Hi,
What macro lens do you use on the Nikon Z system and/or would you recommend.
I want to dive into the macro world starting maybe with flowers mostly and see what's in that tiny world there (as far as flowers are tiny ;) and go from there.
What are your experiences with the Nikkor Z MC 105 f/2.8 VR S? Which other macro lens would you prefer or do you use to this lens as an alternative?
Thanks for guiding me to new shores.
Andy
I own both an F mount 105mm F2.8 and the Z mount version.
- I will be reluctant to part with the F-mount version. It is a nice portrait lens. I want to keep some of my best F mount lenses so that my DSLRs are still fully operational.
- The Z series lens is however significantly better for macro work. It is sharper and clearer in every respect. I also like using the extra control ring for the aperture control. I can set a much narrower aperture on the Z version and produce sharp results with better depth of field.
- There is something clearly better about the Z series as well as the edge to edge sharpness and control of chromatic aberrations.
- I don’t enjoy the Z series 105 for portraits as much as the F mount. (I have not worked out why) It may be partly the change to a studio environment for me. I use the 85mm 1.8S which I find much nicer.
- Seeing the depth of field through the electronic viewfinder can be done on the Z mount 105 but it doesn’t seem to be as easy with the F series.That said, I have found being able to look a the image I have just take in the viewfinder without having to take my eye away from the camera, is very useful. It’s not preview it’s view.
- 105 provides a better working distance.
@griffallo Thank you very much for your very useful insights and comparsions on the F and Z MC 105. Will definitely take this into further consideration. This brings me to the idea of borrowing that lens for a few days to get a look and feel and do some testing.
Hope others chime in with alternative macro lenses experiences.
I wholeheartedly endorse the Z MC 105 f2.8 VR S. For Macro it is a pleasure to use. It's sharp, relatively fast focusing for a macro lens, and triples as a portrait, short telephoto. The surprising spec is that despite its size, it's a light weight lens.
Just trapped on that detailed review of Spencer here in Photograpylife. Sometimes the good things are just around the corner and you didn't notice them before ;)
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-z-mc-105mm-f-2-8-vr-s-macro
I bought it essentially to start with macros. I then discovered that it is also a good lens to go into a museum or a zoo. It is just a bit too big to be practical for everyday use. Here are some examples.
As you see, I use it for quite different purposes. I would not consider it indispensable, however. You can use the 50mm, maybe with a macro ring, and get similar results. Often, a simple tele zoom will do too.
As for other macro lenses, it depends on your needs and budget. Some other options you might consider are Tamron SP 90mm Di VC USD Macro, Sigma 105mm DG DN Macro Art, and Laowa 100mm 2x Ultra Macro APO.> https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-z-mc-105mm-f-2-8-vr-s-macro
@renegr Thank you for your suggestions and your samples. Perfect!
Actually I ordered the Z MC 105 f2.8 VR S yesterday after reading your comments and Spencers review. And I just received the lens today. So I am curious to head to new frontiers soon.
Thanks to everybody who tried to help me out here.
I guess I owe you this for your help.
50 images focus stack (with Helicon Focus) with my
new my Z MC 105 f2.8 VR S.
I love that new lens, not just for macro photography but as well as for its sharpness for portraits and in the short tele range.
Keep it up Andy, that looks lovely.
I bought the NIKKOR AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G ED VR to go with my D750 and do some macro. I did not do a lot and my focus was abominable. I now have the Z7ii and have kept the f mount macro and got the FTZ adapter. I have a macro assignment with my local club and have done a bit more reading. Apparently I need incremental focus adjustments and a good flash (as low light is also my enemy). To this end I await delivery this week of Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight Flash (probably overkill and I blame Nasim for the decision ;-) and a Leofoto MP-150S Macro Focusing Rail.
Now will these make me a better macro photographer or am I having myself on ?
@andye - Well done!
I'm probably late but I'm amazed with my 105mm MC. Everytime I take it it's a joy.
I've had the Z 105 for about a year and have been pleased. The only issue is that I was unfamiliar with macro and did not appreciate hiw shallow the DOF is. Lacking the patience to focus stack and mixed experience with stacking software I've mainly been using for more portrait work, flowers and the like.