Lens ReviewMorten ByskovFebruary 10, 2025Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro review, Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro sample images, Nikon Z6 III sample images, Nikkor 105mm macro review, Nikon Z 105mm macro review, Nikon Z 105mm macro sample images, Nikkor Z MC 105mm review, Nikon Z MC 105mm sample imagesComment

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Review

The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 S Macro and Nikon Z6 III — The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro and Nikon Z6 III

Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 S Macro As a General Purpose Telephoto Lens

When I say I am not a macro photographer, I still enjoy the odd close-up shot but do not consider myself drawn to a more serious approach to macro photography. Please remember this as you read the following and see the sample images.

My interest in a macro lens would be for copying negatives, and I will have a few words on this topic below.

However, 105mm is an interesting focal length to me as it could serve well as a general-purpose telephoto lens. If you need the macro functionality, it is nice to know you have it with the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 S Macro lens.

Let’s see if I got along with this lens.

Introduction

The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro was introduced in 2021, alongside the Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro as the first two macro lenses for the Nikon Z system. The Z MC 105mm f/2.8 is the follow-up to the DSLR version, Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, but it has not replaced it.

I have the AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D and use it mainly for copying negatives and product photography.

Last week, I posted my Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena review, $2.496.95, and in comparison, the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro is a bargain at $1,046.95. I will get into some of the differences below. Currently, there is a $200.00 rebate, which makes it even more affordable.

First snow of 2025 in Vancouver. Trees in Stanley Park. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro and Nikon Z6 III. — Stanley Park, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro @ f/5.6

Specs, Build Quality, and Handling

The Z 105mm f/2.8 Macro measures 3.3 x 5.5" or 85 x 140 mm and is significantly larger than the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro I reviewed last spring. The Panasonic 100mm is also less than half the weight.

However, at 1.4 lb or 630 g, the Z 105mm f/2.8 Macro was a breeze to carry compared to the Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena I reviewed last week.

The fit, finish, and feel of the Z 105mm Macro are as good as the Plena, and it even has the OLED info display on the lens barrel. It takes 62mm filters, which is noticeably smaller than 82mm for the Plena.

The Z 105mm Macro has 1:1 magnification, and the minimum focusing distance is 11.4" or 29 cm. Further to this, the lens has VR image stabilization.

Copying Negatives

I currently use an AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D for copying negatives. It is a manual focus lens as I use it adapted mainly to my Fujifilm X-Pro2.

This is an older Nikkor lens, but I am quite happy with the results it produces. However, as you will see in the four images below, there is increased contrast and sharpness in the files copied with the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.

The results with the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 are similar to what I experienced when using the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens.

In the sequence below, the first image was copied with the AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D, and the second image was with the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.

The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens has the added benefit of being an autofocus lens, which speeds up the workflow and gives more confidence that images are properly focused.

Image Quality

Overall, I am happy with the images captured with the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens. It has excellent sharpness, and the colors are typical Nikon vibrant. I could see this lens as a good choice for copying negatives.

The Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena I reviewed last week is a tough act to follow. When it comes to bokeh and the ability to shoot with a shallow depth of field, you will notice some limitations by the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8’s f/2.8 max f-stop.

But do not snicker too much at f/2.8. You can still get decent bokeh and separation from your topic. The Plena lens, however, is better for this.

Depending on your monitor size, the sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom on your mobile phone.

Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S side view switches — The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro, AF/M and focus limiter switches, custom button, and display button.

Conclusion

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.

The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is much bigger and heavier than the Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro. To most photographers, this will not matter much as you are likely invested in one or the other system.

However, in my case, I have a Leica camera and a Nikon camera, and I would probably choose the Panasonic option as I really enjoyed the lighter weight and portability.

Patrons of a Starbucks on Robson Street, Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro and Nikon Z6 III. — Stanley Park, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro @ f/4

The Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stole the thunder for me, but it has a lot to do with the fact that I tested the two lenses back to back, and it really isn’t a fair comparison. Price-wise, the Plena and the macro lens are miles apart, and they are also not made for the same purposes.

Setting the Plena lens aside, I think the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S offers plenty of value for the dollars spent. If you are a macro photographer, the Plena may not be on your radar, and you should be happy with the qualities brought to the table by the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.

I enjoyed the 105mm focal length, and I will throw in a wish as I wrap this up. I would love to see the Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/1.4 (for DSLR cameras) in the native Z-mount. If it comes with an f/1.8 max f-stop, it may hit a sweet spot where size, weight, and price come down slightly compared to the 135mm Plena lens.

Thanks to my friend Chris, who kindly let me borrow his Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for a couple of weeks.

Pros

Amazing image quality
Great build quality
Lovely bokeh

Cons

Price

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S - B&H Photo

Nikon Z6 III - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.