Nikon has just announced the first native macro lenses for its mirrorless Z series mount. Today’s announcement fills a needed pillar in the lineup with the new NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 lenses.
Nikon shooters may recognize the 105mm from the F series but this is a bit more than just an updated mount. Meanwhile, the 50mm is a welcome new addition to Nikon’s selection. Did you notice how there’s no “full-frame” specification? That’s because Nikon made the brilliant move of using the same mount for its APS-C Z series mirrorless line (which it plans to grow, as well), allowing these lenses to also be used with all Z series cameras.
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Lens ()
If you’re into the well-known and highly regarded version of this lens for the F mount, then consider this a perk-loaded update. So what’s new? For starters, I was a little shocked at how lightweight it was, especially with dual motors moving multiple groups at once for fast and quiet autofocus. This is where you start to see the advantage of the mount. The lenses now require fewer elements but still surpass previous versions.
You will also be quick to notice the addition of a display screen for various info including macro ratio, an assignable lens function button, and a customizable control ring allowing for more functionality tailored to your workflow. The silver “S” badge on the side of the lens means it has NANO Crystal coatings (for controlling flares from the sides), ARNEO (for controlling flares from above, below, and diagonally), and even fluorine to shed water off the front element. I’m sure this will come in handy for any bug-following, flower-loving nature shooters out there, especially with a minimum focusing distance of 0.96 feet (0.29m).
While macro photography is associated with getting close-up shots of flower, nature, or critters, I tend to use macro lenses for portraiture. The 105mm is a great length for a lot of subjects, and allows you to really blow out that background with that beloved bokeh in busy background situations. Not everyone uses macro lenses for capturing people so extremely sharply, but by using a macro, you don’t run into limitations getting in for tighter shots. You’re also not held back by a focusing distance, forcing you to have a limit on how close you can get.
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Lens ()
The 50mm is a pretty comfortable focal length on full-frame. It feels more naturally close to what we see with our naked eye. Once again, you pick up this new 50mm f/2.8 macro and its almost suspiciously lightweight (it’s only 9.2 oz!). Barely feeling it there on that camera in my hand, I can absolutely see this new addition as a nice walk-around street lens. It’s one that lets you shoot at a focal length that doesn’t overtake the image and allows you to get close without that limitation of a normal minimum focusing distance.
With just 0.53 ft (0.16m) of focusing distance, you can feel assured that if you see something of detail or observe something, you can just walk right up to it to fill your frame. If you’re looking to see if you’re really getting that 1:1 macro ratio, just look down at the scales on the lens itself. Nikon has you covered.
If you’ve been looking to get up close to subjects and you’re shooting with the Nikon Z series, these macros are great additions. It is definitely nice to have native macro lenses added to the Z mount lineup, which Nikon continues to build upon and perfect.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 lenses are available for preorder at Adorama.
Coming Up: NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 and NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lenses
The above mentioned lenses are not the only new glass Nikon has announced. The company has also revealed that two additional lenses are in development, and scheduled to release this year. The NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 and NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 lenses add two new primes to the mirrorless Z series. Stay tuned for more information about the latest gear from Nikon.
