Hands-on with new Nikon Z 105mm and 50mm macro lenses

Yeah. I was planning on getting the Z 85 1.8 at some point but it's kind of hard for me to justify now since I will be getting the 105.

Jun 18, 2021permalink

StoneJack

Nikon is overwhelmed by orders the lens is delayed.

Jun 17, 2021permalink

Thoughts R Us

The lens is not delayed. The first shipments will occur on time as promised. But it will not be enough to meet the high demand.

The statement:
We have received a large number of reservations for the Nikkor lens “NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f / 2.8 VR S”, which is scheduled to be released on June 25, 2021 (Friday).

We may not be able to deliver the product on the day of release to some customers who are currently making reservations.
In addition, it may take some time for the product to be delivered to customers who make reservations in the future, as it will be delivered in sequence.

Jun 18, 2021permalink

Yep. And if they could fulfill all the day 1 orders folks would say that means the lenses are duds. Can't win either way.

Jun 18, 2021permalink

AbrasiveReducer

Here we go with overwhelmed again. These are new products, Nikon is backordering, and this would be the case if they got 50 orders or 50,000. This is not unique to Nikon, although they excel at it. And why not? What's more desirable that something that's not only new, but difficult to get? And since it's difficult to get, it must be good, even though nobody has used one.

Jun 18, 2021*permalink

ardp

How does knowing the reproduction ratio help with macro photography? does anyone has a usage example?

Jun 17, 2021permalink

It's particularly useful to have the same level of magnification on multiple photos. It provides a sense of relative scale and makes it easy to have multiple image the same size. For example, think about photos of wedding rings. You might have different compositions but want the size of the ring and stones to be the same. It's also relevant for multiple cuts of video.

Jun 17, 2021*permalink

AsterAstraAsteria

Well due to focus breathing, at macro ranges the FoV is only loosely correlated to the focal lens. Moving 2x closer doesn’t mean 2x larger image anymore, so the reproduction ratio is the only sensible metric bridging the subject and the image.
Say you want to shoot a watch face that’s slightly larger than the sensor itself. The only thing you’d know about that shot is that it’s going to be shot at maybe 1:1.5. The FOV? Related to the particular lens you are using. Typically 150mm-like for a 105 macro and 85mm-like for a 50 macro. The distance that you’d acquire focus? Lens related too, and it’s easier to set the lens at target reproduction ratio then focus by moving the camera/object.

Jun 18, 2021permalink

Some good comments already. I've also heard it is useful for focus stacking especially when using macro rails. You set your repro ratio to what you want then turn AF off and move the camera back and forth to get the images for the stack.

Jun 18, 2021permalink

ardp

I understand from the above, that it is useful when not wanting to compose via the finder/screen, but wanting to pre-determine the ratio so to minimize time near subject.
Good idea. thanks.

Jun 21, 2021permalink

Gesture

very original fascia, design and markings.

Jun 16, 2021permalink

https://petapixel.com/2021/06/14/the-nikon-zfc-will-be-an-aps-c-retro-inspired-1000-camera-report/

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Am I the only one who thinks the restyled S badge looks a lot like err… https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/mediaviewer/rm37399041/?context=default?ref_=ext_shr_lnk?

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Toilet Roll

Stick to making binoculars Nikon.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Einride

Fitting user name. Ten points

Jun 16, 2021permalink

Mr T Roll, eh?

Jun 17, 2021permalink

Michael Piziak

Macro lens are usually very sharp lens. I wonder why that is.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Narrow angles of view, so easier correction of aberrations than many primes. Slow. No severe size restraints. Excuse to be expensive, allowing both many elements and expensive glass types. Often, traditionally, no need for fast focus, allowing focusing designs that move more glass. These things all help.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Trubbtele

I want a S 600mm PF 4.0!

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Thoughts R Us

There is a good market for these smaller yet high quality super telephotos using phase fresnel technology.

Nikon has done very well with the F mount 300 PF and the 500 PF. It probably helped them sell a lot of DSLRs like the D500, D850, etc.

They would be foolish to not do PF super tele's in the Z mount.

For that matter, there is an opening for all of the big 3...Canon, Sony and Nikon...to release lenses like those. Rumor has it that Canon will deliver next year with an RF 400 DO and a 500/4 that will be relatively small/light. I still don't get why Sony, which loves to go for small and powerful, hasn't tried something like those. That's a real missed opportunity on their part.

Now I don't know that a small PF 600/4 is feasible, given that their fabulous PF 500 is f5.6. But yes, Nikon needs PF lenses in the Z mount.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

joger

@ Thoughts R Us

I guess this is purely driven by market segmentation. Sony is not very active in birding and wildlife compare to the other activities. In sports and action the two long the lenses work pretty fine - in fact they are the best one can get at this focal length.

Phase fresenel lenses suffer from some shortcomings and Sony has issued some patents to work around that effects.

I view Sony as a manufacturing optimization company. They start to build new designs whenever they manage to tweak the manufacturing to lowest tolerances while lowering the manual involvement of workers to a minimum.

I guess they need some time to perfectionize their designs.

I am waiting for a 300 DO and/or 500 DO as well - in fact only two lenses are missing in the Sony lineup - a longer macro and a differential optic tele - maybe 350 f/4.5ish at 7X0 g? - I'd be in for that the second it will be released

Jun 16, 2021permalink

Bumblebees

@thoughts are us.

Actually the 300mm PF sold in very low numbers for a long time. Then came the success with the 500mm pf, and the 300mm pf increased in sales.

Jun 16, 2021permalink

mosc

I assume these are both 1:1?

Jun 14, 2021permalink

No need to assume. Check the first paragraph.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

james _

happy to see these but I'm curious if they'll be updating the manual focus feel and response of the other Z lenses that people have complained about. hopefully that's doable in firmware because it would suck to have to get used to two different manual focus responses for the same system

Jun 12, 2021permalink

Sylverphoto

I don't like the 50mm. It looks cheaply made to me

Jun 12, 2021permalink

That's what I thought too with the announcement pics but it does look better mounted on a camera to me

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Hi Sylverphoto. Not sure about that new 50, but I have the Z Nikkor S 50 f/1.8, and not only does it seem very well-built, but it's the sharpest dang lens I've ever used in 45 years of photography! IMHO, the Z-System lenses (especially the "S versions) are optically superb.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Sylverphoto

This is just my thought. It looks like an upgraded nifty-fifty plastic shell for 700EUR. Then I find it very expensive. I only can judge by the picture and not looking at the image quality.

I believe you that the image of the S50/1.8 is quite sharp since modern lenses are all trimmed to be sharp.

I have to say that I am all set and won't be buying another lens for next decade. I am happy with what I have in my bag (ranging from 25 to 85mm primes). I also bought a 50mm macro lens 2 years ago.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

camerons

Yes, the non-S lenses are more plasticky in nature. But I find they look better in person and handle fine.

Jun 16, 2021permalink

Shaun_Nyc

Only 1:1 ? :-(

Jun 12, 2021permalink

I think most folks are perfectly fine with "only" 1:1

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Hi Shaun. You want a macro that goes to 2:1? Aside from the short focus throw, and all MF, I can recommend checking out the Laowa 100 f/2.8 CA-Dreamer Ultra-Macro lens for the Nikon Z Mount. When you nail focus, it’s Ultra-sharp! That said, I anxiously await testing of the new Z Nikkor S 105!

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Shaun_Nyc

I was just busting lulz The announced canon 100L is 1.4-1 and has defocus control.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

20thCentury

@Shaun-NYC
The Canon version is also 40% more expensive and based on the MTF charts, not as good.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Shaun_Nyc

I wasn't speaking about the 13 yr old 100L macro

Jun 15, 2021permalink

20thCentury

@Shaun-NYC
Neither was I…the new RF 100 was announced 2 months ago and has yet to ship.
It is priced at $1400, which makes it 40% more expensive than the new Z lens.
Also, based on the MTF charts, the new Z should be better optically at the center and across the frame.
Of course, we will have to see how they actually compare in real world shots once they are out.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Einride

The 105 is perfect. I’m getting one!

Jun 12, 2021permalink

craigwell47

To be used on which NIKON Z full-frame camera?

What other NIKON Z lenses do you own; out of curiosity?

Jun 12, 2021*permalink

I'm getting one to use on Z6. Have the 50 1.8, the 14-30, the 24-70 F4 (likely to be sold soon), and the 24-200. Also have a F mount 70-200 2.8 and a 70-300.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Handiworks

Curious what your favorite is? Just bought a Z6ii and am looking for my next lens. Thanks!

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Trubbtele

The S 70-200mm 2.8 is just amazing!

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Well I haven't had the 24-200 too long but I'm really loving it. It's just so versatile and fun to shoot with. Really nice to walk around all day and not have to change lenses. Or at most carry the 14-30 along if I feel I'll need a wide angle.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Einride

To be used on a Nikon Z6. I have the 20/1.8S, 35/1.8S, 50/2.8S, 85/1.8S and 24-70/4S. Might sell the 85 since the 105 will do the same job. At the same time that 85 is incredible so am conflicted. Might just keep it. Couldn’t be happier with the lenses. These f1.8S primes are the best I’ve seen. Incredible value for money.

Jun 16, 2021permalink

thx1138

Would seriously consider the 50mm if it were f/2 and even only 0.5:1.

Jun 12, 2021permalink

Photodog2

You can always get a Zeiss 50/2 ZF2 makro and shoot it on the FTZ. Or wait until Zeiss comes out with a native Z mount version. That is one of my all-time favorite lenses. AF, who cares about AF? LOL

Jun 12, 2021permalink

Neverlost99

yeah everyone bitches about it all the time anyway :{

Jun 12, 2021permalink

thx1138

Unfortunately it seems Zeiss have abandoned the consumer market, and concentrating on cine lenses. They haven't released a consumer lens for several years. But I would buy a mirrorless update of that 50mm macro for sure.

We need Voigtlander to start spreading the joy to other mounts, the 65 f/2 APO macro is a gem, but quite large. A 50mm APO macro would be nice.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

As a user of the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra Macro with a Nikon Z7, while it has proven to be indeed, ULTRA-sharp, I find that the Focus "throw" is quite short, making it a bit time-consuming to achieve critical focus at the exact desired focus point, hence my great interest in this new Nikkor lens. So, do you feel that this lens has a very wide/ample focus throw (as other Micro-Nikkor have had), AND do you think that this lens will be sharper at 1:1 than the extremely sharp Laowa Ultra-Micro? Also, why did Nikon abandon the “Micro-Nikkor” designation for the “MC” designation? Thank you!

Jun 13, 2021permalink

FuhTeng

I pre-ordered the 105 from my guy at Hunt's in New England. No idea when I'll get it but I'm content that it's a reasonable price for what's sure to be a fabulous lens.

Good for Nikon.

Now about those tele-zooms...

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Akpinxit

Why would you wear your watch face down ?

Jun 11, 2021permalink

cali92rs

It’s funny, my dad does that too…he says it is more convenient but I am not sure I buy it lol

Jun 11, 2021permalink

BigJimSlade

My dad did that for a while. It was to protect it from getting banged into things and scratched. Not sure if it was effective.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Kubicide

Yeah that's definitely a generation thing.

Jun 12, 2021permalink

PankajDubey

My father used to -not face down but definitely on the inside of the wrist.
Used to be very helpful in preventing scratches on the glass.Secondly, he was a Physician so for counting the pulse with right hand and left inside wrist watch is neutral position and very comfortable.
(The wrist is at the mid-point between supination and pronation. This is commonly called the handshake position.)

Jun 12, 2021*permalink

Eric Hensel

That habit also pre-dates tough glass for watch-crystals.

Jun 12, 2021permalink

NatuRaOx2

I’ve know people to do the same thing . I never did I’d worry about the glass getting all scratched up . . Face out for people who work face done for some odd cool factor .

Jun 15, 2021permalink

TheLinguist

We military fellas do it because when holding a weapon or equipment it’s more convenient.

Ex service guys and gals still do it out of habit

Jun 15, 2021permalink

AKH

Not sure why the 50 mm f/2.8 is so expensive when it is not an S lens.

Hope Nikon will release a cheaper non-macro small 50 mm lens, which would be great for travel.

Jun 11, 2021*permalink

FuhTeng

Unlikely for a while - I expect that new muffin-sized 40 mm f2 will have to do for some years.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Last thing we need is another ~50mm lens. If you want small and cheap go for the upcoming 40 f/2.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

NatuRaOx2

Yes the 40 f/2 will be that lens and more versatile than a 50 as a walk around. The 40 is an “ almost” lens . Almost wide enough or almost right enough.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Preordered the 105mm on launch night. The other top of the line Z lenses (with the function button and OLED) have been absolutely incredible. Now if they can just release the 100-400mm, then I can ditch the old FTZ adapter and my last remaining F mount lens (the 300mm PF).

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Franz Kerschbaum

Nice pilot watch!

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Herp Photos

I wish you would post a photo of the 50mm macro with its hood attached. I can't find a single photo showing what that looks like and its not clear if it attaches to the outer barrel and is therefor reversible or not.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

I haven't seen a hood which didn't attach to the outer barrel in 30 years or more. I doubt Nikon would ignore this trend. The question may be moot, since a hood is of little use at close range.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Zinch

The hood is mounted screw-in so I don't think it can be reversible...

Jun 11, 2021permalink

As shown in the B&H website, the 105 lens clearly has a bayonet mount for the hood. There is no threaded extension on the hood. The 50mm hood appears to be threaded. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1644173-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_micro_105mm.html

Jun 11, 2021*permalink

Herp Photos

Ed not everyone uses a macro lens at 1:1 so a hood is helpful. At .75x or .5x or .25x there should be plenty of light with the hood on. Thanks for providing the link to the BH listing and info about the hood. I hate macro lenses that extend like this because it is so easy to bump into something while it is extended at close range and I don't trust the sealing could possibly be as good as if it was internal focussing. Still I will probably get this 50mm and sell my 60mm ed macro so I can use this natively on the Z7.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

BJN

Since the lens extends within the hood, it may work fine at 1:1 depending on lighting.

Jun 17, 2021permalink

sybram

Wondering how the 50mm connects to the ES-2 film digitizing kit. Does it require a 46-52mm step-up ring or does the lens shade have 52mm threads for the ES-2, or is there a special adapter?

Jun 10, 2021permalink

AsterAstraAsteria

I believe it connects to the outer 62mm-ish thread on the outer barrel. It makes no sense to have a thread there otherwise, because filters and lens caps shouldn’t be installed there and lens caps may use a bayonet mount which is more convenient.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

sybram

This picture that I just noticed from Nikon's website makes what you're saying sound right:
< https://cdn-4.nikon-cdn.com/e/Q5NM96RZZo-RRZZFeeMiveET0gpU-PYm90DZMElqBfZsHqxsNA_M5FDqcckDLXgkgvpTuROSPteqRk1ahWVxjQ==/Overview/016-digitize.jpg>

Jun 12, 2021permalink

BackToNature1

B&H Photo Video already has this listed as an #1 seller(Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S) preorder. So Don't underestimate the value of an good macro lenses. They are also good for far more than just macro work. If anyone can afford it within their budget of lens, it's hard to go wrong with one.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

Wish B&H release pre-order #s so I can gauge if I have to jump into mirrorless bandwagon or wait for D780 to drop it's price more

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

@Mariano Pacifico - It sounds like you are basing your purchase strictly on price, base it on what you shoot. For general photos and action(no distraction with the OVF)(, I would get the D780. For landscape, portrait and night(slow photography with EVF), mirrorless.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Price is always a consideration. It's priority with respect to other features depends on your needs and resources.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

No way I would buy a F mount camera at this point. Why invest in a tech that's likely to be discontinued in 2-3 years?

Jun 11, 2021permalink

@Urbex Mark - "discontinued" does not mean that it cannot be used. There are a lot of F lenses available to buy and they will take just as good photos as mirrorless.
There are many people in California that will be glad to sell you a 50 year old car for $50,000(US).

Jun 11, 2021permalink

I saw a report from someone who handled the 105 in Japan on display at a store. He said AF at portrait distances was very fast, but slower at macro distances. Also mentioned the lens hood has a lock button. He commented on how good the lens felt mounted on a Z camera body - very nicely balanced and easy to handle.

Jun 17, 2021permalink

The end of dSLR has arrived https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/06/09/business/corporate-business/nikon-production/

Nikon has stopped manufacturing dSLR in Japan

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

DarkShift

Not quite yet. Nikon has manufactured DSLR cameras in its Thailand factory for years, and continues to do so. D810, D850 etc.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Yxa

The D850 is made in Thailand

Jun 10, 2021permalink

io_bg

@Mariano A large part of Nikon's sales are still DSLRs. And their last fiscal results looked 'bad' because of the write-downs of Japanese plants. Production is now moved elsewhere.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

EXkurogane

Nikon is moving most of their manufacturing overseas to Thailand. DSLRs will be around for another decade. Just because mirrorless is the future it doesn't mean DSLRs will suddenly stop working.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Nikon will have to support the D850 and keep it in its supply line for a long time, because many pros(like Tom Mangelsen) still use it.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

They don't "have" to do anything. I think there are a lot of folks in denial about the reality of the future of DSLR. They will do what makes sense to them business wise.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Right now it still makes sense to them to support DSLR, because of how many of them are still out there. The conversion to mirrorless for pros is slow. Pros are the main concern for all the camera companies, because of advertising and the need for amateurs to emulate them.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Michael Piziak

The writing is certainly on the wall that Nikon's support of the F mount is no more

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Yxa

What writing is that?

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Michael Piziak

Yxa,
The writing starts with a Z

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Yxa

Isn’t that the last letter in your forshortened alphabet?

Jun 13, 2021permalink

@Myreality depends on what you mean by support. They will service F mount for a while - 7+ years, likely. If you mean introduce new products then thats a different subject.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

@Urbex Mark - Their introduction of a new DSLR will depend on future sales of mirrorless. Keep in mind that DSLR's have at least a 70 year history, mirrorless about 7 years. Hardly a valid comparison.
DSLR's are seen as a dinosaur only by amateurs. Amateurs equate camera gear as new toys that do not have to pay bills.
If you look at the gear that pros are using, you see everything from old film cameras to mirrorless, but mirrorless is a very small minority.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

For the time being, these 2 lenses have a very small number of potential customers because they are not usable on F mount DSLR cameras. There are comparatively few people who have Z series camera bodies, and they have to love macro photography to buy one of these lenses.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

On the other hand, these lenses will sell Z Series cameras. Something Nikon has an interest in promoting.

There are many photographers who would not buy into a system without an available macro lens. I’m one of them.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Photodog2

I use macro lenses as general walk-around lenses, and I know people that do too. Just because a lens is labeled macro doesn't mean it is restricted to that use. F2.8 is sufficient for a lot of photography and the CFD of macro lenses are really useful for close up shots of anything even if not strictly in macro territory.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

tjacobs

Except that demand has been so great for preorders that Nikon has stated they will not be able to meet demand. For those that didn't preorder, I imagine there will be a long wait for a second production run.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Ferdy Christant

You're wrong. It was oversold in a single day. And it's easy to see why. It's a fantastic portrait lens and macro lens, at a price few expected to be possible. Many were speculating a price twice the f-mount version, actual price is shockingly low.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Satyaa

I am one of those who is not a macro shooter. I am trying buy my first used F mount macro lens for D810 for a special project.

I am yet to get my Z camera. It's in the planning.

This lens is interesting to me because once I get used to Macro shooting, I would rather buy this 105 and use it for portraits, instead of the 85/1.8

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

With 9 rounded aperture blades and beautiful bokeh on the shots I have seen thus far, the 105mm will make a great portrait lens too.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

I am a Z7 user and I every now and then do macro shots with the 60mm AF-D lens. But I pre-ordered the 105mm right away as a portraiture and tele streetphotography lens. It will serve me well for the occasional macro shot that I do out of fun.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

User base doesn't directly correlate to lens sales exactly. It depends on when the body was purchased. The vast majority of lens sales occur during the first two years after the body is purchased. Few lenses are purchased for bodies owned more than two years. Lots of Nikon's recent sales are mirrorless and those folks are buying.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Thecylon

"Except that demand has been so great for preorders that Nikon has stated they will not be able to meet demand."- I am sorry, but this is a simple marketing line. It has been trotted out by all camera companies recently...I would take it with an extreme grain of salt.

Jun 12, 2021permalink

tjacobs

@Thecylon
Are you jealous? Amazon even took them offline because they had so many preorders. Perhaps do some research instead of making foolish comments.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Thecylon

Jealous? This same pubicity or stunt has been done by fuji, canon, sony, and nikon in this past year, some multiple times. Are you asking if I am jealous of every company? Sorry, this is simply bullocks. It is a free way to hype and advertise and is meaningless.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

tjacobs

@Thecylon
Nikon hasn't even publicly addressed this, only dealers were informed. Hardly a marketing move. Amazon took down the ability to preorder after a few days.

It's actually the same old story for Nikon, they need to sell product and once again underestimated demand. You must be new to photography or Nikon to suggest they are capable of marketing tactics of any kind.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

I pre-ordered day 1. Hopefully I don’t have to wait too long. I have 3 x f-mount macro lenses, extension tubes, 1.4x tele-converter, FTZ mount. I like Macro shooting a lot and I’m really looking forward to getting this lens to see how great it is. Assuming it’s as good as all the other S lenses I will likely have 2 more lenses to sell.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Ratioed on DPR that's rough

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Thecylon

I guess another possibility is that the camera companies are super, super conservative with production, since they are all regularly having the same problems. But other Japanese companies like Nintendo regularly use scarcity to keep hype up.

Jun 14, 2021permalink

Jeff Self

I've pre-ordered the 105mm. Not in any rush to get it, so if it shows up by September, I'm fine with it.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Photodog2

I am neither a portrait nor serious macro shooter so the 105/2.8 looks too big for me to put up with, but the 50/2.8 looks ideal as a compact walk-around travel prime. It will be the first non-S prime on Z mount from Nikon so I want to see if Nikon will continue the optical excellence in the S lenses on their next level lower designation. The compact 28/2.8 and 40/2 are also of interest that's why I am really curious how non-S primes will perform. I don't mind a downgrade on build materials if there are benefits in weight and price, and S-lens optical level is maintained.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

Roqueiroz

I can't wait to get my Nikkor Z MC 105mm

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Nice to see the 50 out in reviewers hands. I thought it was pretty strange when Ricci said he didn't have one.

I'll admit it looks better on camera than I expected. I thought it looked kind of stripped down in the announcement photos but it looks pretty good here.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Satyaa

The 105 is a winner. Its double-duty as a portrait lens, the S quality and features are all attractive. I think f/2.8 will give enough background separation at this focal length on a FF camera, for portraits. I am not a fan of f/1.2 type apertures anyway.

It is hard for Z6/7 owners to resist this. Worth the extra price over the 50mm, if anyone is trying to choose between these two for macro work.

I'll need to add this to my Z shopping list. For my shooting, this definitely replaces 85/1.8

The 50mm is not my favorite focal length. So, I am biased against it. And the protrusion coming out of the front just distracts me.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

Agree that the 105 is the more attractive option for sure, but I think the 50 only protrudes significantly when doing macro work. For general use it only sticks out a little. And it could be argued the protrusion is helpful for macro use because it blocks much less light.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

I also removed the 85mm f1.8 from my list in favour of this one. I wanted to have a AF macro lens anyways, even though I won't use it too often for that purpose. The only 85mm I might rent for a few weeks will be the 85mm f1.2 for street photography in Tokyo :grin:

Jun 11, 2021*permalink

I've got an NPS order placed for both lenses.

The 105 is a workhorse macro lens with great optics. It pairs nicely with the Z bodies.

The 50mm is a compact macro providing light weight and suitable for travel. Working distance is also shorter - good for close work such as jewelry, document copies, and it works for slide and negative duplication. I see the 50mm MC as being the APS-C budget choice as well. No need to have a DX macro lens.

Jun 17, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS --- 3.11 x 5.14" / 79 x 130.5 mm ---- 1.32 lb / 602 g

Canon RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM --- 3.21" x 5.83"/81.5 mm x 148 mm --- 1.61 lb / 730 g

NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S --- 3.4" x 5.6"/85 mm x 140 mm ---- 1.38 lb / 630 g

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art ---- 2.9 x 5.3" / 74 x 135.6 mm ---- 1.6 lb / 710 g

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

s1oth1ovechunk

Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro --- 2.2 x 3.23" / 55.88 x 82.04 mm --- 0.4 lb / 185 g

Jun 10, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Olympus is not full frame right?

NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 --- 3" x 2.6"/74.5 mm x 66 mm -- 0.57 lb / 260 g

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

s1oth1ovechunk

No, Olympus is not full frame but you were listing a bunch of different mounts, so why not consider it?

Jun 10, 2021permalink

io_bg

Because that was a bunch of FF lenses.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Rajeshb

@S1... May be because the lenses he listed are all for FF mounts?

Typical Olympus user. Next when someone will point out that's a 120mm/5.6 lens, then will cry why FF users are so mean and equivalence doesn't exist.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Roqueiroz

The price of the Z MC 105mm is the best in the category. Taking into account all embedded technology and the MTF chart that is superior to the competition.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

wjan

120/5.6 is actually a valid macro lens, as you are often stopping down them anyway. Its only for portraits, where it would be much less desirable.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

panther fan

@CSPN
Sony FE 50mm 2.8 Makro - 236g

It only makes sense to compare comparable lenses

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Olympus M.Zuiko 30 mm f/3.5
⌀57 mm × 60 mm
128 g

Goes to 1.25 × magnification too, which is practically like a full-frame lens going to 2.5 ×, i.e. it fills the width of the frame with an object just 13.8 mm across.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

s1oth1ovechunk

@io_bg Who cares how big your sensor is? The olympus gives good results at a similar focal length.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Alam12

Canon EF-M 28mm 3.5 macro, usd 300, with 1.2 x magnification, hybrid is and built in LED ring only weight 130g :)

Jun 12, 2021permalink

nex7user

Macro lenses are great in having shorter min focusing distances. I bought the Sony 90/2.8 and Sony 50/2.8 for photographing kids / cats that come rushing towards me (min focus 28 and 16cm respectively), and then I discovered the Panasonic 30/2.8 which buy me a few more moments (min focus 10.5cm) to focus. So I think one shouldn't rule out lenses just becoz they aren't FF especially when considering macros.

Jun 15, 2021permalink

Alam12

Yeah, Imo macro lenses better off with cropped sensor, ff with macro only render the dof too shallow and I ended up stopping down almost all the time :/

When open wide, Macro shots looks like taken with toy camera

Jun 15, 2021permalink

The 105 mm greatly undercuts the new Canon 100 mm on price, is lighter, and is significantly better corrected by the official MTF graphs (albeit at largely useless levels of improvement).

Not my kind of lens but will obviously be a strong seller. Price matters so much now that gear has become so expensive. And to combine a surprisingly good price with stunning optical performance is an achievement.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

NAG3LT

Although Canon has its specific strengths - ability to do 1.4x macro, defocus control. Different tradeoffs. The main issue with both of them - being limited to the lenses available for your system.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

Agreed. I wasn't planning on selling my F mount macro and buying the new Z 105mm. Then I saw the price and changed my mind. I was expecting a price of at least $1299 for the new 105mm MC.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

I was keeping my fingers crossed that the Nikon would have an extra feature. That Canon would also be an instant purchase for me and I’d love to experiment with the DC functionality for creativity in Macro and of course Portraiture. I don’t really need greater than 1:1 reproduction ratios. But, I wouldn’t have turned that down if it was offered. The Nikon F2 DC lens always intrigued me (but, wouldn’t have suited my interest much on the DX bodies I was using).

What I can’t argue with is the price tag. I thought that it was going to cost more. Now I simply want to know when they will start shipping and when I can expect mine.

Jun 13, 2021*permalink

A slide says the AF-S 60mm f/2.8 had 10 elements. In fact it had 12 like the new one.

I owned this older Micro-Nikkor (I’m a little disappointed they replaced “Micro” with “MC”) and can say it had special optical performance. The MTF of the new 50 mm seems similar at a glance, so still good but not significant progress.

The old lens had absolutely gorgeous bokeh, too, that being one of its biggest improvements over earlier short macros from Nikon.

I will say this: it will be much easier to light subjects at 1:1 with the new lens. The broad (internal-focus) barrel of the older lens made that difficult. On the other hand, I usually use short macros at less than life-size where this doesn’t matter.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

One can use the pop up flash with a 50mm macro lens.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Sure, just not anywhere near 1:1 magnification.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Ah. Correcting my comment: the new 50 mm macro has only 10 elements. So DPReview seems to have mixed up the new and old there. The old 60 mm AF-S f/2.8G had 12 elements.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Nice looking Victorinox watch there, Carey

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Francis85

Too bad it will be hard to get the forthcoming month.
This chip shortage is really hurting the industry.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Idaho_X

Just bought a Sigma 105mm F-mount today for 280 € almost new.
Probably better to buy a cheap one first to get a taste of macro photography :D
Quality of the new Nikon is certainly excellent.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Francis85

Only buy a macro if you are really going to use it.
I see so many people in our shop buying a macro lens, while they seldom use it.

If you are just a very occasional user and only make few macro photos a year. Save yourself the money and use extension rings or a macro conversion lens.

Nope it won't give you 1:1 enlargement ratio, but you will most likely still be happy with the results at the fraction of the cost of a real macro lens.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

@Francis85: I disagree. I toiled myself through my first years of photography with extension tubes and achromatic macro lenses and handwritten notes for flash power settings vs. magnification, and while my interest in macro photography did prevail it wasn't because of that, it was in spite of it. Today I'd always suggest for anyone who wants to see whether they might discover a liking for macro just what Idaho_X did - buy a cheap, used, but real macro lens. And if it doen't work out (and doesn't work for other subects like portrait, either), sell it again...

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Idaho_X

@Francis85 what extension rings do you recommend for Nikon Z lenses?
Yeah, I agree ... and that's the reason why I bought the used Sigma. Never done macro photography and when it doesn't become a passion I'll sell it with almost no money lost.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

The cheapest ones are used and manual focus 50mm f/2.8 macro lenses. Although they are cheap, they are pretty sharp. Some of them are even cheaper than used 50mm f/1.8 standard lenses.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

art99

Been using a dirt cheap Vivitar 90mm F2.8 manual focus for years and goes to 1:1 without any tubes. But the real reason I got this lens is that it focuses from infinity to super close in only half a twist of the barrel thanks to the wide pitch helical treads. Is it sharp ? you bet your lens cap it is. razor sharp at all apertures. Speaking of lens cap you don,t need one as the front element is far recessed. 25 dollars at a thrift shop including leather case and mint condition.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

GeeKayN

Four or five years ago, I bought the Canon FD 50mm f3.5 Macro lens in VG condition for $60. I have quite a few 50mm (f1.4, f1.8, f2) lenses, both manual and AF but this is one of the sharpest I have. I have also taken few great portraits with it. I enjoy using this lens on my Sony aps-c. I tried it on my Nikon Z5, wasn't the same.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

As much as I like those old manual macro lenses, too, I wouldn't recommend them for general macro use on today's cameras. While I can easily live without AF on a macro lens, having no automatic aperture makes quick focusing practically impossible when shooting substantially stopped down. Even though the EVF stays bright, it's much harder to nail focus when it needs to be quick, like when shooting insects.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Francis85

Hubertus - It is fine to disagree.
I am glad there are so many people like you.
Otherwise we wouldn't sell these lenses..

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Julian

the sigma 105 f/2.8 f mount is a pretty good lens, I used to own one before switching to the Nikkor, the Nikkor is definetely an improvement, but the sigma was pretty decent in my opinion. I expect this new Z mount lens to be stellar, definitely one for the future for me (when budget allows).

Jun 11, 2021permalink

FuhTeng

Good for you Idaho - I have that same lens! I can't believe how much I like it on my Z6, but with manual focus. Sure, AF works, but at macro distances with the rather rude always-moving tiny flowers and bugs I like, MF still works better for me.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

These lenses refute the myth that mirrorless camera systems (camera plus lenses) are more compact than DSLRs, a major selling point that is often touted by users of the mirrorless format. According to Nikon's web site, the new 105mm is 140mm long, but the old one is 116mm long. That is not surprising because what the camera designer took out of the camera body has to be put back into the lens so that the lens will focus to infinity. The mirrorless body is more compact (less deep) but the lens is longer. For a photographer who carries more than one lens, that means practically every native Z mount lens is going to be longer than the equivalent F mount lens. Overall then, a bag filled with one DSLR camera and several lenses will be more compact than a bag filled with one mirrorless camera and several lenses designed for mirrorless cameras.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

io_bg

I don't remember Nikon marketing their Z system as more compact than DSLR systems. Nikon did mention the Z cameras are smaller and they've done the same about only a few lenses (like the 14-24 and 24-70 f/2.8s which both are smaller than F-mount counterparts).

Jun 10, 2021permalink

DarnGoodPhotos

Everyone thinks they have the same gotcha when it comes to the size benefit of mirrorless cameras. DSLMs can be smaller than the equivalent DSLR, but DSLRs can’t be smaller as the equivalent DSLM.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

Idaho_X

If you really want to save weight and space buy Micro 4/3 :)
You can always take your bag with all lenses then ...

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Sure, the Nikon 24-70/2.8 Z-mount is longer than the 24-70/2.8 F-mount. Also, horses can fly. And this new macro lens is heavier than the old one.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

wjan

You got it wrong. The myth is indeed there, but it doesn't come from Nikon, rather from the community.
The truth is, you CAN make equivalent lenses smaller on a MILC than on a DSLR. But you are not obliged to. You might use new freedoms to make a lens better instead.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Nikon SLR lenses were designed for a world of 20 MP or less, whereas MILC lenses must survive at 60+ MP (with no end in sight). That extra space to accommodate the flipping mirror was filled with extra elements to accomplish that end. With very few exceptions there are no "good old days" for Nikon lenses.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Front heavy. Looks like the Z mount will eventually bend after some time

Jun 10, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Here is a comparison of the F and Z versions of the 105/2.8:
https://nikonrumors.com/2021/06/04/nikkor-105mm-f-2-8g-vr-if-e-vs-nikkor-z-mc-105mm-f-2-8-vr-specifications-comparison.aspx

Z: 630g vs 750g -- that's 16% less weight. It's also slightly shorter than the F + FTZ adapter/mirrorbox.

Despite of those moderate reductions: mind the hugely improved MTF, in particular towards higher resolutions. Lens design always is a tradeoff. Nikon gives priority to optical quality with S-line lenses (and offers alternatively the small Z50 kit).

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Joed700

With all the complaints about Sony poor ergonomic design (very subjective BTW), I don't think camera manufacturers are interested in making compact size MILC anything. If size is your priority, go with Sony. They have the smaller lenses when compared to its competitors. As a former Nikon user, I'm glad that Nikon is making the Z lenses...they are way sharper than their F-mount counterparts.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

@starbase218 the new MC 105mm is 120g lighter than the old Micro 105mm 2.8G IF-ED VR. It's also 95g lighter than the Sigma AF 105mm 2.8 EX DG OS HSM Makro. And while it is longer than the DSLR version the hands-on clearly states the huge benefit of that design choice by having an aspherical element very close to the focus plane resulting in a high level of correction in the lens.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Dennis

What on earth is a 'DSLM' ?

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Digital Single Lens Mirrorless

Jun 10, 2021permalink

@ HibikiTaisuna I know. Also horses can’t really fly. ;)

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Dennis

@HibikiTaisuna Thanks, that was my guess. Seems a very silly term. Are there non-digital cameras we refer to as mirrorless that we need to distinguish from digital mirrorless ? (I know there *are* mirrorless film cameras, but we never called them mirrorless). Are there twin lens mirrorless that we need to distinguish from single lens mirrorless ? Basically, everything in front of the 'M' is pointless because it will never be anything else! On the other hand, there are mirrorless cameras that take multiple lenses (ILCs) and mirrorless cameras with fixed lenses, so it makes sense to distinguish those, but here we use "single lens".

Jun 10, 2021permalink

The MILC term sounds more fitting in my opinion as well. A DSLM could also be a non-MILC camera, therefore it would cover a broader group including a X100 or Ricoh GR.

@starbase218 in that case I misunderstood the irony in the wrong context :)

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Lenses do not necessarily have to be focal-length plus flange-back-distance long, that was ages ago, before all the special glass types were invented which manufacturers already started to use decades ago. I do agree, though, that the promise for more compact lenses compared to the DSLR is really only valid around and below the "standard" focal length where retrofocal designs are used. But even there we don't see it realized very often.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

@ HibikiTaisuna No problem, I think I could have made it a bit more obvious.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Nikoolix

Anastigmat First of all, it's a strawman argument blown out of proportion by backwards thinking haters like you. Secondly, the cases where mirrorless has been advertised as being smaller is mainly in wide angle lenses, because they no longer need the retrofocus design. Compare the new Z 14-24 2.8 to the F-mount one. And third, take an APS-C mirrorless like a Fuji X-T30 and show me an APS-C DSLR that is equally small. You can't.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

EXkurogane

Mirrorless has never been about major size or weight reduction. It's about new tech. Lenses and bodies save a hundred grams or so here and there but you carry more batteries compared to a dslr, negating the benefits of weigh reduction of these cameras. I need only two batteries on a full day of shooting on a dslr, while i need at least 4 on a mirrorless. A single battery weighs about 100g. You will only truly see minimal weight savings if you are used to carry 4 or 5 lenses on both types of cameras. That less size less weight all came from Sony's very own BS marketing where a lot of people fall for.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

Nikoolix

EXkurogane The size reduction is more noticeable in cameras where the mirror housing was a proportionally larger part of the camera, i.e APS-C DSLRs. Size reduction of lenses also mainly applies to wide angle lenses. It's just that people who can't see any nuance in how that works take it out of context and expect EVERY mirrorless thing to be smaller.

Jun 11, 2021*permalink

The oft repeated assignation of MILC cameras being inherently smaller is the basis of a straw man argument. It is mainly used to decry the fact that MILC lenses tend to be as large as SLR lenses and more expensive.

Point of fact, a MILC with a manual prime lens is barely larger than a Leica M and no heavier. I use that to my advantage when traveling, except I'm not limited to a 35/50/90 combo. Nor are you limited to plastic starter lenses. My choice is a Sony A7 with a set of 5 Zeiss Loxia lenses. Hopefully Nikon will catch on sooner rather than later.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

@Nikoolix: There is no strawman here, you're misusing the word to demean a dissenting view without proper reason. It's irrelevant whether Nikon has been advertising compactness at some point. Others have, and a shorter flangeback distance objectively carries such a potential, even if not for the whole focal range. It is a technical principle that is well-known for decades and is obvious for everyone who ever has compared classic SLR lenses to classic rangefinder lenses of the same specs. It s a sound and valid position to expect modern mirrorless systems to realize that potential, even if it may make sense to *also* design big fat lenses because there are some people now who demand not only blazingly fast AF which is only possible with tiny moving optical groups, making designs more complex if they are still expected to be sharp at close-up distances, but also perfect across-the-frame sharpness at fastest apertures – and, of course, buttery-smooth flawless bokeh.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

@Hubertus Bigend "expected to be sharp at close-up distances, but also perfect across-the-frame sharpness at fastest apertures – and, of course, buttery-smooth flawless bokeh."

Exactly the reason why I bought into the Z mount. Never was a compact size promised by it. I saw the potential for ultimate image quality in that mount though and that's all I care about on a high-res body. If I invest that much money into a full-frame camera it should deliver excellent image quality without compromising too much. And I am happy that they deliver that quality with their f1.8 lenses instead of releasing them as those cheap options from yesteryear.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

I am sorry but your post is way off.
My Z7 is smaller and lighter than the D850 or D800.
My Z 24-70mm f/2.8 is lighter and smaller than the F mount version.
My Z 14-24mm f/2.8 is much lighter and smaller than the F mount version.
My Z 105mm MC f/2.8 will be lighter than the F mount version when I get it.
And none of them require an adapter which adds size and weight.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Chris J Newman

“what the camera designer took out of the camera body has to be put back into the lens so that the lens will focus to infinity”

That claim has some basis for long focal lengths, although telephoto lenses should be, by definition, shorter than their focal length. But for wide angles, the mirror box of a DSLR would keep even a single element lens too far from the sensor to focus at infinity, while modern lenses use multiple elements to correct aberrations, and deliver zoom if incorporated. This requires a retrofocus design; even if a lens for a mirrorless camera needs a retrofocus design, it can be less extreme, giving a shorter and lighter lens than for a DSLR with fewer optical compromises. I use the APS-C Sigma 8-16mm f4.5-5.6 for ultra wide angles on my D800, to avoid the weight of a full-frame equivalent. But the constant aperture, full frame Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 is even shorter and lighter than my 8-16mm (and, I’m sure, optically far superior).

Jun 11, 2021permalink

@HibikiTaisuna: "Exactly the reason why I bought into the Z mount" – no problem at all if it is and if you do, just don't claim it would be have to be that way for anybody else, too.

Jun 12, 2021*permalink

Welsh

It’s a myth that full-frame mirrorless systems were promoted by promising smaller lenses. ‘Ye canna cheat physics, Captain!’

Jun 14, 2021permalink

dspoel

Not much hands on, more on hands...

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Leonp

Why no (one of the 50mm, almost) pictures of front and back of these lenses? Photographers' block?

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Looks like a excellent lens. BUT
What a disappointment not going beyond 1:1.
This was OK in 2006 but not with all the advances in macro photography over the last 5 years Nikon is well behind competition. Just look at the other macro options:
1) Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5:1 (though EF and no AF)
2) Canon 180mm f3.5 (EF with AF)
3) Venus Laowa 100mm f2.8 2:1: no AF but with lens connectors in EF version: EXIF + aperture control
as the Canon EF->R adaptor is much better.

Though I am with Nikon Z7 literally from "day one" using Nikon PB-6, Nikkor 105mm micro, Laowa 25mm, I am considering to switch to Canon R5.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

When the last Nikkor F 105mm micro was released in 2006 the 1:1 magnification was top. But since then there has been so much innovation in sensor resolution, photo stacking software & mechanics, LED lighting, stacking features in cameras. Today, a mid-tele macro has 1.4:1 or 2:1. I shoot macro for 5 years now a see the huge advantage having more than 1:1. And 5 years back it was very special to get out the Nikon PB-6 and 208mm extension with the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 attached. But due to corona macro became so popular: if you cannot travel you rather "dig deeper" in your garden. Just look at the huge community of several macro you-tubers.

I am just sorry for the missed opportunity here. It will take additional 10-15 years for the next release of this great lens. And from what I see in the specs and get from the first test, it easily outperforms my todays 105mm micro which I really enjoy.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

fourthirdcam

What is the point of comparing these to the Canon MP-E? That lens came out in 1999, and was always a specialty, manual focus, lens. Max focusing distance on it is something like 25cm - no infinity. It was never meant to be a lens you slapped on a camera for a walk in the woods. It's a "job" lens.

The Z 50 2.8 lens is meant to be a general-purpose macro lens with a relatively flat field. Something every camera mount should have in their lens catalogue.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

It is not to compare directly 105mm with MP-E but as macro photographer I need more than one lens (or optical solutions with bellows or microscope). Therefore, it is a comparison of the lens ecosystem Nikon Z vs. Canon R.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

The canon 65mm lens does not focus to infinity. To focus past 1:1, a very long focusing helicoid is needed. If it is internal focus, then a very complicated and challenging optical design is required. It is a lot cheaper to just add an extension tube to the lens. It costs a handful of dollars if the tube is one of those made in China.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

fourthirdcam

Nikon has always been slow to release high-mag macro lenses. The only option for decades was a reverse-lens mount kit.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

A magnification of 1:1 would take care of 100% of my photographic needs over the last 60 years. Relatively few closeups in nature need more than 1:4, and 1:1 nicely covers most coins and stamps. My favorite Nikon lens is now a 55/2.8 Micro, which. is only 1:2 at most (1:1 with a PK-13 extension tube).

Jun 10, 2021permalink

You may find going beyond 1:1 to be useful and that's great, but overall I don't think the general market does. I think most would rather save $400 and get better optical performance.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Franz Kerschbaum

You have forgotten the new Canon RF100 macro that goes directly to 1.4:1...

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Going beyond 1:1 would have been nice, but it would likely have made the lens larger, heavier and more expensive. Everything is a trade-off. I would rather have a lighter, smaller and less expensive 1:1 macro than the Canon RF100.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Ah yes, I too, have the Laowa 100 f/2.8 CA-Dreamer Ultra-Macro lens on a Z7. While that combination is indeed Ultra-sharp, I find that the Laowa lens is a bit hard to achieve critical focus where you want it, because of its extremely short focus “throw”! I just hope that the new Z Nikkor S 105 MC is at least as sharp as the Laowa! Plus, being AF, it will permit use of the Z7’s Focus Shift Shooting mode.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

@Franz not sure if your comment is directed towards me but I definitely didn't forget it. That's' where I got the $400 cost savings from.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

@steveTQP Yeah I had the Laowa 100mm as well but sold it for the reasons you just listed. Trying to focus the Laowa was a real b*tch, and trying to do focus stacking with the Laowa was so frustrating and time consuming.

Jun 11, 2021permalink

Did you use the focus ring to stack or a macro slider?

Jun 12, 2021permalink

Maybe Nikon will release a Medical Nikkor again except at a $2000 price point?

Jun 13, 2021*permalink

fourthirdcam

@ianz28 I doubt they will. Most of the medical field has moved on to smaller sensors, and/or very specialized equipment. The days of taking a regular camera with something like an endoscope attached to it are long, long gone.

Nikon would have to make something that works with current medical standards, and as far as I know, we've moved beyond just special lenses for regular cameras.

Jun 13, 2021permalink

@fourththirdcam Ironically, I have a family member who works at the coroners office. It is kinda funny because we joked about how “normal” people are absolutely clueless on how to use a SLR. They still shoot with a DX body and a relatively mundane setup. He said that they regularly ask him to “fix” the cameras because they have jacked up the settings and can’t get sharp or properly exposed photos.

I imagine that a z50 with the 50 macro and a strobe would be quite good for medical examiners - as is. Just use some white out to mark the dials/buttons to keep everything in Auto-Mode.

Jun 13, 2021*permalink

thxbb12

Nice lenses.
However, it would have been nice if the 50mm had been f2 instead of f2.8, making it much more versatile.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

HJVN

I'm in a bit of flux. Should you get this 50mm f/2.8 macro lens or the 40mm f/2.0 pancake (muffin) lens when it arrives.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Jun 10, 2021*permalink

DoF of 2.8 is not so much different to 2.0. And in low light cases you can easily push ISO up with Nikon Z cameras - no problem really.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

wjan

@stefferber
You must be joking. One stop difference in DoF is definitely visible, unless you demonstrate pictures on a smartphone screen. I am talking about subjects on normal focusing distances, of course, not about macro.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

I would wait till the 40 comes out unless you really want a 50mm macro lens.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

thxbb12

For me, the benefit of f2 over f2.8 is for the look I could achieve, not for the low light advantage. As wjan is saying, one stop is definitely visible.
f2 would make it much more interesting for portrait work for instance.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Either you want a macro: pick the 50mm 2.8 as DoF is shallow anyhow for macro. If you want DoF for portrait pick 50mm 1.8 - my sharpest lens for Z7. Why do you need a 2.0? Nikon Z has too many 50mm already...

Jun 10, 2021permalink

thxbb12

@stefferber: one word: versatility. The DOF difference between f1.8 and f2.0 is negligible.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

I’ll probably end up with a 40 f2. Basically a run and gun lens. Going to be my choice over the 35 f1.8

Jun 13, 2021permalink

Barleyman

The 105 appears to be a great lens, reasonably priced. Looks like the design team threw every tool in the bag on that one.

Jun 10, 2021permalink

Lessiter

Would be good to see the lenses with the hood mounted.

Jun 10, 2021permalink