Author Topic: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens  (Read 8687 times)

Michael Erlewine

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Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« on: January 25, 2022, 14:39:18 »
I looked for the thread for this lens, but perhaps it was lumped in with other Nikon Z offering. It deserves its own page, IMO.

By this time, I have a number of the new Z lenses, and am especially fond of the ‘S’ series lenses. That being said, my most-used “S” series lens is this MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.

At least for my work (closeup stacked images), it is like a dream come true. For around $1K, which is a small amount IMO to pay for a really capable macro lens, this lens became an instant classic, at least to my own mind.

It is tack sharp, and so very capable, at least in the macro or closeup range. I have lenses that cost many times more than the MC 105mm S Macro that are, as far as I can see, no better. And we have autofocus!

It is also not, in my experience, a heavy lens to use. 1.4 lb (630 g) feels light compared to its size.

Here are just two stacked images using this lens. At least for my limited style of use, what’s not to like?
MichaelErlewine.smugmug.com, Daily Blog at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelErlewine. main site: SpiritGrooves.net, https://www.youtube.com/user/merlewine, Founder: MacroStop.com, All-Music Guide, All-Movie Guide, Classic Posters.com, Matrix Software, DharmaGrooves.com

Ilkka Nissilä

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2022, 15:03:18 »
I agree, though I don't have such nice images of my own, I really like this lens. I'm happy to see it in capable hands by others. ;-)

Hopefully I'll have more time to use it in the future. Right now the weather conditions outdoors are fairly unpleasant in my area.

Michael Erlewine

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2022, 15:11:14 »
I agree, though I don't have such nice images of my own, I really like this lens. I'm happy to see it in capable hands by others. ;-)

Hopefully I'll have more time to use it in the future. Right now the weather conditions outdoors are fairly unpleasant in my area.

Same here, many days below zero. Waiting for spring and a chance to use our new inflatable kayak. Our 18-foot 'Old Town' Guide Canoe is getting just too heavy.
MichaelErlewine.smugmug.com, Daily Blog at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelErlewine. main site: SpiritGrooves.net, https://www.youtube.com/user/merlewine, Founder: MacroStop.com, All-Music Guide, All-Movie Guide, Classic Posters.com, Matrix Software, DharmaGrooves.com

Lucabeer

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2022, 15:49:44 »
Not bad as a portrait lens either...
Mountain and nature photographer / Nikon Z6 + 14-30/4 S + 20/1.8 S + 50/1.2 S + 24-70/4 S + 105/2.8 MC S / 100-400/4.5-5.6 S - Nikon D700 + AF-D 16/2.8 + AF-S 17-35/2.8 D + AF 50/1.8 + AF-D 105/2 DC + AF-D 80-200/2.8

Michael Erlewine

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2022, 17:45:03 »

"Not bad as a portrait lens either...


I would  say so. Great image!
MichaelErlewine.smugmug.com, Daily Blog at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelErlewine. main site: SpiritGrooves.net, https://www.youtube.com/user/merlewine, Founder: MacroStop.com, All-Music Guide, All-Movie Guide, Classic Posters.com, Matrix Software, DharmaGrooves.com

Lucabeer

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2022, 19:32:46 »
(OT: Are you related to the historical AMG reviewer, Stephen Thomas Erlewine?)
Mountain and nature photographer / Nikon Z6 + 14-30/4 S + 20/1.8 S + 50/1.2 S + 24-70/4 S + 105/2.8 MC S / 100-400/4.5-5.6 S - Nikon D700 + AF-D 16/2.8 + AF-S 17-35/2.8 D + AF 50/1.8 + AF-D 105/2 DC + AF-D 80-200/2.8

Michael Erlewine

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2022, 19:39:53 »
(OT: Are you related to the historical AMG reviewer, Stephen Thomas Erlewine?)

My nephew. I founded the company.
MichaelErlewine.smugmug.com, Daily Blog at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelErlewine. main site: SpiritGrooves.net, https://www.youtube.com/user/merlewine, Founder: MacroStop.com, All-Music Guide, All-Movie Guide, Classic Posters.com, Matrix Software, DharmaGrooves.com

Lucabeer

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2022, 20:33:27 »
Wow! I have been following his reviews since immemorable time, always competent and reliable!
Mountain and nature photographer / Nikon Z6 + 14-30/4 S + 20/1.8 S + 50/1.2 S + 24-70/4 S + 105/2.8 MC S / 100-400/4.5-5.6 S - Nikon D700 + AF-D 16/2.8 + AF-S 17-35/2.8 D + AF 50/1.8 + AF-D 105/2 DC + AF-D 80-200/2.8

Lucabeer

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2022, 20:45:23 »
A few more samples from my 105...

I tend to use it more as a lightweight "general" medium tele for when I don't want to carry a heavy tele zoom. I rarely do real macro, for the simple reason that I always shoot outdoors, no tripod and the wind makes it impossible to do some reliable stacking. But when the need occurs, the ability to get real close is useful.

Before it, I had the old AF-D 105/2 DC. Actually I still have it, but it couldn't have a different character even when used as a portrait 105 (of course, since the DC doesn't do macro). Both great lenses.

Mountain and nature photographer / Nikon Z6 + 14-30/4 S + 20/1.8 S + 50/1.2 S + 24-70/4 S + 105/2.8 MC S / 100-400/4.5-5.6 S - Nikon D700 + AF-D 16/2.8 + AF-S 17-35/2.8 D + AF 50/1.8 + AF-D 105/2 DC + AF-D 80-200/2.8

Lucabeer

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2022, 20:47:24 »
More portrait and nature...
Mountain and nature photographer / Nikon Z6 + 14-30/4 S + 20/1.8 S + 50/1.2 S + 24-70/4 S + 105/2.8 MC S / 100-400/4.5-5.6 S - Nikon D700 + AF-D 16/2.8 + AF-S 17-35/2.8 D + AF 50/1.8 + AF-D 105/2 DC + AF-D 80-200/2.8

ianwatson

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2022, 04:23:11 »
The last one especially is wonderful! I resisted the 105 in favour of the handily smaller 85mm f/1.8 on much the same grounds. The extra speed is useful now and then. That said, I have just ordered a 105mm f/4 Micro-Nikkor.....

golunvolo

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2022, 14:10:10 »
Astonishing images. That lens looks better and better with each new sample

Fons Baerken

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2022, 14:23:31 »
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is still only avaible on pre-order over here! With a wait time up to 4 weeks.

Michael Erlewine

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2022, 15:12:35 »
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is still only avaible on pre-order over here! With a wait time up to 4 weeks.

Certainly worth waiting for, IMO.
MichaelErlewine.smugmug.com, Daily Blog at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelErlewine. main site: SpiritGrooves.net, https://www.youtube.com/user/merlewine, Founder: MacroStop.com, All-Music Guide, All-Movie Guide, Classic Posters.com, Matrix Software, DharmaGrooves.com

Fons Baerken

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Re: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2022, 15:16:42 »
You prove a point Michael ;)