Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: Macro-Wonderful

The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a short telephoto macro prime lens that offers a 1:1 magnification ratio. Conchita Fernandes puts it to the test.

For a long time, the AF-S VR MICRO NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED was the staple lens for Nikon users interested in macro photography. Recently, the company launched the brand new Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, a short telephoto macro prime lens for the company’s Z system cameras, and the first within this range to offer a 1:1 reproduction ratio, along with the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8, which was also launched simultaneously. The MC moniker stands for “macro-capable”, and the lens is part of Nikon’s S-Line range that promises optics of the very highest quality. For this review, I paired the lens along with the Nikon Z7 II. Let’s find out how it fares.

Features

The lens is constructed of 16 elements in 11 groups, including 3 ED elements to control chromatic aberration, 1 aspherical element, elements with Nano Crystal and ARNEO coats to reduce flare, and a fluorine-coated front lens element. It has 9 rounded diaphragm blades and a minimum focusing distance of 0.29m. The lens uses dual STM motors, and its built-in VR system provides 4.5 stops of stabilisation. The lens is also extensively sealed for dust and moisture.

There is an OLED display on the barrel of the lens that shows you the aperture value, focusing distance and magnification ratio that can be enabled with a button. There’s also an L-Fn button that can be customised to control metering and subject tracking amongst other functions. Towards the mount-end of the lens, there is the A/M (automatic/manual) switch and the focus limiter switch. With the latter (a nifty feature), the lens can restrict the focusing distance from 0.5m to 0.29m and when switched to Full, can go from infinity to 0.29m. The lens also comes with a hood.

HOW WE TEST