Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S and NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8 Macro Lenses Shipping Soon

Lens News

by Jeff LochJune 4^th, 2021

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Nikon has just released its first macro lenses for Z series cameras: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S and NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8. Both of these lenses feature a 1:1 reproduction ratio. Let’s take a closer look at them!

Nikon continues to expand its NIKKOR Z lineup of lenses with two new macro lenses, and it seems like the company likes to release two lenses at a time. Indeed, earlier this year, Nikon released the NIKKOR Z 20mm F/1.8 S and NIKKOR Z 24-200mm F/4-6.3 VR, as well as the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm F/2.8 VR S and Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F/2.8E FL ED SR VR.

These new lenses are of course natively compatible with Nikon Z cameras, including the Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II that now have RAW video output to Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G external recorders, as well as the upcoming flagship Nikon Z 9 camera.

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8

Let’s start with the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8, which has an external diameter of 74.5mm/2.9″ and a length of only 66mm/2.6″. This lens is pretty lightweight at only 260g/9.2 oz, which makes it a nice addition to any kit without taking up too much space inside your bag.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8 covers full-frame sensors (FX), so it is also compatible with cropped sensors (DX). The lens sports a 1:1 reproduction ratio, with a minimum focusing distance of only 16cm/6.3″.

As you can tell, the closer you focus, the longer the barrel extends. The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8 doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, but it has an STM motor and focus limiter switch for fast autofocus performances. The lens is made of plastic and is only “dust and drip-resistant,” so it is not completely weather-sealed.

The lens design consists of ten elements in seven groups, with a fluorine-coated front element to resist dirt and smudges. The aperture diaphragm has nine circular blades for smooth, round and creamy bokeh. The front filter diameter is pretty small at only 46mm, but it is compatible with the “ES-2 film digitizing adapter set, which can be screwed onto the front of the lens for digitizing 35mm film,” according to Nikon.

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S

The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S is a much “higher-end” lens, compared to its little brother. Even if they have similarities: a 1:1 reproduction ratio covering full-frame sensors and a fluorine coating to the front element.

However, this NIKKOR Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S lens also as major differences, including:

• Built-in image stabilization that can compensate up to 4.5 stops of camera shake, according to Nikon
• The minimum focusing distance is 29cm/0.96ft

• An integrated OLED lens information panel to quickly check your aperture setting, focus distance, and depth of field
• It features a customizable control ring for changing aperture, exposure compensation, and ISO

• The maximum aperture is F/2.8, but when you focus to its minimum focusing distance, it becomes an F/4.5 lens
• There is an L-Fn button for customization, as well as a focus limiter switch
• A Dual Motor Multi Focus STM System for fast and accurate AF performances

As you can tell, this is an S-line lens, which is Nikon’s high-end series of lenses, and it doesn’t disappoint. In terms of lens design, the lens consists of 16 elements in eleven groups, and the aperture diaphragm has nine circular blades.

You’ll find three extra-low dispersion and one aspherical element on the inside to reduce distortions, color, and chromatic aberrations as well as color fringing. In terms of coatings, you’ll benefit from an ARNEO anti-reflective coating, used in conjunction with Nano Crystal Coating. The front filter diameter is 62mm.

Price and availability

Both lenses are available for preorder now and should start shipping by the end of this month. The NIKKOR Z MC 50mm F/2.8 retails for $649.99, while the Nikon NIKKOR Nikkor Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S is $999.95.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

What do you think about these new Nikon Z macro lenses? Do you often shoot with macro lenses? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!