Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro
Announced June 2, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a professional-grade, weather-sealed macro lens that delivers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and versatile performance for both close-up and portrait photography. It features effective optical stabilization and a robust build, making it a highly recommended choice for Z-mount users.
Weighted from 22 reviewer scores
Pros
- Outstanding optical sharpness and image quality
- Effective optical vibration reduction and stabilization
- Durable weather-sealed construction
- Useful features including focus limiter, OLED display, and customizable controls
- Versatile performance for macro and portraiture
Cons
- Slow or hunting autofocus performance
- Significant focus breathing
- Limited magnification and working distance
- Incompatibility with teleconverters
- High price point
- Launch price $999.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 105mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 4.5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 29 cm (1x)
- Filter thread 62mm
- Autofocus motor Stepping Motor
- Weight & size 630g · 85 x 140 mm (3.35 x 5.51 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 22 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9.5/10
The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens is an incredibly versatile lens that can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it.
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Nikon's Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S is a very good macro lens which also doubles up as a light telephoto. It produces very sharp images with almost no field-curvature or colour aberrations and can confidently be used wide open and in challenging contra-light situations.
- OpticalLimits 9/10
Nikon has a long tradition with delivering high-performance macro lenses - and this history continues with the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S. It is an exceptionally sharp lens even at maximum aperture.
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[I]t’s an excellent lens all-around and one of Nikon’s best efforts yet with the Z system.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, however, is a professional-grade lens with a few extra features to help justify its higher price. It more than qualifies as one of the best Z-mount lenses you can buy.
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This is the very best macro lens I've tested so far on this YouTube channel, and I've handled a huge number of them.
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After comparing the list of pros and cons of the tested Nikkor Z MC 105 mm f/2.8 VR S you have to admit you deal here with a very well-put-together instrument.
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The Z-mount version is a better macro lens than the 105mm f/2.8G, and returns more to Nikon’s original close-up “snap” than that most recent F-mount lens. Even outside of macro the lens performs quite well.
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The Z series of lenses continues to offer extraordinary optics and in this case at least, with a reasonable price tag to go with it.
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The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a full-featured, weather-sealed macro lens that delivers outstanding edge-to-edge image quality for Nikon's Z-series full-frame mirrorless cameras.
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If I was buying a lens for the Z system and I needed a macro lens, I'm buying the Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro all day long.
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The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S is an exceptionally sharp macro lens, with the added benefit of optical stabilization for better handheld results.
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The 105mm f/2.8 VR is the more advanced (and more expensive) of the two, but it provides stunning results for lovers of close-up photography. With a useful focal length for portraits and other subjects too, it's also quite a flexible option.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Nikon’s Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is an excellent lens that merits a place in the kit of any photographer who owns a Z-mount camera, especially those interested in macro or portrait photography.
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[T]he MC 105mm f/2.8 is simply a joy to shoot with.
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The 105 was really, really versatile.
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The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens truly is the best macro lens I have ever used.
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This is a great choice if you want a macro for Nikon Z cameras.
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Turns out that the Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S is a truly impressive lens, and a solid choice for Nikon Z Series photographers who are looking for either a telephoto lens for portraits or a dedicated 1:1 reproduction ratio macro lens, or both.
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True macro photographers will get more mileage out of the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S than I did. Still, aside from the macro capabilities, this lens offers a nice package as a general-purpose telephoto lens.
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If you're serious about macro photography the Nikon 105mm macro is worth the investment thanks to incredible image quality and high resolving power, which is right up there with the very best optics for the system.
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It's got everything you need from a pro lens.
