Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens Review for macro photography

Real world review of the capabilities of the new Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.
You can check out these and more images on my Flickr:
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Beginner macro tutorial: www.journepic....
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Gear We Use:
Z50 amzn.to/3Q2jxjk
Z9 amzn.to/3Uei6AA
Z7 amzn.to/43Tepnf
Z6 amzn.to/3VVtWkD
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S amzn.to/443z8Vt
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S amzn.to/3vZAfc5
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm VR S amzn.to/4cWQuqY
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S amzn.to/3UckHLx
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S amzn.to/3JkAim6
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S amzn.to/3UemrE2
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR amzn.to/44eWhod
Venus Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO amzn.to/3vUYQ1N
Meike MK-Z-AF1 amzn.to/3PUtxL9
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II amzn.to/3xwHzMN
Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II amzn.to/4cTv1iG
Disclosure: The links above are Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
00:00 Intro - Introduction
00:19 Example images AF-S 105mm macro lens
01:46 Build - Weight -Design
02:41 Controls - Focus by wire
04:23 OLED display
04:57 Fn button - AF switch
05:10 Focus limiter difference
05:34 Image quality
06:20 Transmission
06:40 Sharpness
07:09 Z MC 105 example images
07:49 Bokeh/Focus fall of example
08:10 Distortion -Teleconverter compatibility
09:46 Final Conclusion - Example images
#Zcreators

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello Guys! Do you like this type of content? Are you interested in macro photography? Leave us a comment with any suggestions! Also check out the Flickr Album with more images: www.flickr.com/photos/193482582@N05/albums/72157719614709765 Cheers, Diana

[@olaflanfermann7343]

Thanks for the reviiew. Especially the perspective as a macro photographer i found very useful.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you for the nice comment! Glad I could help! Cheers Greg

[@petersuvara]

This is a really nice and easy going channel. Not the ego and annoying parts of the bigger channels. Thanks.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank You very much Peter!

[@MrNecropodo]

thanks for the video, i love macro, great bug pictures

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank You!

[@jonbarnard7186]

I have been pleasantly surprised at the manual focus ring of the new 105mm. Still, focus by wire is generally inferior to mechanical focus, and that is true with this lens too. I would still love it if this lens had a mechanically coupled focus ring, or a focus clutch, and maybe it would be worth paying more for the lens to get this. Marketing over engineering I guess. I certainly have never regretted buying this thing, but I agree, it should be a 2:1 macro. Nikon missed an opportunity here.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

The "Focus ring rotation range" option (f9 in the menu) in the latest Z bodies (from Z 7II/Z 6II/Z9 etc...) makes the focus by wire act very much like a manual focus ring, and with the added functionality of being able to set the range in degrees. I have mine set normally to 360° or 540° and it works like a charm. Also stops being "non-linear", so the speed of the focus ring turn does not affect the change in focus distance. But I guess controls and ergonomics are a very subjective thing, and really depends on ones preferences. 😉 Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@MrNiels27]

Excellent review 👍

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@tenebriocron]

Thank you, wonderful video and great images !

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@renkebienert7793]

Thank you: A very fair review! And it is said that such a great lens does not support larger magnification. The only option to increase the magnification is to use a close-up lens like the Raynox DCR250. I use it due to focus bracketing, which is not possible with a lens like the Laowa... All the best! Renke

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello Renke, I agree 100%. Nikon should have made the lens compatible with TCs, or could have been bolder and made the lens 2x magnification. But the image quality is spectacular! I love the new lens! Wish you the best too! Cheers, Greg

[@petercomeau2190]

The most probable reason that extension tubes don't work with this lens is that Nikon's Z lenses are refined optically using rear elements that are as close as possible to the sensor. An extension tube ruins this relationship and is therefore responsible for the fuzzy performance towards the edges of the frame. It has little to do with software correction issues, though this may be a small contributing factor. There are also reports that the slightly concave front element also causes less than stellar results with close-up lenses like the Raynox DC250. The latter is best used with, say, one of the zoom lenses which typically have convex front elements. Close-up lenses of up to +3 dioptres give OK results apparently, but not a huge improvement in magnification. None of this detracts from the outstanding performance of this lens at 1:1 Macro or as a portrait lens of course, as long as you are aware of its limitations if you want to go beyond 1:1 magnification. In any case the resolution of this lens does allow cropping on a full frame camera quite successfully to give apparent higher magnifications within reason, especially with the Z7 or Z9 cameras. Finally we shouldn't discount the inbuilt VR of this lens which allows handheld macro shots and the ability to limit the focus limits for macro which cuts down on focus hunting, especially relevant for video use.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you for the comment and the great insights! You might be very true about the lens design being the biggest factor. Even very high priced, high quality lenses can behave weirdly with extension tubes. And yes, I agree a 100%, this lens is amazing! It delivers everything it promises. Cheers

[@cy9nvs]

Great video and beautiful shots. Got mine yesterday, went outside to try it out, but got sidetracked with birds and my telephoto instead. 😅 I previously had the Laowa 65mm for X-Mount, but since I barely ever do these super close-ups, I think this lens is perfect for me. Especially since it's also a great lens for other stuff, having autofocus and being really sharp wide open. But yeah, TC compatibility, or like canon, something like a 1.4:1 magnification would've been nice.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you very much! The 105 MC is one of my favorite lenses. It is a great portrait lens besides of being an absolutely magnificent macro lens. Have fun with yours!

[@margot6041]

Good information! Thank you.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers

[@thomastuorto9929]

A great on the money review of this lens. Yes, I'm interested in Macro where nature & some still life/nature is of subject. Like the other comments here, I would be interested in some of the focus shift settings used on the Nikon cameras. Like how much you need to shift to get some thing like the Honeybees or a flower in full focus. Some very nice photos in this vid. I get some decent photos with the D810 &Fmount macro but, not as good as these! Subbed!

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello Ted! A video about the Z body features, like focus shift is in the works. Thank you for the sub and stay tuned for more! Cheers Diana

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@JournEpic-Photography Thanks.

[@jimwlouavl]

Very thorough review. Thanks.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank You for watching and taking the time to comment! Are there any topics you would like us to cover? Is there a specific reason you are interested in this lens?

[@jimwlouavl]

@@JournEpic-Photography I do a little macro. I’d love to see some tips on using the focus shifting feature of the newer cameras. How many shots to take a day what amount of shift?

[@JournEpic-Photography]

I have been thinking about that topic myself, and been planning on a video, so stay tuned! 😉

[@scotimages]

I am about to buy a Nikon Z7ii so this video was very helpful and is one of the few lens reviews that properly reviews and illustrates the macro functions. Many thanks. This video makes it obvious that for dead insects I should keep using my Olympus due to the much higher spatial resolution of the in-camera sensor shifting mode (200MP per full frame). I agree that at 1:1 this lens is not as useful as it could be. Clearly the designers have the wider market for a 105mm lens in mind. What a pity that extension tubes or teleconverters are unusable. After seeing this video I will hold off buying this lens until the Olympus Pro lens comes out next year.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello S, the lens is beautiful for many applications like portraiture and macro, I can only recommend it but yes, it is somewhat limited for higher magnification work. A pixel shift function is sorely missing from the Nikon cameras, I really hope they implement it in the near future. Thanks for commenting and have a good one!

[@jonc8561]

Great view, thank you for all the information sir. I've heard this lens has terrible focus breathing, making photo stacking a nightmare. Is this just inherent in this type of lens or just something specific with the 105mm S Nikon lens?

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you very much! All macro lenses of this type have similar breathing properties, does not matter which manufacturer. For a lens to be able to focus at infinity and also down to 1ft (30cm) it has to move a lot of lens elements, so these types of lenses (90mm to 105mm macro) have similar properties, does not matter whether Sony or Tamron or Sigma... If you need high magnification focus stacking (1:1 and above) your best bet is a focus stacking rail. I own and use this one: NEEWER Pro 4 Way Macro Focus Rail with 1/4 Inch Arca Quick Release Plate. It is a manual one and fairly inexpensive. If you want more accuracy you have to look at electronically driven and controlled ones like this: www.mjkzz.de/products/ultra-mini-rail-v2-kit-incl-ir-controller?variant=42408687501557 Hope this helps! 😊 Cheers

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

very well done.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank you!

[@Zoso7227]

Very good info! I was going to get extension tubes before watching this. Thank you!

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello Walter, Thank You for commenting! You should try the Raynox DCR-250 on the Nikon Z 105, it works perfect for 2:1 magnification with it. Cheers

[@susans527]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

You're welcome!

[@snoogly]

Great video. Did you try it with a magnifying filter on the front?

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank You! 😊 Yes, the Raynox DCR-250 works really well. For certain lighting conditions (flash photography, strong directional light) the colors shift to "doom and gloom", a weird/dark color cast appears on reflecting surfaces, like coins. But for natural subjects like flowers, bugs, greenery etc... it works perfectly, also with flash. Cheers

[@olaflanfermann7343]

Please give a guess. Can the lens be used for astrophotography? It’s not to heavy and in combination with the Z7II it fits on the ioptron mount.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

I have not used it for astro, so this really is just a guess, but the image quality definitely should be great for it. If you meant the iOptron Skytracker Pro, based on the specs, the weight should not be a problem either, but again, have not used nor tested it. Cheers Greg

[@olaflanfermann7343]

@@JournEpic-Photography Thanks anyway. Will try it soon.

[@KillingTheMost]

great

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Thank You!

[@Chandan712]

Is this lens only meant for mirrorless cameras? Or can I use this on a full frame or aps-c nikon camera with F mount (with some adapters to fit z mount). Please help me understand this. Thanks in advance

[@JournEpic-Photography]

It is only for the Nikon Z mirrorless mount. The FTZ can only adapt F mount to Z, not the other way around.

[@MarioWills]

Thanks for sharing! Were these hand held?

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello Dave, yes all the images in the video are handheld shots. Cheers

[@HN-nu6ed]

Z MC 105mm vs Laowa 100mm, which one is better?

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello, they are two completely different beasts. In regards to the shooting experience: the Laowa (in Nikon F and Z mount) is a manual only lens without any electronic connections, so no EXIF data, no exposure data (the in camera light meter of course still works), no electronic aperture control. Meaning, you get a darker viewfinder, since the aperture is closed down to the actual setting instead of being at f/5.6 or above as is the case with Nikon Z cameras, and wide open with DSLRs. This has a negative effect on focusing both on DSLR (dark viewfinder) and MILC (focus peaking is not working/accurate, although the brighter EVF makes it a better experience on MILC). The Nikon with AF is more versatile for different types of photography, it is a splendid portrait lens too with in lens image stabilization (works in tandem with IBIS on Z5-Z6-Z7). The Laowa can focus to infinity also, so it can do it all too but without the convenience of eye AF/VR and other modern 'creature comforts'. In regards to image quality: the Nikon to me has nicer color rendering and micro contrast. Both are very sharp lenses and it is hard to differentiate between them based on sharpness. The big difference: the Laowa is a 2:1 magnification macro, while the Nikon is 1:1. The only way to get to 2:1 on the Nikon is with a macro conversion lens like the Raynox DCR-250. I have this combo, and it works beautifully. And then there is the difference in price: 1000$ (+ 70$ for the Raynox) vs 500$ is significant. If you only need 1:1 magnification and have the budget, go for the Nikon. It is a superb lens and with the Raynox you get all the benefits and the 2:1 (*ish) magnification. If you want to do higher magnification work the Laowa is your choice. It also works perfectly with the Raynox, but can also take extension tubes and you can get to 4:1, maybe even 5:1 magnification on full frame. Here is my first ever attempt at a snowflake with the Z7 + 2* Meike Z Extension tubes (58mm) + Laowa 100mm + Raynox DCR-250: flickr.com/photos/193482582@N05/albums/72157720238800950 You cannot get there (4:1/5:1) with the Nikon Z MC 105mm, at least not without lots of distortion ruining your image. Hope this helps! 😁 Cheers Greg and Diana

[@HN-nu6ed]

@@JournEpic-Photography Thank you for taking your time to answer. That is what I need to know.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

You are welcome!

[@HN-nu6ed]

@@JournEpic-Photography May I ask, if you add 2* Meike Z Extension tubes (58mm) + Laowa 100mm + Raynox DCR-250, then the ratio is going to be 5:1, 10:1, 15:1....?? I am confused. Thanks. BTW, I love your snowflakes.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

@@HN-nu6ed I think it is only at around 5:1 max. The Laowa starts out at 2:1, adding the Raynox maybe gets it to 3:1, then the extension tubes get you to 4:1-5:1. At least that is my guess, I have not measured it. Thank You for the compliment! I did not get too many chances to practice photographing them this year. We had very little snow where I live, and when we had some, the temperatures were always slightly above freezing, so they looked mangled and melted very quickly. 😥

[@cryhavoc38]

f16 to 22, aren't you introducing diffraction effects?

[@JournEpic-Photography]

Hello, on Nikon (and Sony) cameras the displayed aperture at macro magnifications is the effective aperture fe=f*(1+M) where M is the magnification ratio. The displayed f16 effective aperture is actually f/8. At that aperture diffraction is not a problem, although it is also true, that diffraction at high magnifications can kick in faster. The results I get do not suggest that diffraction makes a big difference for these lenses at those apertures, and I would rather have the proper amount of DOF for my subject even if it means a bit of a loss of sharpness. Cheers

[@virgilverzola6507]

I could only suspect that Nikon and the other lens makers do not manufacture macro lens with 2X magnification probably because the results, mostly insect subjects, no longer hold the photographic intent of the lens, that is, 2X magnification and beyond already border entomology, a study of insects. As photography purists almost always emphasize a story line on each photo one takes, 2X and beyond do not show a story line. Of all the mainstream camera and lens manufacturers, only Canon as far as I know made the old max 2X-5X MP-E65 but no longer makes any other. This is one area that Venus Optics (Laowa) and other Chinese makers took advantage of by producing affordable 2X manual macro lenses to entice people to venture into 2X macro shooting.

[@JournEpic-Photography]

I suppose you are right. I imagine the low sales volumes of niche lenses like specialized high magnification macros made manufacturers drop them from the line up. The same for longer focal length macros, like the 180mm from Sigma or the 200mm from Nikon. And yes, we are lucky that the smaller Chinese manufacturers are filling that void, so we've got a lot of options. 😉 Thanks for the comment and the insights! Cheers

[@shazzam532]

Oh that sounds rather noisy!!

[@JournEpic-Photography]

What sounds noisy? 🤔 The old lens? Yes, it is. 😉

[@shazzam532]

Oh I’m so glad about that. I thought it was the new lens 😂

[@cy9nvs]

@@shazzam532 Contrary to what some reviewers say, I think the new one is also very noisy. But I don't do video, no idea if you can actually hear it, but I would assume you can.