Nikon has announced two full-frame macro lenses with the Nikon Z mount, the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and the Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.
The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a professional S-line macro lens while the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is a compact and lightweight optic aimed at novice macro photographers. Both lenses are capable of 1:1 reproduction.
According to Nikon, the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is optimised for macro shooting in stills or video mode, but its focal length also makes it a good choice for portraiture. Meanwhile, the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is a more portable lens that’s designed for photographing a wide range of subjects, focusing with the front element as close as just 5.6 cm from a subject.
Rob Harmon, Senior Commercial Lead, Nikon Northern Europe, says: “The long-awaited 105 mm macro lens brings astonishingly beautiful macro performance to the Z system, and is a perfect choice for both professionals and macro enthusiasts. Its smaller and more affordable sibling has a lot to offer too: the new 50 mm macro lens is ideal if you want to start shooting true macro images. And if you simply want a versatile 50 mm lens that will also let you capture incredible close-ups, then this is it.”
Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S key features
- Professional f/2.8 mid-telephoto macro lens: S-Line next-dimension optical design. Smooth, silent multi-focusing system.
- The wide Z mount and fixed f/2.8 rounded 9-blade aperture enable rounded, natural-looking bokeh.
- Fast-focusing: sharpness is superb from close-up to infinity. Colour fringing is dramatically reduced, allowing the AF system to find focus with incredible speed and accuracy.
- Nikon’s anti-reflective ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings combat ghosting and flare. In-lens Vibration Reduction (VR) combines with in-camera VR for steady handheld shots even in low light.
- The minimum focus distance is just 0.29 m and the AF focus limiter allows rapid acquisition of subjects from 0.29–0.50 m. In MF, you can adjust the focus throw to match your preferred way of working.
- Macro video: quiet AF and smooth, stable aperture control. Focus breathing is all but eliminated so you can shift focus without affecting the shot’s angle of view.
- You can reverse the focus direction of this lens,1 and it accepts the same 62 mm screw-on filters as the renowned AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm.
- The mount and all moving parts are sealed to keep dust and moisture out. Nikon’s fluorine coating repels water, dust, and dirt.
Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 key features
- Markings on the lens barrel indicate whether shooting at a 1:4, 1:2, or 1:1 (life-size) magnification ratio.
- Classic 50 mm focal length and natural perspective to shoot anything from portraits to street scenes.
- A minimum focus distance of just 0.16 m enables sharp focus even when the front of this macro lens is just 5.6 cm away from a subject
- In-camera VR keeps shots steady.
- Superior optics and the f/2.8 rounded 9-blade aperture enable beautiful bokeh.
- Focus limit switch: the AF focus limit switch lets the lens focus more quickly on subjects within a 0.16–0.30 m range.
- Compact and lightweight: this lens is easy to handle and balances beautifully on both Z series full-frame and DX-format cameras.
- 75 mm in DX crop: when used on a Z series DX mirrorless camera, this lens offers a 75 mm angle of view. Great for portraits or tighter crops of small subjects when shooting macro.
- Precise, easy control: control aperture, ISO, and more via the silent control ring. Instantly switch between manual and autofocus via the lens.
- Protective coating: Nikon’s fluorine coating protects the front of the lens and makes it easy to wipe the surface clean. Perfect if your creative playground is outside.
Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 price and availability
The two macro lenses will go on sale on 24th June for £999 and £649:
Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S – £999.00 UK | €1,149.00 ROI
Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 – £649.00 UK | €749.00 RO
You can pre-order the Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S from Wex Photo Video in the UK and Adorama in the USA. The Nikkor Z MC 50mm F2.8 is also available for pre-order from Wex Photo Video and Adorama.