Nikon Z Nikkor MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Hands-on Review

I recently had the chance to test the new Nikon Nikkor z MC 50mm f/2.8 macro lens. This is a small, lightweight lens that can focus down to 1:1 magnification. In my review, I'll look at the features and optical performance of the lens that I tested, including:
Build quality of the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 macro lens
Optical performance and sharpness across the frame at 1:1 magnification
Distortion & vignetting
Bokeh
Comparing macro performance of the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 macro lens with the new Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8S macro len
Sharpness as a general-purpose lens
Testing the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens on a DX-format body (Nikon Z fc)
Comparison of the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens vs. the Nikon Z Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S lens
In the end, I offer my conclusions as to whether or not you should consider adding the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 macro mens to your Nikon Z kit.

[@joegrossinger3381]

Hi Jason, nice program. Thanks. You kind of stated that extension tubes make a good substitute for the macro lens. The problem with extension tubes is you can't focus to infinity, like you can with the macro. I like to do street photography where the 100mm won't let me get close to subjects like the 50 does. I'm not a macro photographer, I'm a jack of all trades type of photographer who likes to take photo walks. The nifty fifty macro gives me an immense amount of versatility. I carry two cameras on my walk. A Nikon Z6 with the 50mm and a Nikon Z7 ii with the Nikon Z 200-500mm Lots of weight I know but also an incredible amount to versatility. For shooting dragon flies, frogs and such I put an extension tube on the 200-500mm. Works great! When I want to go crazy I put an extension tube on my 50mm macro. Oh yes, why not?

[@intrinsicimagery]

I have the 105.... and am probably going to add the 50mm MC to my wedding kit. The 105 is amazing, and I own it... but it is MASSIVE. It takes up quite a bit of space in the bag, especially for something I only use for flat lays.