Nikon introduces its first Z-mount macro lenses: the Nikkor Z MC 105 mm F2.8 VR S and the Nikkor Z MC 50 mm F2.8
Nikon has launched two new additions to its Nikkor Z lens line-up - the Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S and the Nikkor Z MC 50mm F2.8. These new macro lenses (referred to in Nikon parlance by the more technically accurate term "micro") are the first Nikon lenses with a native Z mount to provide users with a 1:1 reproduction ratio.
Macro lenses aren't always about small details, however. Nikon claims that the focal length of the Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 S VR lens is ideal even for medium-length portrait lenses. It features two STM autofocus motors that move two groups of lenses designed to maximize both speed and optical performance across the entire focus range. The built-in VR system will provide 4.5 stops of shake reduction even on an unstabilized Nikon Z50 (a full-frame camera with image stabilization won't give you additional stops of stabilization). It is also dust and drop resistant and focusing is internal.
The 105mm F2.8's feature set is rounded out by a nine lens hood with rounded blades, a focus limiter switch, and ARNEO and Nano Crystal surface treatments to help prevent flare and ghosting artifacts. The optical formula consists of 16 elements in 11 groups. A large rear aspherical element helps reduce field curvature at long and short subject distances, which should help in everything from wide-aperture natural object photography to reproduction work.
Because of its focal length and light weight (260 g), the Nikkor Z MC 50 mm F2.8 lens is well suited as a standard "walk-around" lens that also focuses at 1:1 magnification. It's also dust and droplet resistant, although its tube does pop out when focusing at particularly close distances. It has a quiet STM autofocus motor, a focus limiter switch, and also nine rounded aperture blades. While it forgoes the more expensive Nano Crystal and ARNEO finishes for flare and ghost resistance, there's a fluorine coating on the front element that helps repel dust and fingerprints. Last but not least, it's compatible with Nikon's ES-2 digitizing adapter for digitizing film and converting images from 35mm film to digital.
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