Test Report - Nikon Nikkor 105mm MC
We have tested the telemacro lens for Nikon Z bayonet once for you and want to describe our impressions below. The lens is mainly used in nature macro photography and food photography, as this focal length has a particularly pleasant crop and distortion is often irrelevant there.
As usual from Nikon in the Z system, this lens is also incredibly well made and the small features offer many pleasant possibilities of adjustments / individualization through the function ring, as well as the built-in FN button. For example, you can assign the ring with the ISO setting or the aperture. The FN button can be assigned to focus mode or other menu items of the Nikon system.
For our test we strolled a bit through D?sseldorf's city center and tried to capture some details in nature, our used setup in this case was a Nikon Z6 II with the Nikon Z 105mm, the weather was less kind to us and we had quite a lot of wind, which is why we had a bit more play in the plants. When, if not during our test, a little drizzle set in towards the end as well. Again, the Z-System offers all-around protection, providing protection against dust and moisture, and the front lens allows water to bead up, so it doesn't linger on the lens at all.
Certainly, this lens is not exactly the smallest, with a height of 14 centimeters and a weight of 630g, which can be attributed to the inner focus motor and the glass elements. Still, in terms of weight, the lens is not comparable to many other cameras.
The most important technical data at a glance
- Open aperture of F/2.8
- Weight of 630g
- Close focus distance of 0,29m
- Switch for focus working range of "Full" & "0.5m - 0.29m"
- 1 function button & 1 function ring
- Filter diameter of 62mm
- Max. Magnification of 1:1
Sample images of the lens
Below we have attached some test images. These are not particularly post-processed, only distortion has been taken out and some color & exposure adjustment and post-sharpening for web. No dodge & burn, no stamping, no clarity or texture was added.
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Nikon Z
As usual from Nikon, this Nikon lens delivers excellent exposure performance and a very pleasant smooth bokeh, without many disturbing impurities. Of course, the bokeh is a matter of taste. Nevertheless, this lens is also interesting for non-photographers, but also for videographers in the macro range the quiet autofocus and low "focus breathing" make the lens also very interesting for this use. Nikon has also thought about the switchers / system changers, so the direction of rotation of the focus rings can usually also be adjusted in the meantime with the native lenses, so that you no longer have to get used to and can simply work as usual with the system.
Conclusion on the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8
If you are looking for a fixed focal length for your macro photography, then the Nikon Nikkor 105mm MC is certainly the right choice for you if the subject is also a bit further away from the camera. What you should know when working with macro lenses in the Nikon system, these always show the effective aperture, the intention of Nikon is not to lead the user around by the nose here, it can even be of advantage if you work with an external light meter, this is usually rather rare in 2022, but it should still find a mention.
The small display and ring are a practical gimmick that is a good addition to the workflow, depending on how you work. We didn't actively use it in our test, as everything can be set and assessed with the data in the field of view as well.
The Nikon lens can be used open aperture without compromise and rarely needs to be stopped down further once, as the sharpness is already very convincing at 2.8. For the price of the 105mm, you get a lot and it shows that Nikon offers professional quality with brains with its S line.
