Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S sample gallery

I can definitely think of at least one more option.

Jun 24, 2021permalink

Barleyman

Started shipping today. On time. As promised. Thanks Nikon.

Jun 24, 2021permalink

I just picked mine up from my local camera store! Quicker than expected.

Jun 25, 2021permalink

Mariano Pacifico

Barney is a Nikon user I can tell

Jun 28, 2021permalink

Looks to be a fantastic lens. Sharp, nice bokeh, no aberration problems, not too expensive.

Jun 24, 2021permalink

ovrebekk

Agreed. I wasn't really waiting to get a macro lens, but the fact that it's also good for portraits and landscapes makes it a much better deal. No to mention the reasonable pricing 🙂

Jun 25, 2021*permalink

TomCodyPleasedToMeetYa

I was planning on getting the 85mm 1.8 but this might have more usefulness.

Jun 26, 2021permalink

Ruby Rod

Really want this lens but not impressed with the gallery. It's aimed at macro so I'd like to see more macro images. I'd like to see more tripod mounted images and better lighting. Most of the stuff is snapshots. I'd also like to see what it can do when taking automated focus stacking images, as that's where so much macro is going these days. Finally 1:1 is great, but can you put tubes on it for more mag?

Jun 23, 2021permalink

More macro images are coming!

Jun 23, 2021permalink

@Barney Britton
Thank you :)

Jun 24, 2021permalink

"I'd like to see more macro images" - Yes.
"I'd like to see more tripod mounted images and better lighting" - But that's not how most people are going to use it. More high magnification would be nice. Like 1:5 - 1:1.
"Most of the stuff is snapshots" - Not true. They are far from snapshots. Well, it depends how you define a snapshot though.
"I'd also like to see what it can do when taking automated focus stacking images" - Which wouldn't represent the lens capabilities alone. And, for such macro photographers, single shot pictures are enough to realize what they can do with it.
"1:1 is great, but can you put tubes on it for more mag?" - Of course you can. Why would that be not possible?

Jun 24, 2021permalink

Ruby Rod

As these designs get more and more optimized with closer rear element spacing to the sensor, I can imagine some unpleasant surprises when using extension tubes. Or, it might be great. I've no doubt you can, but should you? That's the sort of stuff I hope to learn from a review.

Stacking certainly involves more than the lens, but comments about how the whole focus system works in that mode would be useful. The experience could be obvious and smooth as silk or there could be pitfalls to trap the unwary. That would be me, BTW. Again, useful stuff to show in a review. I'm enough of a cynic not to accept the "of course it does that flawlessly, why would you even ask?"

I'd hope that, given what we think the performance potential is, that at least some people are serious enough to use a 'pod and think about extra lighting and backgrounds. Sometimes "as found" can be improved on.

Jun 25, 2021*permalink

loadofcobblers

In photography, “snapshot” means “photograph”. It is sometimes used as a term of disparagement.

Jun 25, 2021permalink

Ruby Rod

Of course it does, but it also conveys how much preparation and effort went into the shot. Not intended so much as disparagement in this case. Many of the images are typical of what I and many others shoot casually, but this lens has been promoted for what seems like forever as a macro lens, so I'd expect it to be put through the wringer on macro images, including some that show off corner sharpness and maybe how good or bad things get as you stop down for more DOF. Lately I've been doing more stacking just to get around the degradation that comes from using very small apertures.

Jun 25, 2021permalink

The whole focus stacking thing is enough for a separate article. We shouldn't expect it to be a simple sample throw-in. Because there are nuances.

Jun 26, 2021permalink

Neverlost99

Worst gallery in a long time

Jun 27, 2021permalink

thisisbenji

Probably not better than the Canon RF macro, but it is $400 cheaper…

Jun 23, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

I would recommend you to check official MTFs before you said that. Nikon shows out to be stunningly good and way less expensive and lighter.

Jun 23, 2021*permalink

However the Canon has one big advantage - it gets beyond 1:1.

Jun 25, 2021permalink

MrBrightSide

Or, heaven help us, they both excel but in different areas. That’s kind of been the pattern for the last 50 or 60 years with these two.

Jun 26, 2021permalink

steveTQP

IMHO, what would more clearly demonstrate the sharpness of this lens would be a side-by-side controlled image comparison between it and the known sharpest macros, I.e., the Sony GM 105, Tamron 90, and Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro. Same subject, exposure, lighting, rather than random images. This is the best way to evaluate how sharp this new Nikkor S optic truly is!!

Jun 23, 2021permalink

M Lammerse

Really? How many (pro) macro photographers would decide the switch of a complete system (several camera's many lenses) on basis of (hard to see) tiny differences in sharpness or other lens image characteristics?

Might be more interesting for users of the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED to see if it gives a boost in sharpeness to switch to a mirrorless version or even a mirrorless camera/lens combo.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

DarkShift

There is no 105mm GM macro lens from Sony???

Jun 23, 2021*permalink

JERRY_SHEN

My friend had tested side by side with Laowa, his conclusion is that " This Nikon Lens is absolutely among the few best macro lens available on the market".

Jun 24, 2021permalink

Impulses

@Steve: I think you got the Sigma 105/2.8 DN macro mixed up with the Sony 90/2.8 G, there's no GM macro...

@M Lammerse: The Laowa APO in question is available on Z mount so it's a pretty valid point of comparison.

Jun 24, 2021*permalink

Einride

Looks very good. From the few tests I’ve seen the 105 is a total beast. No CA and blistering sharpness. And the new coatings mean great colours and contrast when shot against strong light.

The bokeh is much nicer and smoother than the old 105.

Will be replacing my 85/1.8S with this, even though that’s an incredible lens.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

Thoughts R Us

Yes...very impressive lens and the price is very reasonable.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

I just bought an 85 S and I love it. I wondered if I'd replaced my 85 with this, but the 85 is smaller and much faster so I expect I'll just keep both.

Jun 25, 2021permalink

Einride

Fuhteng, yes the 85 is insanely good. It’s smaller and lighter and is also a different focal length. I’m torn on whether I should keep mine anyway. The 85/1.8S is a monster

Jun 30, 2021permalink

Flowchart

Dangit! Just when I've decided that three lenses are enough... but since I already have the Meike extenders...

Jun 23, 2021*permalink

BrentSchumer

For macro lens galleries it would be really useful to mark the images that are 1:1. I think the coins are, but not sure what else is.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

Coins and watch, and the glow-in-the-dark nativity are all 1:1 or very close.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

BrentSchumer

Thank you. Might I suggest marking them as 1:1 in the image comments or settings "details?"

Jun 23, 2021permalink

Rich Rosen

The macro images seem impressive. Not impressed with the remainder of the gallery. I have it on order, and the macro shots from this gallery and other sources confirm my decision to buy.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Borami

Looks sharp but not blown away. Maybe I was expecting more. Guess it's par for the course for the Z system.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Very sharp, aberrations very well-controlled, consistent across the frame, no significant focus breathing (HUGE difference compared to the old AF-D 105mm F2.8 that I have in my personal collection), nice and lightweight and less than $1,000. We're really enjoying the Nikon S-series primes so far.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

BrentSchumer

Yeah the S primes look excellent for anyone who wants top-notch optics without paying a premium for bleeding edge apertures. As a Sony shooter I'm a bit jealous and hope that these new lenses push Sony to re-release some of their older lenses alongside their prolific GM releases.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

steveTQP

Hi Borami. I too, agree that one cannot tell how truly sharp this lens is, based on these random images. Please refer to my earlier post. As for the Z System in general though, I’ve been most impressed with the detail I’m seeing from the Z7 and the 50 f/1.8 Nikkor S lens, as well as the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro! Both are razor sharp, using a solid tripod and good technique. The Laowa is MF only, so can’t use the Focus Shift Shooting mode for stacked images, hence my great interest in this new Nikkor S macro lens. I expect it to be even sharper than the Laowa, but only controlled testing will reveal that. Thanks.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

mrjpack

Can’t really take your comments seriously with a post like that…

Jun 25, 2021permalink

Borami

It appears many disagree with me. Sorry it was just my first impression after seeing the samples. I'd be happily corrected if it turns out to be better than I thought.

Jun 25, 2021permalink

mrjpack

It was the par for the course for the Z system comment. The Z lenses I have the 50 1.8, 85 1.8 24-70 and the 14-30 all perform better than their F mount equivalents. I don’t know yet how the 105 will behave so I can’t discuss that yet. My focus accuracy with my Z6II is better than my D850 and only falls behind in tracking certain subjects, so I don’t know what your issue is with the Z line….

Jun 30, 2021permalink

Borami

I have no problem with Z system. Why do you assume that? I've been very familiar with the high quality lenses like 50mm and 85mm. Par for the course comment had comparison to those lenses in mind so it was not a negative comment. I thought it might even surpass those high standard, well because it's a macro lens with slower aperture. The samples didn't impress me thus my reaction. Recently watched a clip by Matt Irwin and it indeed looks like a very sharp lens. So, there's that. I'm still a little dumbfounded so many assumed negative connotation from my comment. But, whatever it's internet. Calm down and have a good night.

Jul 1, 2021permalink

vivaldibow

Very interested this lens. But would like to see more macro shots.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

A Owens

Is there any fringing at all in any of these images? Even in #26, #30, #31 which should show some, I can see none. I don't think I have seen that in a lens before.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

photography-lover

Yes, it seems to be true APO, but many S lenses are showing super low CA.

In particular when converting raw files with C1 Pro and Pro profiles the image quality is just very special.

Jun 23, 2021*permalink

iso rivolta

It looks like these RAW files were developed with some CA correction ON. It says only "additional CA reduction 'off'", meaning there is some default CA correction. When opening these with DC Raw (also available in IrfanView if setting to open the RAWs instead of the embedded preview Jpegs) there is a tiny amount of purple-ish and green fringing visible, for example in the white ropes in image 3. The dpreview ACR processed file has desaturated grey edges in that place.
Anyway, none of the samples here tests LaCa and LoCa in high contrast at the widest apertures.

Jun 23, 2021*permalink

photography-lover

Stunning!

As usual a low number of comments on a Nikon related article means “so incredibly good that ever pro naysayers can’t find anything negative to say”. :-)

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Rajeshb

Really? Check out the 3rd comment above yours 🤣🤣🤣

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Gwynedd

Looks to be a fantastic lens! I wonder when it will start shipping though..

Jun 22, 2021permalink

July is what we've been told.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Gwynedd

Thanks! B&H says the same thing so not too long to wait.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

Trubbtele

This is good.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

What I'm really curious about is the AF compared to the Nikon F-mount 105 or my Sigma F-mount 105.

Ricci's video was interesting but I don't know how far apart the figures were. Still, I have this pre-ordered and I'm excited for it.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Les Kamens

I had that Honda!!

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Michael Piziak

All are very nice images

Jun 22, 2021permalink

SnapHappy32

Great performance, as expected.

But more importantly - who owns the Grand Seiko GMT?
Great timepiece that just excudes understated class.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Lessiter

No consumer product could ever exude understated class. Those who think so will never get there.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

Oooo, someone's pretending to be classy.

Jun 22, 2021permalink

That would be mine. I wear it when I want to exude understated class (and when I want to know what time it is in England) :)

Jun 23, 2021permalink

tjacobs

well played.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

MyReality

Class can not be understated, that would be a contradiction.

Jun 23, 2021permalink

Lessiter

My class is so understated people think I'm lumpen despite being a high powered design professional. Joke no joke

Jun 23, 2021permalink

SnapHappy32

Not a native English speaker, so let me explain. It’s a well made watch, that seldom attracts second glances, although not excactly cheap. So understated, simple but a high quality product. In Scandinavia not being to flashy is considered good manners - maybe even classy.

While we’re on the topic. Not very classy to call yourself high-powered, is it? ;-)

Jun 24, 2021*permalink