Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens review with samples

[@SovietLensReviews]

Truly a great time to be alive, when lenses like this come out, are relatively affordable, and have virtually perfect optical performance. Nikon might've taken their sweet time with the Z series, but it's paying off now.

[@kevingoza]

I absolutely love your consistent and direct lens reviews! I know that within minutes I’m going to know everything I could reasonably need to know for making a wise decision. And ,I so appreciate your unapologetic faith!

[@iyzyz]

$999 Seems like a bargain for this kind of performance IMO.

[@tomsquires2926]

Not really. It's on par with Sony's 90mm and Sigma DG DN 105mm for cost. Tack sharp corners aren't super important in macro. I'd prefer smoother looking bokeh.

[@tomsquires2926]

@@djstuc yes, I watch all Chris's videos. This lens is of comparable cost to comparable lenses. It's the sharpest, no argument, but there are other factors that are more import than that for those lenses. Chris's assessment of the bokeh is "OK". Sigmas DG DN is $200 cheaper, as good in practice, and only lacks lens stabilization and a fancy led display. You Nikon fanbois need to settle down. It's been done before. I know mirrorless is still fresh and new for you guys.

[@ramonarias1234]

@@tomsquires2926 LOL

[@tomsquires2926]

@@djstuc corner sharpness at wide open apertures is more important for wider angle lenses where you'd tend to have more of the frame in focus like for a landscape or street photography at night. For macro, it's WAY more important to fend off diffraction softness in the image middle at narrow apertures. F16, F22, and even F32 are way more common in macro because you're dealing with magnitudes of slivers of depth of field at 1:1. Am I wrong about this? 🤔 I'm not hatin' y'all, but this lens really isn't leaps and bounds above what's already out there if you're looking specifically at macro shooting and practicality. It's sharp as hell, but I'd rather see that corner sharpness wide open in a 16-35mm zoom.

[@meho9668]

And in compariosn to Canon's 1600

[@kg22kg]

Living up to the stunning quality of the new Z S series of lenses

[@kadak230]

still no best options for reporting/sport photography

[@LuigiVN]

I want to see Chris’ opinion of the RF 100mm f2.8. Hope he compares it to this one.

[@terrywbreedlove]

@@kadak230 The 70-200 F2.8 Z mount lens is testing out to be the best on the market.

[@praetorian65]

@@terrywbreedlove It is, and I love it, but we need that 100-400!

[@kadak230]

@@terrywbreedlove Im sorry but i havent any idea, how to shoot with lens only.

[@Konavariante]

This lens is breathtaking. I'm a Fuji User but Nikons new lenses are superb. Maybe it is time for a second system.

[@drdehaan]

I was a Fuji user too. But now I switched to Nikon Z. It's absolutely the best choice I've made in photography ever! I now own a Z50 and Z6ii. The Z lenses are truly amazing!

[@a97b18b]

I’m also a Fuji user and considered Nikon. I ended up a canon r6, but feel like I shoulda went with Nikon. To be honest I was afraid of Nikons AF not being good. It’s probably better than Fuji tho. One thing Nikon has over canon is I believe all their lenses are WR. Maybe I’ll wait for the z8 and then switch. Only thing is I’ll lose a bunch of money

[@chickenpasta7359]

Another Fuji to Nikon Z convert here. The Z6 is smaller than my old XH-1. I loved that camera but it truly was a behemoth for an APS-C system

[@GeneralKenobi69420]

Nikkon's mirrorless mount is also the one with the shortest flange distance, which they claimed allow for simpler and lighter lens designs. I wonder how much of an impact it has

[@MrBazReviews]

It's sharp, but rendering is important - for non macro use. It seems to fall down a bit here. Sharp isn't enough on it's own

[@guddakaka]

#1 on my list of Must Have Lenses

[@Mr09260]

The Lens I have been waiting for >> Thanks Chris

[@Zunidrap]

Amazing performance. Now I want a Nikon just for this lens.

[@SalwanJBinni]

It's great that you are reviewing Nikon lenses! I'm a Sony shooter but I so much enjoy and appreciate all your reviews knowing that they are professionally done without bias and hence are reliable...

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I love mine. I owned the 105mm f/2.5 for 4 decades, but broke it a couple of years back. This replacement is simply incredible.

[@bird271828]

Chris, I just came here to "like" and go. I can't afford these lenses any more. But I still love your reviews.

[@ericthestone]

Upgraded from the F mount to this on my Z6ii. I can say it is totally next level stuff!

[@drdehaan]

After 5 months waiting time I received my Z MC 105. I'm really impressed it's indeed the best macro I ever owned. I owned a lot over the years. This one is incredible!

[@wendysaunders2917]

Would this lens work for shooting baby photography for eg close ups of eyebrows or lips etc?

[@binaryblog]

I'm watching this video and I don't even own a Nikon camera 🤪 your brilliant reviews are addicted. Keep up the good work. Great lens BTW.

[@amitchattopadhyay9367]

Excellent review and excellent lens. What I understand from your Nikon Z S lenses review that they are all stunning

[@EXkurogane]

I was a strictly 3rd party lens only person 3, 5 years ago, because all those sigma arts, Tamron g2 lenses surpassed nikon's own lenses in image quality. Now I'm seeing nikon cooking up first class lenses like these for the Z mount one over another, they can take my money, especially after i fully transition to the Z mount. In the meantime I'm happy with my D850 and Z6 combination. I'm very convinced that I'll be sticking with Nikon because of all these quality lenses at a reasonable price, and i won't miss third parties. To me, image quality is everything in studio work. This macro is definitely on my wishlist, while the 50 1.2S is my holy grail, one day I'll buy one.

[@MB-dq2gz]

I pre-ordered this when it came out and it is so far the best S lens I have in my kit now.

[@DirkDien]

Wow, this lens looks pretty awesome!

[@slayyou]

The stabilization was impressive, really impressive.

[@wilteduk007]

I have this lens and it's a stellar performer. I sold my old f-mount 105mm once i heard this was coming and pre-ordered asap. It's far and away better than the f-mount 105mm macro.

[@nickee313]

Thank you for this Chris. Been looking forward to this review.

[@Azeemmerchant]

Z lenses are truly Remarkable! Just Wow!! 😍 🤯

[@SneakyMawwfaka]

Looks stunning, thanks Chris!

[@renkebienert7793]

Thanks for the great review - as usual. This channel offers one of the best (if not the best) lens reviews available. I am using a copy of the Nikkor Z MC f/2.8 VR S since almost one month now, and I can only agree: the sharpest macro (and no CA -> good for stacking!) lens that I have ever used. Unfortunately only 1:1, but other than that: really great lens!

[@Juventinos]

only 1:1 ? ridiculous gripe to have... and the audacity to say "other than that" give me a fucking break.

[@sarge1349]

I just ordered this lens... Can't wait to use it.

[@Dmarcoot]

I own this lens. It’s astounding

[@Gregs_Camera]

Thank you for another brilliant review. I just purchased this lens based on your opinion as well as others here on KZbin.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Such a marvelous lens! Considering Nikon's well-implemented focus bracketing feature, this would be the perfect setup for serious macro work.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Nice job on the video! Woah... that image quality is something.

[@PatrickFeldhusen]

i used this lense together with a z6II for a beauty-portrait-shooting, making nearly 1000 pictures on two days with 10 different models. near 1000 shots, no one of this had a focus fail. no one! still most of the pictures are still crap, but i can't find only one picture with a focus fail. mostly i used eye-af, sometimes for extreme closeups, i use singlepoint or pin focus.

[@derekpalmer_creativemedia]

how was the bokeh for portraits? Im thinking about picking this up vs a 70-200

[@Galileocrafter]

4:47 This sharpness is insane, I just wachted back your Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS review and it is nowhere near that sharp. Still good, but considering it's nearly the same price, the Nikon is superior. I'm evaluating a new camera system for work, documentation and stuff, and this helped me make a decision.

[@lilnape2604]

Stunningly sharp. I wonder why Nikon omitted the use of teleconverters this go-round?

[@TheSmashquatch]

I’ve had it for awhile now. It’s amazing.

[@LockeLeon]

Being that sharp and having stabilization it might be very interesting to try in a Z50, because for macro work the APS-C increased depth of field can often be an advantage over full frame

[@MattMurddock]

I've slapped this thing on my Z50 out of curiosity. It performed solidly. Though a little more patience is needed if you're not manually focusing.

[@coltoncyr2283]

The Z6 and 7 bodies have DX mode in them 😊 that's why I got the Z6ii over the Z5. Im actually interested in the Laowa 100mm macro lens ($500). 1:1 1.5:1 and 2:1 macro! All manual but all macro should be manual anyways.

[@trym2121]

You're wrong. Z7 is 45.7 MP and in crop mode is 20.3MP. It is almost similar as 20.9MP z50. You don't have any advantage at all

[@fredericmichot8912]

@@trym2121 maybe two cameras in one 😊

[@LockeLeon]

@@trym2121 You have better dynamic range and IQ in the APS-C sensor than in the cropped Full Frame

[@stevelink3]

An excellent review as always, Chris! As a landscape and product photographer, since this lens only existed on their roadmap when I got into the Nikon Z System, I use the Laowa 105 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro lens on the Z7. While the Laowa has proven to be ultra-sharp indeed, my big issue with it has been the extremely short focus throw, making it very tedious to acquire pinpoint focus! I'm thinking that this NIkkor MC Micro S has a much better/longer focus throw for easier, more accurate manual focusing? Also, I know you stated that the Nikkor S is the sharpest Macro lens you've ever tested, but exactly how much sharper is it than the Laowa 105? I'd be most interested in a side-by-side image comparison. Thank you!

[@DarrellYoung]

The rubber ring at the end of the lens is to twist the lens while mounting it. With all the wide rings, there's not a whole lot of lens to hang onto for mounting, except the rubber ring on the very front.

[@dilliboirubirosa9638]

The front ring is not there for looks, man. It’s there so that you can comfortably hold the lens with your left hand when you’re not focusing manually.

[@71whitey]

Even before you started reviewing Nikon gear, I watched your reviews. Now that you ARE reviewing the mighty Nikon brand, I feel i'm getting closer and closer to being divorced. Oh well, we gotta go with our TRUE love I guess.

[@jpdj2715]

Objection your honour. Focus breathing is not just completely normal for a macro lens but for all composite (*) lenses that have their elements arranged in fixed positions. It is the norm since the beginning of photography and purely the "Laws of Physics" and the "Axioms of Geometry". When we move such a lens out of the infinity focus position, to focus on something closer by, then we shift the lens away from film or sensor. Said laws and axioms now dictate that focal length increases and with that angle of view gets smaller. This also impacts the f/aperture number that was defined at infinity. As the aperture number is expressed as a relation between focal length (the "f") and the entry pupil's diameter, you can now see that mathematically there is no way to escape from what is f/4 at infinity to become much smaller at, say, 1 meter distance where the de facto focal length is longer. The aperture stayed the same - aperture means "opening" and it is the "entry pupil" or diameter of the hole in the diaphragm - but the f number got higher, so in order to represent the f/aperture number correctly, the denominator increases, thus to balance the higher f with the reality of the relative entry pupil. If you ever shot large format then this was daily routine. Why did we forget? Two reasons. Metering light reflected from the subject through the lens, the effect is negated by that metering, and, with most lenses the effect is in the margin of error. So, with "macro" lenses (that Nikon call "micro" if they can go to 1:1), the extension at 1:1 is so far and the effect on focal length and image angle and aperture number too, that it helps a lot to know about it. And in large format we got a Sinar Six Meter that measured through the lens, actually. But that is history. This focus breathing is where "Cine" lenses got designed to provide a solution. Imagine a cine-prime lens that has no focus breathing. In a way, that must be a zoom-lens where the zoom effect is precisely coupled to the focusing in a way that gives a wider angle to compensate for closer focus than infinity. The consequence of such a mechanism is that the f/aperture number does not change. And we could argue that zero impact to exposure from focus breathing might be more important than a constant angle of view. Real zoomlenses that can give different focal lengths, hence angles, at infinity may not compensate "focus breathing in the way a prime cine lens would do. That would add a level of complexity. There is a separate category of lenses that may have, or may have less, focus breathing and that is lenses with so-called "floating elements". Here, one or more of the glass elements is shifted separately from the rest of the elements in order to provide focusing. Here, nothing moves on the outside and this is also known as "internal focusing". As we hear influencers all over the interwebs complaining about focus breathing, it's a fad, it's generally unqualified, it's uninformed and in my perception a naive whine, being parroted too much. (*) a composite lens has more than one glass element and the geometry between these elements causes their image circle, apparent focal length and angle of view, where the net angle of view depends on the sensor/film format.

[@christopherfrost]

That's all true...but what I've said in the review is also completely correct

[@jpdj2715]

@@christopherfrost - there's no lie in there indeed, but by association and implication, the parrots are precisely fed about focus breathing.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Excellent review, thank you

[@JWD.1]

This is the SHARPEST LENS I've seen on this channel so far...!

[@RagingBubuli]

4:13 Unbelievable sharpness!

[@jimwlouavl]

What an amazing lens. This is on my short list.

[@MrHugo888]

Amazing video, Chris. I have a question; would you recommend this lense for concert photography? I am looking for a zoom lense and I am a enthusiast of great aperture lenses. But I'm not sure about this one because the Macro factor. I hope you can answer me. Regards from Mexico. Ps: You're my favorite lenses reviewer.

[@oliverlane4050]

I absolutely love this lens, I upgraded from the Sigma EX and the difference is night and day!

[@pierrevilley6675]

And the sigma EX OS is already quite a good lens (better than the canon 100mm L).

[@withadrienne]

Thank you for this review! At the end you said exactly what I was thinking lol 🙏🏾

[@Jawad.1]

Not just the SHARPNESS, the stabilisation also is UTTERLY IMPECCABLE...!

[@JHJohnson]

I rented this to try this weekend. I have been wanting to try it as a portriat lens and have as a macro

[@berndadam8703]

Thanks for that great video. It looks like that the Z105mm is a great lens. I like to buy this lens, but n ot only for doing makro work. I saw a lot of reviews, but in no one of these, one of my main question has been answered: Can this lens moving portrtaits?? e.g. I like to do portraits in a street parade, is the AF fast enough and presise enough for such a work? Best regard Bernd

[@davidthompson8153]

Thanks Chris great review.

[@samtaylor4592]

Nikon really are churning out some banging lenses at the moment

[@PASquared]

After this review I think I'm just a compact 70-200 2.8 (or similar) away from sticking with Nikon as I transition from DSLR to mirrorless. Let's go Tamron...

[@bobbullethalf]

The best lens in the market!

[@patrick.771]

Omg. And I'm already impressed by my Sigma 105mm on my Z6. The Sigma is just a little bit too heavy for handheld macro with the FTZ so this lens would be perfect. But the price ... (I know it's worth the money but I'm an amateur)

[@terriplays1726]

This lens certainly seems to be a reason why to consider the Nikon system, especially as the Sony equivalent is already older and never was their best lens. My only concern is the focus by wire for macro.

[@GordoFriman]

Im waiting for something like a 105mm f1.8 or similar, from any manufacturer. But this one with the stabilization... looks too tempting for those who make a lot of video (like myself).

[@blazerbarrel2]

A wow lens for sure . I would like to look at more portraits … thanks !

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the review. Now that you have had a chance to use both this Nikkor Z macro and the Cano RF 100mm f/2.8L which would you choose?

[@pseudoryx9284]

I think the Irix 150mm is probably the last premium macro that needs to be tested on this channel. Dustin Abbott showed that it's sharper than the Canon EF 100m L. I'm really curious on how it can stack up against the Laowas and this Nikkor Z.

[@jtes1442]

Looks an amazing lens !

[@احمدشهاب-ك2ذ]

Razor sharp 💯

[@jamespanaski799]

Mr. Frost - Can you please review the new Canon 100mm Macro RF lens so I can decide which one I will purchase. Thank you.

[@N1k37ick]

That rubber ring at the end "for no reason" threw me ahahah - I thought it was going to be an iris changer like on the RF macro.

[@rws531]

“Nothing at all”*

[@kikipratama1]

I think it was meant as a grip when you don't want to hold the lens by the focus ring. Sometimes, it's more stable that way.

[@bobhingsbergen6632]

I believe the rubber ring is meant to be a bumper -- to avoid damaging filter threads. This could also be useful for resting the camera on the end of the lens.

[@AG-nj3ky]

I have always wonderd how usefull bright aperture macro lenses are. Typically, you shoot at f8 or beyond and still have to stack multiple images to get enough depth of field.

[@pierrevilley6675]

That's why bright macro lenses almost don't exist, they all have an F2.8 maximum, which makes them just bright enough to be usable for portrait. And it turbines into a F5,6 close-up, which can be enough when you want to highlight only certain body features of some tiny insect.

[@ucNguyenViethp]

Amazing lens

[@enan1468]

I find it really annoying to keep adjusting the reproduction ratio (as it resets when the camera switches off) manually using the OLED screen.

[@Bikash_Jana]

Nice review..

[@ericysliu8910]

If you have to choose between this Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and the Sigma 105mm DG DN Art Macro lens, which would be your choice?

[@Robin_Polarstern]

01:40 as Zeiss startet Build in a LED Display in the Batis line up everybody’s laughing about that … 😢

[@milkman100001]

about time Nikon came out with class leading stuff

[@lilnape2604]

You’ve been asleep?

[@milkman100001]

@@lilnape2604 no. i own the nikon d850 . i have some nikon glass but most of all through experience have 3rd party glass from tamrom and sigma.all being top line lenses. at the time nikon couldnt touch them being over priced glass ,but having said all of that ive still stuck with my D850. until nikon produce the same difference in the mirrorless line up i wont be moving.. hence my comment. ive been into photography for around 20 years now. i think my comment holds water...

[@lilnape2604]

@@milkman100001 your d850 was def class leading at the time and you’re right to hold on to it until something from Nikon definitively tops it. However, many of the Z lenses have been class leading. Hopefully the Z9 puts nikon back on top and the tech trickles down to a Z8.

[@cy9nvs]

Had it for about two months now, and while I think it's great for the money, there are some obvious downsides. The focusing is seriously slow, and I'm not talking about AF for macro work, but just for normal stuff. The motor also is extremely loud, I've had a bunch of Fuji, Viltrox, Sigma and Nikon lenses, and this one is hands down the slowest and loudest of them all. Another minor downside is just the feel of the lens, wish they had made the ring with the button and display metal, having plastic where you touch the lens just makes it feel kind of cheap.

[@jimpetersen9392]

My image stabilization is greyed out on my z7 when i use this lens. What can i do?

[@johntheux9238]

Could you try the Laowa argus lenses? Do you think they will make a 85mm one? That would be so cool.

[@rosscooke3595]

Keen! But this lens is $1699 in Australia 😫 - I'll have to put it off I think!

[@Juventinos]

I Have the Hasselblad 120mm f4 macro. This lens is on par with that.

[@kadak230]

thanks

[@ApoErylle]

thank you for including photos of our catholic background in your reviews! God bless.

[@shadyninja1]

How did I miss this video.

[@felixbouchard5686]

How does it hold up next to the 90mm tamron f2.8?

[@Kelkschiz]

Such a lens would almost tempt one to give Nikon a chance...

[@grimcze]

How about APS-C?

[@beinfocusacademy]

canon you test the canon rf 100mm macro? thx alot!

[@birdsandscratch8331]

Insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tallaganda83]

Wish it did 1.4 magnification like the Canon one.

[@TylerThomas]

This lens makes FX feel like medium format.

[@milanjosy]

I bought this lens. it does not support mechanical shutter.

[@dima1353]

Only one question: Why ? Canon, why ? Why you don't make such balanced lenses, like Nikon ? Why you offer me a choice between cheap stm without sealing and $2500 f/1.2 monsters ? Even macro lens you decide to make with some crazy features and elevate price to $1400. Why, canon ? Why ?

[@kikipratama1]

"Made in Japan" is expensive. And traditionally Canon never released something that eats any value from the upper and below. Luxurious monster or handy junk. Nothing between.

[@ktcool4660]

I will buy it used.

[@coltoncyr2283]

This lens seems amazing, however if you want this for portrait, is use a third party 105mm or 85mmS. And for macro, I would use extension tubes or a third party pro macro lens (much cheaper) I'm considering the Laowa 100mm goes to 2:1!!

[@Rebenz]

7:09 can this lens be used for portraits as well?

[@71whitey]

absolutely

[@alwinbenjamin]

⚡️

[@creativityrevealed3659]

Finally 😎

[@EugeneMaynard]

🙏🏾

[@TAEYONG_KIM]

00:37 한국은행~

[@hyeonsuhkoo4394]

한국은행

[@ZagZagSama]

Is it just me, or the bokeh is really not that good. My mind was blown with the new tamron 150-500's bokeh, but this is just meh..

[@MattMurddock]

Second tip; try it before you knock it.

[@ktcool4660]

just you

[@slimphotog]

Bokeh is highly subjective anyway. Photographers are entitled to their opinions.

[@woodnymph7393]

seriously you're comparing a 105 lens to a 150-500 lens? you should compare the same focal length lenses.

[@danishbhatti9764]

Worst video