NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

I have, or have used, many of Nikon's Micro and Macro lenses. The MC 105 is one of their best. While retaining the flat field so critical for close up work, they have noticeably improved on color fringing and focus breathing over past micro 105's. The lens also renders details with amazing clarity and has a very pleasant BOKEH. The AF is fast and accurate, although a bit louder than my other Z-lenses. The finesse of the focus-by-wire MF is excellent and the display is helpful determining reproduction ratios for technical work. The lens is also fully integrated with the Z-line cameras' focus shifting features.The lens does show reduced light transmission starting at 1:14 (1.6 meters) dropping from f2.8 to f3. From there it steadily reduces to f4.5 at it's minimum focusing distance of 0.29m (1:1). This is normal for micro lenses and the Z-cameras' metering compensate for this effect.I have used this lens with the R1C1 macro flash commander kit to good effect. The stationary front element makes working with the ring light fitting easy and the 62mm filter threads are welcome.The included lens hood is fairly long but does not particularly hamper using the lens, even at it's closes focusing distance, although it is best suited for use when used as a portrait lens.I am not a portrait photographer, but from my limited testing, it works well as a general purpose portrait lens. Sharpness and BOKEH are still excellent at the mid-focus range, and while not as magical as the 105 f1.4E, it renders a pleasing imkage.The only issue so far is Nikon having given up support for macro photography (>1:1). There are no OEM extension tubes or bellows and the lens depends on electronics for aperture and focus control, increasing the difficulty of using this lens for macro photography. This is unfortunate since the Z-cameras' EVF make high magnification work much easier than SLR's when using adapted rigs.I was pleasantly surprised at the fairly low price point and low weight and have had a good time experimenting with this lens. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to shoot close up and up to 1:1.

Another superbly performing Z mount lens. No regrets after using the lens for two weeks. Sharp, quick to focus, wonderful bokeh. I look forward to many hours shooting with this attached to my Z6. Ordering directly through Nikon proved to be a great option...easy to purchase, great notifications and tracking options..

I keep hearing the term "sharp" coming from reviewers, but that's a relative term. So sticking with relativity, my sample of this lens is nice but not the sharpest tool in my bag. I'd even rate it on par with the previous F version of the 105mm, but not better. If you subscribe to the concept of micro-contrast, then this lens sample is just average. Luckily, I can pull better detail with some tweaking in Capture One, but not natively without post. Looking at results at all apertures, forget about working with stops wider than f/8 to f/11. Diffraction if just too evident and destructive. Focus stacking is the answer, but that's only if you're prepared to spend the time and resources. I'm toying with idea of returning it to the retailer, but then I'll be without a long awaited macro lens for who knows how long. There are two things that I do like about this lens. The first is that it's light with beautifully machined parts that move and work well together. The other is the price. I had anticipated a larger bump in the cost when compared to the earlier version, but Nikon did a good job of holding the line and offering a pretty good value.

I just received my Z series MC105 Macro and went out to capture some images today. I was extremely pleased with the autofocus performance and the end result. The images are tack sharp, excellent color and contrast, and the lens was simple and comfortable to use. I have been waiting for a native macro for my Z7II, and I'm glad I waited.

The lens itself is a very sharp and responsive Macro Lens. For a lot of Nikon users, the obvious comparison will be with the legacy F Mount 105mm Macro Lens.For Color, Sharpness, VR, overall image quality, + the added function ring and programmable Function button the winner is the Nikon 105mm VR S F/2.8 macro.In addition to being a fantastic Macro, the New Nikon 105mm VR S is a wonderful general-purpose lens, especially for portraiture.For compatibility with Nikon Teleconverters the Legacy F mount 105mm VR lens is the winner.It was a disappointment the newest Z 105mm Macro is not compatible with the new Z Teleconverters - what a slap in the face from Nikon.Summary: If you want the best Nikon Macro for your Z mirrorless camera I would highly recommend the New 105mm VR S MC macro from Nikon. A hands-down winner.

I'd been thinking of getting the 85mm F1.8, but when this became available, I ordered it instead, to kill two birds with one stone. This is both a good telephoto prime lens for portraits AND a great macro lens. I found its long focal length and VR capability particularly useful in allowing me good and easy hand-held closeup photos. I've now read several published reviews of this lens, and they all agree it is great quality at a great price.

Fantastic lens, better than the F mount 105. It’s lighter and it takes better pictures. More technology and I love it.

A new favorite lens with amazing flexibility. The macro feature produces excellent detail and bokeh with close shots. Can also be used as a portrait lens with similar results. Again, the bokeh is particularly beautiful. For credibility, which I could come up with some negatives. But frankly, still exploring its capabilities.

Excellent lens, perfect bokeh and edge sharpness. Feels like it lets in more light than the non Z model.