raise the $ for a D850, I'll contact you.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@romiemiller7876 seriously... I'll take z's for action, still life, macros, wildlife, landscape, travel, stars, high contrast, long exposure, video, timelapse... you name it. I rarely do portraiture. I'm a travel, landscape and adventure /action guy. There's absolutely nothing the Z cameras and lenses don't do better than the DSLRs and I've fired hundreds of thousands of frames with the d70, d200, d300, D700, d750, d800, D810, D850 and D500. The only one I use anymore is the D500 and that's for its sweet DX sensor's extra reach with long lenses combined with low megapixel / great high iso performance. It's a unique action cam, but I wish they'd make an equivalent mirrorless. It feels so antique and clunky after these years with the Z's. I plan to sell the Z7 and D850 to MPB.com in the next week or two along with the F mount macro. That's the other Z attribute. The F4 S lenses are sharper than the F mount 2.8s. It's crazy how good the new glass is.

[@victorlim5077]

Interesting that F mount lenses still need some focus adjustments. I thought using Mirrorless negated that need.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I find most of my f mounts do need it. It is odd eh? I scratched my head about it a bit too.

[@victorlim5077]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks, Hudson. Great content and you are a great guide for those doing the transition to Mirrorless.

[@rogeryoung3587]

Yes, but what do the initials 'MC' stand for? Nobody seems to know.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Micro Nikkor. :-) They decided to finally end the confusion and stop putting "micro" on their macro lenses. However, they didn't want to fully give it up, so they just put MC.

[@rogeryoung3587]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Yes, but what does the 'C' mean? Closeup? Clarity? Camera? Crop? Confused...

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think it's short for micro. MC.

[@rogeryoung3587]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I was hoping for an answer, not a guess :(

[@romanpul]

@@rogeryoung3587 Ask Nikon on any of their social media channels. They usually reply to such questions

[@donl]

I have had mine on order a month after it came out. I happen to be looking for a good macro and now after many reviews i can not wait.... but what is Nikon doing? They seem to be releasing new products and can not meet demand for camera and lens. Very frustrating and not good for the brand

[@PilotJimL]

Ordered mine within 24 hours, but still waiting word from B&H.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

27:41 - scientific proof that you are indeed the apple of her eye!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

She surely is mine. No matter how big she grows, she'll always be Dad's baby girl. ;)

[@cy9nvs]

Optically, it's great, but it feels pretty cheap in hand, in my opinion. They should've at least made that piece with all the buttons and the S-Logo metal as well, wouldn't increase weight by much, but would actually make it feel like a high quality lens. You touch that constantly, and it just feels super cheap and plasticky.

[@betacar0tin]

Nikon really should move the playback button to the right side. It's an ergonomic nightmare and I don't understand why they still put it there.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Agree 100%

[@rotvonrat]

The R5 intermesso ruined the whole video.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

All of the cameras coming out are amazing. Teaching workshops and coaching photographers with different systems is a joy and forces me to keep up with all the brands. I will say the R5 is the most tempting non Nikon camera I've played with in some time. It's pretty darned sweet. I'm a Nikon guy though. If I stuck with them through the long drought and doubt between the D700 and D800, I can certainly hold on here. There's nothing wrong with the current Z cameras. Just a lack of marketing skill.