Why Food Photographers LOVE this LENS

Thank you to Nikon for lending me a pre-production Nikon Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S lens.
Get the recipe for the Strawberry Shortcake from Natasha's Kitchen: natashaskitchen.com/strawberr...
Video on nailing focus in AF and MF modes: • How to Get Super Sharp...
Info on focus stacking: digital-photography-school.co...
Want to learn to shoot a camera in manual? Check out this playlist to take you from auto to manual: • APERTURE: Food Photogr...
Find more food photography resources at thebiteshot.com
Sign up for Joanie’s weekly food photography tips at thebiteshot.com/subscribe/
Want to get started with Artificial Lighting? Check out our FREE mini course, to help you Pick Your Perfect Light at thebiteshot.com/pick-your-per...
For a full listing of all my gear see thebiteshot.com/food-photogra...
Love a free workshop? We've got one coming up! Sign up here: thebiteshot.com/food-photogra...
Rather be reading? My latest book, Picture Perfect Food is at thebiteshot.com/picture-perfe...
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[@klebebrumble9454]

Just finished my first compensated shoot. My Sigma 17 - 70 and Tokina 100mm Macro were the absolute work horses. Thanks Joanie fro all your teaching! You are the best.

[@gourmetdoneskinny]

Great job Joanie! Thanks for all of the great information!

[@dutchy5406]

Got one preordered! Cannot wait for it to arrive

[@levi6859]

Omg alot has happened in the past year and this is my first time back on the channel seeing you and all your energy. I’m trying to find myself again as a photographer but I love this video.

[@madst7521]

I've already got my pre-order in for this lens. The lens looks like it'll be a great replacement for my trusty old F-mount 105VR. From the testing done over on Ricci Talks, it'll be improving significantly on sharpness. Not that I thought the old lens needed replacement util I got it on the Z7.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

She is such a good photographer, the problem is that her pictures are good for the soul, the eyes and the imagination but bad for the weight keeping 😂

[@tyrael1983]

This is also my favorite portrait lens. It's super versatile for a fixed focal length lens.

[@Mr09260]

Cant wait for mine , but Nikon South Africa always stands at the back in getting us new stuff ..It looks a winner

[@denisecarrell2761]

Thank you for covering not only what the lens can do for images, but video as well. I like being "all up in the food" too but never thought about it from a video perspective since I've never shot video with anything other than my phone. That's a beautiful kitchen btw!!! Woo hoo!

[@TheBiteShot]

Thank you Denise! The new studio kitchen is nearly complete. Dream come true

[@sheeyam]

Pre-Ordered Mine. Can't Wait :)

[@uwekonnigsstaddt524]

Loved the video review!!!. Just purchased a Nikon Z50 and this lens will be added to my tool bag. Believe it or not, I am not into food photography but what I love about your video is how this lens is used on a practical way. There are several reviews on this particular lens, but your review focuses on a specific task. You show how and what can be accomplished with one among many uses. Nice and classy approach presentation. Keep it up!!! And thanks a million. Be blessed.

[@ChilesandSmoke]

LOVE my 100mm Macro. Absolutely changed my game. Great video.

[@thedvguy]

This is the first time I’ve seen any of your videos. I like your style. You’re very personable.

[@emmanuelchan8218]

Can't wait for the delivery!!!

[@presstheshot9226]

“I ain’t giving it up any time soon” gotta love it. Professional and real. Thank you.

[@Indianabones007]

Just found your channel! Thanks for being clear and straight to the point. Just waiting on this lens coming to get started with Macro. Been a graphic design for years and working with the type of images your creating is going to help me I think! Just got the Z7ii a month ago and have the 50mm , 24-70 2.8, so I’m glad that’s me sorted with the right lenses lol! I’m just trying to think what I need lighting wise, not having much room, I’ll have to be wise on that! Been watching all your videos all day so getting a better idea what I need to get started! Thanks again from Scotland

[@robsteward2319]

I have a Canon set up, but my 105mm macro is my go to for most things! I started with insects, then flora, and now food! Adding your fantastic new book into the mix that has just landed on my doorstep, happy days!!!

[@TheBiteShot]

Ah! Thank you so much Rob!!!

[@Indianabones007]

Just found your channel! Thanks for being clear and straight to the point. Just waiting on this lens coming to get started with Macro. Been a graphic design for years and working with the type of images your creating is going to help me I think! Just got the Z7ii a month ago and have the 50mm , 24-70 2.8, so I’m glad that’s me sorted with the right lenses lol! I’m just trying to think what I need lighting wise, not having much room, I’ll have to be wise on that! Been watching all your videos all day so getting a better idea what I need to get started! Thanks again from Scotland

[@cookintower]

Always so helpful ❤

[@obedbrinkman]

seems like an awesome lens, thanks for this video

[@lilnape2604]

I could almost taste those photos. 🤤

[@IAmSamuelCharpentier]

Some macro 35mm shots of food also makes it really cool in its own way

[@Fidi987]

I think I have to start on this. Early on in my photography journey I purchased a 70 mm macro lens used for about 200 € but then found macro photography outside with a tripod difficult. I have to try more close-ups of veggies and fruits and maybe flowers indoors, too!

[@SimpleSandalsMedia]

Your fantastic smile and the great lighting made me a subscriber.

[@3abhaysingh]

best thing about this channel is the lively lovely mood of this photographer.

[@jody1622]

Wow, the new studio looks fabulous!

[@TheBiteShot]

Thank you Jody!!

[@adiskiros9976]

@@TheBiteShot can we get a tour of the studio? 🙏🏾

[@markshirley01]

I'm excited by these two lenses. I shoot a lot of food in restaurants in bars in the UK. The 50 would seem the best for me as the room I'd need to back up to using the 105 just wouldn't be there. This is my only reservation on the 105, I already use a 50 for my table top stuff so maybe Im operationally biased.

[@gregcorker2193]

Fantastic review.

[@winndowmasalakitchen6512]

So so so good🙏✨✨✨

[@djleandromonteiro]

AMAZING

[@m77ast]

Congratulations - I shoot canon mirrorless but I enjoyed your happiness. That energy was nice

[@peterheaps6607]

Thanks for another great tutorial. Looking forward to getting this lens for my Nikon Z7. I have recently been using the new Laowa 85mm f5.6 x2 macro manual lens for Z mount. It's really great and so small, light and easy to use. As a 2:1 macro, I got it for shooting insects, but I gave it a try for food photography and loved it for my 45-degree shots. Would love to hear if any of you guys have tried it and what your thoughts might be?

[@lokatpic]

Oh Yes!!!!! I know what you mean. I have the Nikon 105 vr/s on order. The test results are out of this world. Can't wait. Nikon I want my lens.

[@srimoyeebiswas2530]

Those strawberries are looking so delicious

[@winndowmasalakitchen6512]

U describe perfectly perfectly perfectly so good 😘😘✨

[@carinajacobsson9333]

Have it….LOVE it!

[@kmulhall8233]

Great review.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I will say the combination between the 105mm f2.8 MC and the. 50mm MC could be and amazing combo.

[@garystewart2621]

I love the art of photography, I live in P.R. Work 40th year in the Business of photography,I work with negative in the dark room, I love your classes because people think it’s all about what Apple IPhones who have.

[@rafaeladauto4760]

This video looks amazing! Which camera did you use to record it? I just subscribed, awesome channel

[@ThePinkChilli]

Joanie, could you do a video comparing the 60mm macro to this 105mm?

[@stuart_anderson]

Great video Joanie!! I used a 90mm macro on my crop sensor a6000 for a long time and loved it. Now I've been forcing myself to use a 30mm crop sensor lens on a full frame camera 😂 It's been interesting and fun!!

[@TheBiteShot]

It's always so much fun to see how changes like that force creative opportunities. Also, thanks for the Darth Vader pics. Made me smile so much!!

[@lehcimst]

The Darth bubble shot is great!

[@vlozity]

coolness!

[@jasonhead9123]

I use my 60mm efs macro , gives 1:1 ratio. I'm still using my canon 70d too

[@dilliboirubirosa9638]

I am SO jealous! I preordered it but am not expecting it until end of June...

[@gagai786]

Wow always wanted a macro lense ..... Lucky you .

[@quoiddcost]

Awesome video Joanie ❤️ Tripod is soooo important 😀😀👍👍 Is the photo at 12:54 cropped?

[@CreativeDEZ]

I know that I'm late but I want this lens so bad.(105 micro) and I feel the same as you about my Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 S lens, I love it ❤ Great video 📸

[@lynr3399]

Have pre ordered was due next week, now Nikon say end of year! UK

[@robertad242]

I NEED this 🙈

[@TheBiteShot]

So much fun!!!!

[@robertad242]

@@TheBiteShot I’m thinking of selling my Sigma, which I love but I want a collection of Nikkor lenses 🙈

[@joestockdale1511]

I use the Nikkor 60mm f2.8 Macro, prefer it for the majority of food photos I take due to the extra depth of field you get vs the 105.

[@-Kenzin-]

im not sure if its delibrate but u gotta start teaching hahah you are an amazin teacher.. i know u are just sharing your experience with us but i learned tons from you that i havent learn in school and guess what i am a graphics designer they should have thought those things to us at school :D i feel so lucky to discover your channel.. i cannot thank you enough

[@guyyowell8547]

I’m relatively new to your channel, and I love your videos! I’m hoping to receive my 105mm f/2.8S lens next week, though even as a NPS member, I understand quantities are going to be very limited. I noticed in your shoot of the strawberries, you were spraying them with an aerosol. Can you tell me what you were using? I always thought vegetables and fruit were just misted with water (so you can eat them later😉).

[@hebrews619]

Canon's goes to 1.4X and has some cool feature to control the background blur..

[@charleshanson9467]

I use Nikon's much older 28-105mm f/4-4.5 zoom-macro. But it's also a full frame, so gets cropped to ~40-150mm. Maybe if I can ever afford a full fame sensor it'll be the best lens ever.

[@johnkaper1129]

Nicely done video and very educational. I just got a Z7ii and have been thinking about this Marco lens for some time. Your video is very convincing, what is the device on top of the hot shoe? tk you.

[@carloscipriani2438]

Forever Nikon

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

I got a Tamron 100MM Macro F2.8 Lens and my Canon 50MM F2.1 Lens for Close up food photography

[@mikelyon5595]

You can crop in with the Z7 with plenty of resolution for online content... I enjoy your perspective and style of presenting your videos; thank you!

[@MrFraiche]

Love your content! Can you do a video about how to take food photos at a low light fine dining restaurant without being too obtrusive?

[@AtlantaTerry]

Joanie covered that in one of her first videos. The real question is why would you want to? It comes down to how you manage your clients. Ideally, you would create the photographs back at your place, but if that is not possible then work in the restaurant during hours when no customers or just a few are present - mornings or afternoons work well for that. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@marianogarciafoto]

Hi Joanie! What are your thoughts about focus breathing with this lens? I’m asking because sometimes I do focus stacking. I currently own a 60 micro which I use in manual focus with my Z body due to lack of internal focusing motor, the 60mm Lens has a lot of focus breathing and I was thinking to change it for this lens. Thanks!!

[@benharris3949]

Good question, focus breathing can be killer on macro lenses

[@romanpul]

Nikon introduced a new dual element focusing system with the Z line lenses. As far as I can tell from the reviews I‘ve seen on this lens so far, it has little to no focus breathing

[@andyvan5692]

macro and MICRO are different terms, True macro is 1:1 reproduction of objects in the sensor ( life size) 1x magnification, but Micro simply means you have a close focus distance, both terms are shortened versions of their scientific cousins ( macroscopy & Microscope/microscopy)- mainly medicine, but this is where they come from.

[@Vahagraphy]

Wow , look at those berries. I'm not a food photographer and I love my 105 MC lens.

[@jmitchvision]

Great content sis!! Are you a full time creative? Also did you and Ty ever hear back on the proposal?

[@TheBiteShot]

Full time creative since 2015 :) and as for Pepperidge Farms, seems there was some turnover and changes with their marketing team. Reasons why always reaching back out after a few months is crucial in marketing.

[@jmitchvision]

@@TheBiteShot Thank you for the reply sis!! I’m proud of you!! GOD bless!!

[@chayoutabe]

Hi Joanie, This lens with a full frame makes the camera very heavy. What king of tripod are you using? When I set up my camera, my tripod is moving... Does this thing happen to you ? Thanks

[@jpdj2715]

I'm not Joanie, apologies. The tripod looks like it is a Manfrotto - a variant of the 190 type design. And my guess is the ball head is a model 494 or 496. She normally shot the Z 7 with the 24-70/2.8S and that is not a light lens either. The tripod-head combination can easily hold that. It seemed, in the background of the video, she also has a very tall Manfrotto tripod like their 058B. I have always been a fan of Gitzo tripods and in her setup would have used a Systematic series 5 set of legs (between $1,100 and $1,600) with a "geared center column" (about $560). That center column is really tall and even when the legs are not extended (this tripod starts at 2' I guess) it can get your camera up high already. With the short tripod legs, you keep space to walk around the tripod and you can get it nearer a worktop without tilting the whole setup. Alternatively, there's an adapter ring for series 4/5 that allows you to mount the center column horizontally. And with series 5 sturdiness, you'll never ever complain. If needed - series 5 tripod legs can hold 88 lbs - you can hang whatever weight off the base and it will not move. For ballhead, I'd want Arca compatible quick release, albeit in Joanie's case, the ball head she uses is really good enough. The tripod in the video is good enough too, but a geared column makes small adjustments a breeze and you'll work more precise and faster. Relative to Manfrotto being like Fiat, Gitzo used to be like Rolls Royce - so the parent company of Manfrotto acquired Gitzo and the two brands are in the same house now.

[@romanpul]

The lens is actually a lot lighter than it looks like. At 600g it‘s not much heavier than one of the f/1.8 Z primes despite being significantly larger. Together with a Z7 (or Z6) the combo is just around 1,2kg and most ballheads should be able to support that without sacking. As a rule of thumb I‘d recommend to get a tripod head that is at least able to support twice the weight of your heaviest camera+lens combo. Also if you’re really getting into macro photography it might be worth to invest into a geared head, as this gives very granular control over each axis and it allows you to replicated a setup very precisely

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Congratulations enjoy

[@lnrdfavio]

What do you think of the 50mm? I just ordered it because I thought its focal length is suitable for general shots and also for macro. Furthermore, the food does not move like live insects (I'm talking about working distance).

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Focal length doesn’t dictate if a lens is macro or not. It’s max magnification does. You could easily substitute 50mm for any focal length and your statement would make as much sense

[@lnrdfavio]

@@Lucy-dk5cz I know. I ordered the new 50mm 2.8 MC. Both lenses have 1:1 magnification.

[@spacecake3961]

great lens but i can get the same effect using extension tubes and with bream bokehlecious goodness at a very low cost

[@tomaskaspar2597]

I love the cake image at 17:17, how is it called? Do you have recipe? .-))

[@TheBiteShot]

The recipe is linked in the description box. It' the strawberry shortcake from Natasha's Kitchen.

[@RozCorieriPaige]

I am so excited for you Joanie, but I'm just about ready to cry buckets since I own a Canon and purchased the Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM lens. As a teacher by day, I can't afford to start over with a Nikon and its lens. Please, please tell me what you recommend. Thank you! I've been following your channel for years and years, as a part-time food blogger (15 years old) and appreciate you, your joy, and your expertise. I hope that you reply. Grazie!

[@TheBiteShot]

The Canon EF 100mm f2.8 is the equivalent and a wonderful lens. You'll do great work with it!!! Nikon, Sony, Canon, they're all awesome!

[@RozCorieriPaige]

@@TheBiteShot thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I feel a huge sense of relief. Now my next question....which episode do you go over using the macro for food photography?

[@andyvan5692]

yes, a tripod is a must, not only dof reason, but the magnification ratio, as it is soo high in a 100+ focal length lens the vibration causes MOTION BLUR, this is the cause of out of focus images, and unlike the F-mount cousin (f 2.8 105 D {also has the pn-11 extension tube as a kit with it}) THIS z model is impossible to hand_hold, due to this reason, even for telephoto and portrait shots.

[@davidcross9394]

Have you tried Glycerine, in you water spray bottle. For much better water drops ?

[@rovycarbs8506]

Joanie‘s early content (maybe 3 years ago) includes the magical effect of using water and glycerine. 🙂

[@carlmcclinton2266]

Hello, I just wanted to thank you for speaking about BH. They have really helped with affordable resale items. 🥰

[@michaelinman5529]

doesn't a full sensor have less of a depth of field than a crop sensor?

[@michael-4k4000]

What’s shaking bacon?

[@iFoodTravel9]

I start to be youtuber with something wrong. I bought GoPro9 becuase I thought that enough for my vlog.😅😅

[@princyenterprises5694]

Hi, I am a Makeup & Hair Artist and Need to shoot lots of Videos Indoor for Instagram and KZbin and sometimes going Live with Ring-Light setup and Fill Light, so which camera will be best Suitable for my profession, Cell Phone, Osmo Action, Sony A6400, Canon 80/90D or Sony A7iii with Suitable Lenses I keep on Shooting photos and Slow motion Videos for my portfolio, and in weddings most of the time, theirs low light condition if Indoor sometimes outdoors and I don't want that Noise in my Videos in low light. So Please Suggest any other alternatives if any. Thanks in advance ;) keep the good job.

[@nick_a_pagan]

Totally not related, but that looks like the coziest shirt ever

[@TheBiteShot]

My coziest! I have it in three colors...yay for Target :)

[@mac2807]

What is "B" roll?

[@enricomarconi8358]

Love your videos! You pronounce Nikkor correctly (but Naikon the American way - isn't quite the correct pronunciation). Other than that - great job!

[@nelsonclub7722]

To be fair though most food togs like myself use T/S

[@jamica277]

she is sooooooooooo cute

[@joshmcdzz6925]

Great lens but I guess it doesn't date the F versions ( nikon 105, tokina 100, sigma 105 or tamron 90 ).. I hear alot about sharpness ( which is an absolutely subjective term ) and that's the least worth quality to consider when buying a lens IMHO.. I guess manufacturers have ways of creating this insatiable desire to acquire stuff so they sell and make money..

[@stevelink3]

Josh, I certainly agree with your point about manufacturers "creative" methods of marketing, however, when choosing a lens specifically designed for high-magnification photography, IMHO, lens sharpness is a very important characteristic. I think that, in general, a system's "Macro" lens is oftentimes the sharpest lens in the system.

[@Pokemon76305]

It is macro lens and not micro lens. Macro is for close focusing ability. And micro is extremely small thing which cannot be seen by eyes.

[@sagar1206]

Just one suggestion: You should read books written by John Green such as Paper towns, The fault in our stars, Looking for Alaska, etc. They are great books!! If already read you can share your feedback !!

[@vasiapupkin3963]

Love it. Especially when Canon users review proper genuine Nikon equipment 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@AtlantaTerry]

Joanie, NO! The terms "micro" and "macro" are NOT interchangeable. Not even close. The difference has to do with reproduction ratios. Micro photography uses a magnification ratio of 20:1 or higher, so the subject is magnified so it appears 20 times larger than real-life. In macro photography, the ratio is 20:1 or lower. To achieve such a high magnification ratio, micro photographers will connect their camera to a microscope to get the shot, often of microbes so small that they appear invisible to the naked eye. For this reason, micro photography is less run of the mill and tends to be a specialized field of photography. Comparably, macro photographers can use more accessible tools like camera settings, lenses, extension tubes, and other equipment to get the close up, life size effect. So even though Nikon confuzzled everyone by branding their macro lenses "Micro-Nikkor" what you are showing off today really is a macro lens. BTW, I own both a 55mm and 105mm Micro-Nikkor in the F mount for use with my Nikon film and digital bodies. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@TheBiteShot]

Good clarification ;)

[@m77ast]

@@TheBiteShot 🤣🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Whatreally123]

Amusing to me that Americans pronounce Nikkor correctly but americanise "Nikon". 😂 👍

[@martinXY]

C'est très amusant.

[@jeremiahjohnson5394]

What is your name on Facebook can’t find you

[@danvonerlea]

Super close up its not food photography.And this lens dont give dramatic prespective.Its not good for food and dishes photography

[@montazownianr1]

I think Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is a better choice.

[@ktcool4660]

nah

[@montazownianr1]

@@ktcool4660 why?

[@danliutikas]

I didn’t realize Nikon was still in business…

[@SinginSquid12]

Wait is it pronounced bo-kay?! And not bo-cuh?! My whole life is a lie 😂

[@TheBiteShot]

I was told by a reliable authority that it's bo-kay, but lots of people say bo-cuh...either works in my book :)

[@professionalpotato4764]

It's bo-kay, yes. Cos technically it is of Japanese origin. And there is no cuh sound in the Japanese language. Comes from the word bokeru, or to be blurry.

[@ArtistsOnAmazon]

Remember, Bokeh is a Japanese word and the American pronunciation may be different.

[@AtlantaTerry]

​@@ArtistsOnAmazon Exactly. When I lived in Japan in the late '60s , they pronounced "Nikon" differently from how I had learned to say it. The Japanese pronounce the "I" as a soft "e" whereas I had assumed it was a hard "i". 50+ years later, I still use the soft "e". Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@FrankTaeger2021]

Bo-Cuh may come close to the original Japanese, but may be a bit enthusiastic. The kay would be very westernized, similar to the pronounciation of Nikon, which definitely is Ni rather than nai.

[@nilsl8168]

Wtf is a "Micro lens"?

[@rogeryoung3587]

Yes, it's a great lens but why don't you tell us all about your reaction to it's arrival, rather than about why it's so good? Perhaps you did, after the 5-minute introduction that I couldn't bear to watch any longer.

[@morrisgetman9827]

90 seconds just to learn what lens the video's about. Really? Jeez. A micro lens... okay.

[@camartinez6]

you talk to much, we want pictures videos not talking....

[@cicicomm]

10 years ago, im sure that you're very beauty