The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a Z-mount macro prime that delivers S-Line sharpness, strong contrast, and low distortion and minimal color fringing. That cuts down time spent on fixes in post. Built around a 105mm focal length with true 1:1 reproduction, it blends close-up detail work with portrait-friendly rendering. VR and weather sealing also support handheld and outdoor shooting.
Key takeaways
- True 1:1 macro reproduction delivers life-size detail for products, food, flowers, and small nature subjects
- 105mm working distance helps avoid disturbing insects and keeps lighting and shooting space comfortable
- f/2.8 aperture gives clean subject separation and also works well as a flattering 105mm portrait lens
- Built-in VR improves handheld macro keeper rate and steadies video clips
- Autofocus can hunt at high magnification; use the focus limiter, or switch to manual focus with focus peaking, for steadier results
What Stands Out in Real Use
I see the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S as a macro lens that behaves like an S-Line prime in everyday shooting. Sharpness stays high across the frame, and contrast holds up even on reflective subjects. Distortion and color fringing stay impressively low, so I spend less time correcting files and more time shooting.
Where it earns its spot in my bag
In practice, a few traits make the difference, especially when I’m working fast or outdoors:
- True 1:1 macro reproduction for life-size detail on jewelry, food, flowers, products, and small nature scenes.
- 105mm working distance that keeps me off the subject, which helps with insects or anything skittish.
- f/2.8 brightness that stays usable in mixed light, with smooth background blur for clean subject separation.
- Built-in VR that improves handheld keepers up close and steadies footage for video clips.
- Weather sealing that gives me confidence when dust or moisture shows up on location.
- Portrait-ready rendering with the classic 105mm look when I want flattering perspective.
If I also want a lighter everyday option, I compare it against the 24-105mm everyday zoom for non-macro days.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
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Specs and Buyer-Backed Data
I treat the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S as a serious Z-mount macro prime built for detail work and flattering perspective. It runs a 105mm Micro focal length, which gives me comfortable working distance for insects, product shots, and tight portraits without crowding the subject.
Quick specs that matter in the field
Here are the numbers I keep handy when I’m comparing it to other Z glass:
- Mount: Nikon Z
- Type: Macro lens (Micro)
- Focal length: 105mm
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.4 x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 1.39 pounds, which I find relatively light for a 105mm macro
- Model number: 20100
- ASIN: B096DHS1BF
- First available: June 2, 2021
What buyers report at scale
I put real weight on aggregated buyer feedback. This lens shows a 4.9 out of 5 star rating based on 394 reviews, and it holds a Best Sellers Rank of #41 in Mirrorless Camera Lenses.
If I’m also building a broader kit, I often pair macro work with an everyday zoom like the 24-105mm option.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
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Performance Caveat (Autofocus)
AF on the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S gets the job done for deliberate macro and portraits, yet I’ve seen enough mixed feedback to treat it as a known tradeoff. Focus can hunt at high magnifications, and tracking tiny subjects that change distance fast can feel less decisive than expected.
What I do to get better hit rates
I lean on a few habits that keep results consistent:
- Limit the focus range when possible and avoid full-range sweeps.
- Use single-point AF or manual focus with focus peaking for 1:1 work.
- Prefocus, then move my body for micro-adjustments instead of forcing continuous refocus.
- For general use, I’ll reach for a zoom like the 24-105mm everyday zoom.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Keywords and Notable Facts
I sum up the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S as a Z-mount macro prime lens that blends S-Line optics with practical handling. The 105mm focal length gives me comfortable working distance for insects, products, and detail shots. I also like how f/2.8 supports shallow depth of field for portraits, then switches to true close-up work with a 1:1 reproduction ratio.
Quick specs I keep in mind
Here are the standout keywords and facts I reference when comparing lenses:
- Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S: S-Line optics with strong edge-to-edge sharpness
- VR (Vibration Reduction): helps when I handhold close-ups or shoot portrait-style macro
- Macro prime lens: 105mm, f/2.8, 1:1 reproduction ratio, Nikon Z mount
- Weather sealed: I feel comfortable using it outdoors in mixed conditions
- Weight: 1.39 pounds
- Ratings: 4.9/5 stars from 394 reviews
- Category rank: #41 in Mirrorless Camera Lenses
For a lighter walkaround pairing, I often compare it with the everyday zoom option to cover non-macro days.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m a computer engineer, musician, cyclist, and dabbling in photography.
