Which Macro? Nikon Z MC 50 f/2.8 & 105 f/2.8 S VR In-Depth

Nikon has just released two new macro lenses:
Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro & Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro
I tested both lenses and will tell you which is the better macro lens for you.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Nikon Z MC 50 f/2.8 or Nikon Z MC 105 f/2.8 VR S, which one would you choose?

[@intrinsicimagery]

As a travel wedding photographer, this is an easy choice... the 50.

[@jimstirling7223]

I am getting the 105mm { arrives tomorrow} and the better working distance works for me

[@jeffreyrice]

I’ve ordered the 105. I wish one of the Z teleconverters was compatible with it though.

[@warn0245]

the 105, hands down.

[@joegrossinger3381]

I just ordered the 50mm because I like to do photo walks and travel. The 50mm is the clear choice because its the more versatile. I have the 70-200mm if I need to do portraits.

[@officialMainspring]

I'm getting the 105. to me worth the extra cost. plus I think it would make a great portrait lens. Thanks for the vid!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Enjoy the 105!!

[@thegoldeneye2007]

what's your feedback?? I'm thinking to get 105 for portraits,

[@zoomnclick]

That was a detailed and useful review that didn't overly go into the technical details. It certainly helped me pick which one I want to go with. Thank you Richard

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad it was helpful Feroz! Yes i am always conscious about how to deliver information to my viewers but without making it too hard to understand. Thanks for watching :)

[@alfredbenas9803]

I didn't decide between the two; I bought them both ... "horses for courses". I went mirrorless to save weight and the 50 does that while allowing me to get closer for more detail in my shots. I shoot flowers and textures, not insects. And, as you noted, when I use my 24-70 f/4, I lack any telephoto capacity. The 105 suits my POV, and gives me macro ability without carrying another lens. Love them both. (The 50mm lives on my z7 II.)

[@shadowblack1987]

105 does it better and serves as a portrait lens.

[@kr15t0v]

I Just purchased the 50mm lens and I really wish I had purchased the 105mm - Great Video! Really wish I had come across this video before purchasing.

[@m3arvin]

Thanks for the great review and comparison!!

[@LanceMrB]

Always enjoy your videos, Richard. This is another excellent review. I have my already Z 105 f2.8S Micro and it is a gem.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks LanceBB 👍 Enjoy your Z 105!!

[@septimuswilkinson8489]

Thank you for this great review. I am planning to get the 105mm. It looks excellent.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for watching Septimus! You won't be disappointed

[@michaelbidegain6913]

Richard thank you for sharing your experience with these lens very helpful i'm going with the 105 when they come in.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Have fun!

[@davecarcel87]

Actually going for the 50mm. Most reviews give it high marks and it is the only really small lens in their prime lineup.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes I think the small size make the 50 really versatile

[@KwasnikPictures]

Awesome review! And I'm such a fan of the yellow colour theme! Keep it up 😍♨️🎥💯

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks!! I see why you like yellow 💛 hahaha

[@melprophet1936]

I'm going with the 50 for use with some top down photography of watches, vinyl records, album covers etc with a modest overhead rig that doesn't allow me to go too high with the camera. Very good video by the way. I think the most helpful I've seen regarding these two lenses!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey Mel, yes true advantage of shorter focal length is you don't need the longer working distance that you may not have. Thanks for watching

[@mickue]

Thanks for the great review!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for watching Michael! 😀

[@emmanuelchan8218]

I got the 105 for my food & plant photography. And as a portrait lens, it's excellent too!

[@frankhochmann8901]

Thank you very much, what a perfect comparison! Very helpful 🙂

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@kaminobatto]

Thank you very much for this high quality in-depth review of both. I'm usually a fan of the 50mm focal length; however, for macro, I do prefer the 105mm focal length. I am definitely getting the 105.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yamen Thanks for watching!

[@etritrakaj]

Great video! You helped me to choose the right lens: I’m getting the 105, it’s the best choice for my personal kind of macro photography.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Etrit Great to hear!

[@theguitarczar1]

Thank you - this helped me very much!! I think the 105 would work best for me

[@guyyowell8547]

I picked up the 105mm f/2.8 Macro just yesterday. It is surprisingly light compared to the F-mount version, and the VR is outstanding. It focused really quickly in low light and produced a tack-sharp image at 1/25 second handheld, and my hands aren’t as steady as they once were. I am really impressed with this lens!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Awesome 👍 glad you really enjoying your new lens!

[@psoon04286]

Guy Yowell, agree with you about the VR. I was pleasantly surprised when I took some night scene videos at my workplace - totally handheld. The combination of the camera’s IBIS and the VR of the lens produced an amazingly steady pan.

[@sightseerproductions]

Dude you’re amazing. I love your reviews.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad you like them! thank you

[@psoon04286]

Hello Richard. Spot on review and comparison. I have the older AF-S 105mm and can add that it’s a heavier lens than the MC version especially when attached to a Z body with the FTZ adapter. So, yes I’m glad that I now have the newer lens👍👍

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks Philip!

[@harikumarka]

Really informative and helpful. Thank you

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LEXPIX]

Excellent review. I have the z105 and love it. Didn't know about the 50mm end extruding out as it focuses.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for watching

[@dougnelson423]

Richard, great video, thanks.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Nice comparison. I've preordered the 105mm lens, which I chose because, as you say, it allows greater distance from subject and 105mm has always been my preference for portrait work.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thanks Raymonnd! Enjoy your 105 :)

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

@@TheRealRichardWong Just picked it up. 😎

[@IustinPop]

Indeed, a great review/comparison of the two lenses. Still, so hard to decide - light and small and the "normal" 50mm focal length, versus excellent quality and a more "portrait"-like focal length… Thanks!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi lustin Pop, thanks for watching. Haha yes it's hard to choose

[@ecobooster8298]

I'm just moving from D800 and D810 to a Z8. I do have the 105mm 2.8 EG and always got incredible results with this combination. Going with the 105 MC for sure. I have a 50mm f1.4 sigma so, I'll adapt it to the Z8. The photos are amazing. Thank you for the video! Excellent review.

[@larsthufvesson9725]

Thanks Richard - excellent comparison! I will go for the 105 lens since I will use it also for portraits. Besides, I do have a 24-70 f/2.8 as my primary work horse.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for watching Lars!

[@wesdonze2014]

very good review thanks. I will probably be going for the 50 for the lighter weight plus i am mostly a flowers person. Also quite like the idea of using it as standard lens

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sounds like the 50 is perfect for you

[@coltoncyr2283]

Honestly I would save that $$, and buy extension tubes ($47!!). I have the 50mm 1.8 and it works great! I get amazing sharp macro shots. In the future I would buy the 105mm and save the tubes for that extra zoom.

[@csc-photo]

Tremendously helpful video, I'm still undecided between the two. I do feel like the 105 might be the better buy, looking at their differences side by side (VR, lens display & Fn button, dedicated control ring, hood... so much on the 105!). And my use case for macro - definitely insects, flowers, things in nature (vs food, products, etc.). That said, I don't have a 50 prime (believe it or not) and I think the 50 might be a little more versatile in everyday shooting. I don't think I'd go wrong with either, but man this is a tricky decision for me. Thanks again! 🙂👍🏻

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Why not get both? ;D

[@Rabe1907]

​​​@@TheRealRichardWong 😱 Dann hat man garantiert immer gerade das falsche Objektiv drauf. Man muss lernen, eine Brennweite zu beherrschen 😘

[@HR-wd6cw]

The 50 is great for travel and if you don't have to worry about things flying way (like insects). Would have been nice if they could invluded the OLED display on the 50mm but that may have made it larger. I'd say if $300 is significant to use, then get the 50mm, otherwise get the 105mm. It gives you more working distance, the OLED display and VR, all for $300 more. Of course the 105G lens is still a good budget option too (if you guy it used).

[@5RustyBin]

I went for the 105 and I absolutely love it.

[@Erniemisner]

Thank you for the great review! With the 105 do you think people will be using AF for extreme closeups a bit more now than they ever did with the F mount 105? Thanks again!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi Ernie, thanks for watching! Re AF.... I am not too sure, personally I still find autofocus is hard to get focus precisely when shooting at 1:1. It's doable, but for myself I find manual focus is still faster and more precise

[@stanobert3475]

I just picked up my Z 105 2.8 macro lens from my local camera store. It is very lightweight and should be easy to carry around all day.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Enjoy your 105 Stan! It is an awesome lens!

[@stanobert3475]

@@TheRealRichardWong It may very well be the sharpest lens that I own.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

It could be one of the sharpest lens I ever tested too!

[@hadie1549]

Great great great video man

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad you enjoyed it hadi E!

[@OracleTestlab]

please demonstrate a focus shift photography with autofocus using any of these lenses. in My Nikkor 105mm vr micro lense I cannot do it in Z6ii, even though I can do it with Nikkor 50mm f1.8.

[@be_bigger_today]

You rock Richard!

[@saibhargavamanda1062]

How does this 105 compare to sigma n lowa in teems of image quality . can u make a video on that?

[@MaryWenPhotography]

Thank you! When you were taking photos of the coin, was there a big difference in distance between you and the subject when you were using the 50mm vs. the 105mm?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes there is big difference.. I think I showed the distance in the review

[@NikCan66]

This is excellent

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you! :)

[@zdravkogalinec2044]

Definitely the 105, always had 105mm macros and love the extra distance and stupid sharpness for portraits. Where did you find the t-shirt? Very cool!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

the longer working distance is always great for macro photos! The T-shirt is from my merch store. There should be a link just below my video description :)

[@cloudweight]

Nice one Richard!!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thanks! :)

[@mchjubjub6915]

I love my 24-70 f4 but have the 14 -30 and 24-200 so might trade the 24-70 against the 105 macro. The only thing I dislike is the 10 year life span given to these lenses which might make me opt for the Sigma 105! Great review👍

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for watching and glad you like the review. But what's the 10 year life span you mentioend?

[@mchjubjub6915]

@@TheRealRichardWong if you look underneath the lens you have a 10 in a circle. That apparently states the years of reasonable use before the lens plastic parts reach their use by date! I've not researched this but I hope that is not the outcome as these lenses should last for 40, 50, 60 years. I'm old so it doesnt bother me but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. I didnt notice this until I purchased a lenses!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@mchjubjub6915 No, that's not true. The 10 circle symbole is a RoHS symbol for some environmental safety standard. www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000005915&configured=1&lang=bg

[@shyland20]

no third party macro lens for z mount from yongnou or viltrox ? i want to buy 1.2 50mm nikon macro might be better for product photography . great video doe

[@ChrisBundy17]

What’s your opinion of the focus in comparison to the 105MC vs the 85S? Is there a noticeable difference aside outside focal length and minimum depth of field?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hi Chris, sorry can't really answer that as i didn't have a chance to shoot them side by side.

[@likedontcostmoney5595]

I like your channel a lot . In this case I think you may consider review the combination of tokina 100 pro (not sure it’s have autofocus and most likely need adapter for z ) next to this lens it’s might be better then the 50mm mc

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for the support! I haven't actually use any Tokina lenses for a very long time (can't really get them here locally in NZ). Would love to give it a try when I have the chance!

[@likedontcostmoney5595]

@@TheRealRichardWong it’s will not autofocus so don’t bother I being told by some guys on Reddit . I will buy the 105 Mac mm probably and that’s it

[@zakcole2229]

Very thorough review Richard, thanks a lot. I will save up for the 105 as that is a focal length I don’t already have. By the way, looks like you upgraded to the Nikon Z7ii? Loved seeing the Kiwi currency in your stills :)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hi Zak, yes get the lens that is most useful to YOU is always the best choice! No, i haven't upgrade to Z7II. I would love to, but cost is really a bit too much.

[@zakcole2229]

@@TheRealRichardWong Ah, got it. I am so happy with my Z7 I don’t see the point of upgrading to the Z7ii. As you say, it is a lot of money to invest, and given the sensor is identical…

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I wouldn't mind getting a z7 too. Enjoy your z7!!

[@zakcole2229]

@@TheRealRichardWong Fingers crossed a second-hand one comes up for a great price! I bought mine from someone upgrading to the Z7ii

[@ZafodB3]

Just woke up and watched this video over coffee to kick start “my cerebral focus”. Excellent demonstration but I missed something in the conversation about using one or the other to copy slides and negatives. I heard you say you can get a kit to do this, showing what comes with the kit, but you did not demonstrate that and I’m not sure which lens that kit was for but I assume it’s the 50mm? Also, if so, is it still possible to render quality slide and negative copies at 1:1 with the 105mm on a copy stand? What I watched your, and other videos, to find out?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you ! I didn't get a chance to borrow the 35mm film kit so couldn't demo it. but yes it's for the 50mm lens. No idea re using it with the 105mm lens, but Nikon didn't say it is supported

[@ZafodB3]

@@TheRealRichardWong Thank you! This now means that I have a need for the 50mm and a desire for the 105mm. Some how based on my enjoyment of nature and my local flora and fauna I wish it would work with the 105mm.

[@skyrunr]

I like the 50MC's sunstars, especially when compared to the 105's. LOL The 50MC is going to be my main walkaround. The long minimum focus on the 50/85 were a downside to me. I had the 35-S, but being the same size as the 24-70F4S and owning a LumaCube-V2 I'll make do. I'll get more mileage out of the compact 50MC.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Best thing about the 50 is it's compact size which makes it great as a walkaround lens that also capable of 1:1 macro!

[@Photojouralist123]

Just got the 50 2.5 today to do slide copy work with the E2

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Enjoy John!

[@Photojouralist123]

@@TheRealRichardWong hey I really like your channel keep it up 👍 you based in Singapore or US?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks John! I am based in Auckland, New Zealand :)

[@bar_288]

105 for me...however i am in dilemma whether to get this or laowa 2:1 lens.. can you please compare it with laowa z mount in future videos?? would like to see if the difference in sharpness b/w both are huge or not at 1:1 ....

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Unfortunately I have returned bthe 105 to Nikon already so can't do the comparison for you.

[@malekith13]

Considering i already have the 24-70 F4 and the 50mm F1.8 with my Z6, i would probably go for the 105 even if the 50 is nice and small/light ^^ And i also have a Zfc, so VR is very welcome too !

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I would do the same as well

[@donnapoirier]

Hello, great information. I would be curious to know your opinion of the Z 50mm 1.8 in comparison to the two lenses discussed in this video. I am starting out and would like to buy one lens for food photography. That said I enjoy macro photography very much. I would appreciate your opinion. Many thanks.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

For food photography, either of these macro lens would be better than the z 50 1.8 because you rarely need to or can shoot at f/1.8 for food photos because of the narrow DOF. 50mm is easier to use as you don't need to move too far away from the table but both are quite suitable i think

[@donnapoirier]

@@TheRealRichardWong thanks for the response Richard

[@MadManTnT]

Looks like the color is nicer on the 105

[@terrynewmanphotography]

I want the focusing distance of the 105mm in the 50mm form factor. Seriously though, the 50mm has great appeal for keeping in your bag. The 105 is tempting due to reach if you’re going to do insects and the overall quality. Unsure at this stage.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

get them both? :D

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

Which one focuses the fastest and how do they handle video, i need to film some birds up close

[@TheRealRichardWong]

film birds maybe better to use the 105 because you don't need to get so close which would scare the birds away

[@bhabukkoirala1519]

New to photography... I have 24-200 z lens with z7ii... still in a dillema... both lenses' focal length would overlap with my existing lens... tell me what to do..

[@joshmcdzz6925]

There's no overlap in both at all.. the 105 macro is a totally different lens than the 24-200.. you have a limit to how close you can focus with the 24-200, plus it's a zoom lens and not a prime lens..

[@danielmcdonald9917]

I’m stuck on thinking which 50mm is better to get, 50mm 1.8 or the macro 50mm 2.8 which is better an sharper?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hey Daniel, harder is quite difficult to define. 1.8 gives you better low light performance, more bokeh/subject isolation . 2.8 macro well, it's a macro lens! I guess it depends on what you want more? Sorry i haven't compare the sharpenss but don't think any of these is bad anyway :)

[@carlosandreviana9448]

How would you compare the working distance of the 50mm and the ttartisan 40mm? I had one and the loss of light and shadows were the reasons I sold it.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Nikon MC 50 2.8's working distance is really short as well.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@TheRealRichardWong thanks. I own the 105 but wanted one smaller. The Laowa is not an option because I need fast focus stacking with small objects and, therefore, AF

[@TheRealRichardWong]

sorry i was thinking of Laowa 85 5.6 but if you need autofocus then i can't think of any better choice for you

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@TheRealRichardWong thanks 😊

[@GaryFerrao]

what do you mean by effective aperture? i wish you would make a video on that topic!~ if by "effective aperture" people mean that the amount of light decreases, that's not because the entrance pupil of the system got smaller, but just the luminosity decreased because we are sampling light from a smaller area.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hi Gary, i just found an article about effective aperture: www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/effective-aperture-and-macro

[@artsilva]

I am leaning towards the 105mm because it doubles as a great portrait lens. My only concern is will I be able to get 1:1 reproduction images of my 35mm film negatives as well as MF (6x6) film negatives?! I know the 50mm has the 35mm film kit but nothing else beyond that has been said or if the 105 can do the same job.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I'm not too sure re the 105mm with the 35mm film kit. I heard no info about that from Nikon

[@artsilva]

@@TheRealRichardWong Not necessarily referring to the film kit, just wondering if it'll cover [via a DYI setup] both 35mm and 120 film frames at 1:1.

[@Juwellz18]

That 105 makes me want a Z camera

[@TheRealRichardWong]

The new Z lenses is a big improvement over the old lenses

[@adventuresofjandk]

We’ll done

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thank you!

[@saibhargavamanda1062]

U forgot to say about VR of 105

[@cplaei1800]

But the 105 is impossible to get worldwide......

[@michael-4k4000]

Are you best friends with Peter McCannon?

[@michael-4k4000]

whos hanging out with there Wong out?

[@winchangkou]

Choose none. Use the old macro with mirror camera

[@joekelly9369]

Z lenses not the same quality as f

[@thaxreston9837]

it's called 'bellows factor' for real photographers. A 1:2 Reproduction ratio is approx a 1 stop loss. 1:1 is approximately a 2 stops loss. (TTL metering compensates for this automatically.) I remember when photographers knew what they were doing. lol