Nikkor MC 105mm 2.8 VR S: A Month of Micro
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- #NikonZ
The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S micro lens was released by Nikon on June 25th. I picked mine up from the camera store that day. So, I've spent the last month getting to know it. Here's my take, with photo and video examples. Bonus: Nikon Z in-camera focus stacking and Lightroom/Photoshop processing.
B&H Black Friday Nikon Savings: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Gear used to make this video:
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (B&H) bhpho.to/3ERaF7S
Nikon Z6 camera x 2 (B&H) bhpho.to/308AzVW
Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8S lens (B&H) bhpho.to/3GWtfxv
Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8G ED
TASCAM DR-60DmkII DSLR Audio Recorder (B&H) bhpho.to/31Jfli7
Røde NTG2 Multi-Powered Condenser Shotgun Microphone (B&H) bhpho.to/3H5wxhO
Aputure Amaran H528W (Similar, updated light @ B&H) bhpho.to/3F0SsFk
Aputure Amaran 100d (w/deep parabolic soft box) B&H) bhpho.to/3wtpVEY
Godox SL60 (w/folding beauty dish) (B&H) bhpho.to/3bQ6U6b
Intro: 0:00
About this video: 0:22
About this lens: 0:56
Is it a portrait lens? 3:20
Vintage 105 f/2.5: A tragedy: 6:22
Vintage portraits: 7:05
Micro F-stops: 7:31
Micro: 8:50
Spec list: 10:14
Micro stills examples: 10:24
Vibration reduction: 11:01
Focus stacking: 11:45
In-camera focus shift controls: 12:05
Stack processing: 13:24
MC 105 focussing: 14:05
CA: 14:40
Video: 15:04
Focussing noise: 15:21
Video examples: 15:58
Final thoughts: 16:19
Outro: 16:43
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Do you like the 105mm focal length, especially for portraits, or do you prefer 85mm? Are you an avid macro photographer?
Love the 105mm for portraits, and food photos! Sold my 85.
I have 85/1.8s and 50/1.2s, I like the 85 to portraits, I'm a hobby.
The 105mm is flatter and more complimentary for head shots.
For sure.
So image quality wise, how does it compare to a 70-200 2.8? Thanks!
Regarding the aperture there seems to be a lot of confusion, so if anyone is interested:
The aperture value printed on any given lens is always the maximum aperture at infinity and only at infinity. So a F2.0 lens is only really F2.0 at infinity. The moment you focus closer than infinity the actual aperture begins to reduce. (This is true for all lenses) That does not mean the aperture opening starts closing but the amount of available light reduces. This only really becomes relevant in macro photography though. It is something known as the "effective aperture". Nikon is the only camera brand that does not display the lens aperture but the effective aperture on their macro lenses. That is why the numbers change the closer you focus.
Put more simply: The closer you focus the less light will hit the sensor. At 1:1 Magnification a F2.8 lens will give you the same amount of light as the same lens at F5.6 at infinity.
Hope that helps anyone who was wondering : )
Loved your review. The micro world rocks, and I'm constantly being drawn in deeper. I love the fact that this isn't only a micro lens.
I am so delighted to have stumbled onto this video. You convey such confidence and knowledge clearly born of experience. Thanks for sharing your perspective on macro lenses and portraiture.
So nice of you. Thanks, David. Glad I could help.
Hello Raymond, I really appreciate your slow and methodical presentation. I can never keep up when people ramble off numbers in quick succession! I've been shooting with my Nikon D500 these past few years but I've been seriously considering the Nikon Z series cameras. My passion is wildlife and bird photography. With the pandemic these last 2 years, I've really started to notice the 'little' things along the trail...like you! Time to think macro. Thanks again for the tips and great video.
Thanks! Evidently, according to my peers when I first arrived in Canada, I spoke in a staccato fashion -- like a pebble in a tin can as us Brits would say.
So, perhaps that's when I slowed down so people could understand what I was saying.
You can't go wrong with the Z System. People have criticized the first generation cameras for their autofocus tracking but for my use I have never had any problem. With the latest updates for those (3.40 th-cam.com/video/u8LymIjAhj4/w-d-xo.html ) and the Z9 no one should have any problems.
Very nice discussion of this lens. It has become an instant workhorse for me, and like you I am also discovering the new world of small subjects and learning the skills required to capture them.
Yes, I'm picking it up more often than I anticipated. Too bad COVID has reduced my portrait work or it would see even more action.
Excellent video and interesting points raised
Much appreciated.
I "grew up" on that 80's era 105mm and loved it. Thanks for including it in your video.
My pleasure!
Excellent vlog! Thank you Raymond!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you! I just got this beast for my jewelry photography and still working on adjusting it to fit my needs.
Glad I could help!
Thanks for this complete and honest review. Before I've doubts and now... no many. By the way, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that your black and white photos are magnificent. Happy New Year celebrations !
Thank you! I'm glad the video helped. And, yes, from my earliest (film) days, B&W has been my specialty. My film/darkroom experience informs my digital B&W work. Happy New Year!
Great brief. Your obviously a master photographer. I learned a lot.
Thanks 👍
Hello Raymond , I truly enjoyed this video of the lens and the photo stack look was also a great bonus .
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it
Beautiful work Raymond! Great video on the 105 MC S lens, I hope to be able to get one some day!
You should!
Ray, you’re a great educator. I enjoyed the presentation and learnt many things, from somebody that obviously has decades of experience. I recently acquired this lens for my Z8. Loved the F mount version and I think this one is even better with the hybrid VR system.
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful. The 105mm F/2.8 MC is tack sharp and, yes, the VR really helps with handheld shooting.
Ray, I was really impressed with your portraits with the Nikkor 105mm 2.5 AIS. Legendary lens. Hopefully the new lens will continue well as a successor.
Thanks Victor. I can tell you that it took a lot more time and labour in those days to produce a print ... and that was the final product, except for separations or halftones to produce the ads, which many of those were destined for.
I really enjoyed your video Raymond. This lens looks like a real gem, and is currently on my wish list. I hope it is still serving you well. Cheers.
Hi Chad. It's a beauty! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great review!! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
No problem 😊
Nice job. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your observations. :)
Thanks!
After literally months of waiting, mine will be here in under 2 weeks!
👍👍👍
Fantastic video! Very entertaining and informative. I especially appreciated you walking through the stacking process from in camera and through Photoshop. These are the types of things most people might not even know exist without stumbling upon a helpful video first.
Cheers! Glad it was helpful!
instant sub. Awesome video. Enjoyed every second of it
Thanks!
Very sympatic review !✌😊
So happy to have stumbled onto your channel during a search for reviews of this lens.
I love your concise, familiar delivery. Made me feel like I was listening to an knowledgeable old friend. I dare say you are the Marlon Perkins of TH-cam photography! ( I’ve dated myself with that reference 😅)
Subscribed. Thank you for the content! 👍
Awesome, thank you!
Many thannks for the video
My pleasure!
I've been really enjoying your channel Raymond. I sold off my Sigma 105mm Ex Macro this year and I've been strongly considering getting the native "S" lens for macro work. One thing I learned when shooting closeup handheld is it's usually easier for me to lean in or out just a bit than it was to try and dial in the focus. It was easier in quicker.
Thank you very much, Joshua. I'm glad you're enjoying the content.
This lens is really a keeper.
I absolutely agree on fine focussing and that's my approach, whether using auto- or manual-focus; get it as close as possible and move the camera to nail it.
Excellent review, Sir. I have and love this lens and honestly watched to justify my spending the money. Yet, I learned about portraits and focus speed. Huzzah.
Thanks, Jim! It's a superb lens for sure.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I used it for a landscape photo one time. When I pixel peeped, I could read signs a mile away.
10:14 "rattling off" lol love it
I have an old Nikkor 135mm Q I bought used at a small camera shop in Philadelphia back in the mid 1980s. It worked well on the FTZ in full manual. I recently purchased this Z 105mm MC for my Z6 II and love it. Still, the bokeh of that Q lens, as a portrait lens, is hard to beat.
Good to know!
Lovely to see some of your previous work... some wonderfully controlled lighting. you videos are such excellent quality productions... very impressive. I trust that Nikon will take a little more note and send you bucket loads of z9 (and Z8[50]) cameras! You deserve it.
Btw - lovely portrait of you and the better 'alf!
Thank you so much. I often learn from my vintage work ... approaches that, I think, are timeless. I actually had more I wanted to include but didn't want to turn this into too much of an epic.
Maybe I'll include them in another video of some sort.
Well, I think I'll need to greatly increase subscriber count before Nikon notices my little channel. But happy to have built the following I have so far -- it feels cosy and friendly for the most part -- especially complimentary supporters like you. 😀👍 See, the 105 is flattering!😀
@@RaymondParkerPhoto well it is close to midnight here and I do not have my glasses on so have no idea what this will daer like! 🤣
I have had my old 105 for some 30 years now I guess, but must say that I don't really use it much these days. Mainly because I neither like cleaning sensors nor editing sensor dirt in post! So now your video means that I have to go out and buy a new Z7 on which to mount the 105!
It's a costly business this policy of dedicating one lens to one camera 📷! Ah well... what else do I have on which to spend 'er indoor's pension... 😉🙂😀😃😄😁😆😅🤣😂
I loved the portrait. Cheese! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tnx for the very instructive insights on this particular lens. I've been studying whether to buy the Z-mount 85 F1.8, or this one. I don't do that much macro, apart from loads of furniture detail shots (used, retro, classical, legendary and worn :) for the past 3 years with my F-mount 65mm macro. That seemingly unadventurous piece of glass made itself the hero of my gear in just a short time period. I bought the Z 35mm F1.8 last week. It has great minimal focusing distance, being that wonderfully short. Getting into the realms of deeper macro becomes very attempting very quickly. Macro does that with you. So, last night after hours of macro binging, I deviated from wanting the 85mm badly to wanting the 105 even more badly.
You won't be disappointed. As one example, the "outro" for my latest video (Yashika Shoot) was made with the MC 105mm.
Raymond, I had a parallel experience to yours. I used and loved the Nikkor 105mm 2.5 for years. Many years. I still use one with an adapter on my Z7. It is my all time favorite lens.
Great to hear! I'm envious. I have 2 stores looking out for one.
Great review Ray. This has been on my radar since it was announced. My current Tokina 100mm is great but doesn't autofocus on my Z7 - plus I want something I can use with the focus-shift shooting feature. I had better get saving! 😄
Cheers! Well with putting away for. I think it's actually a bargain at under $1,000USD.
Good stuff, Ray. The info and tips apply to all makes so this is a very useful video for many viewers although there are some new features on this new lens that I've never seen before and don't know if they exist on Canon. The step feature looks amazing! You obviously put a lot of work into each and every one of your videos.
Glad you enjoyed it. I keep trying to make my videos simpler ... but somehow every one turns into an epic. Pulled another all-nighter on editing this one. 😀
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I could tell you were a little rusty at one point. :D
Thanks, I ordered this lens today. It has been out of stock for a long time.
Hope you enjoy it!
i Quite an insightful review, as usual. Many thanks. A friend has loaned me the 105 MC Z, and this was very timely. I also feel for your 105 Ai-S f 2,5: I own one and plan on keeping for reasons none more rational than your own. So far this Z version feels like a legitmate walk-around macro lens AND a fine tool for portraits. I'll be ordering one before I return it!
Thanks, Charles! Yup, the MC is a superb lens all 'round.
I still miss the 2.5 Ai-S. How I'd love to shoot some video with one. Envy you. Maybe I'll hunt one down sometime.
Interesting. I believe I once read the S in the S-line lenses stand for Shoot Wide-Open’ with little or no drop in sharpness.
I know Chris Ogonek wrote that on Nikon's website. "Superb" and "Superior" has also been often applied to the line. I think they all could be used without exaggeration.
For instance, most of my studio videos, including this one, are recorded with S-line lenses, shot wide-open.
I liked the examples. I would cheerfully watch a full video of examples . How to would be nice as well.
Noted!
i don't know why but i wanna invite this man to a cup of coffe. very helpfull video btw
Make mine a cappuccino, Leon! 😀 Thanks and Happy New Year!🎉
Until you have it for a month and a half, only used it once and something inside the barrel is rattling. Nikon of course said I could send it in for repairs but I feel like I saved up for a used lens. 1500+ dollars for one use and now it will have to be fixed and certain it will have to be continually be fixed. As I have 30 yr old lens still not one problem. I am at my wits end with trying to make them see this is an issue for me; it shouldn't happen but they do not care. I found your video looking for what and why something is rattling. Thank you for your wonderful upload Raymond.
Hope that gets sorted.
Hello Raymond. Would it be possible to get a raw photo sample which showcases the chromatic aberrations (e.g. the watch, as per your review)? Thank you in advance!
Hi again, Ray. Do you use a teleprompter? Your ability to deliver long pieces to camera is impressive, to say the least.
Also impressive are your shot design/acting abilities to artfully hide the shzt-eating grin on your face outside the camera store. :)
I have the F4 version of the F-mount 105. It's one of the sharpest lenses I own. Too bad yours suffered irreparable damage. I love mine.
Automated focus stacking is a huge benefit of the Z cameras for those of us who appreciate perfect sharpness, large DOF and high magnification. I use a fine Sharpie pen to draw focus marks on tape on the 105 to wrangle focus. It's a pain at high magnification, especially once I discovered Peter's Rule of Focus Stacking:
"You always need WAY more images than you think".
You spent our month well. Superb macros!
Hi again, Peter. As I explain in this video -- th-cam.com/video/ICGvXsw0NZE/w-d-xo.html -- I didn't inherit my dad's stage presence, so, yes, I do rely on a teleprompter for these longer, technical videos.
However, their use comes with another set of problems -- mainly, not coming across like a Dalek. Still, there's no way I could remember all the specs, etc. ... and it has saved me terabytes of hard-drive space, not to mention the frustration of hundreds of takes per video. 😀
Yup, the loss of my old 105 was gutting. No acting there at all.
This replacement is helping ease the pain.
Than you very helpful material. One question, I shoot clinical photography like portrait. What would you recommend for achieving focus in eyes nose and ears? I mean the whole face in focus (and using the nikon 105 mc vR s)
You're welcome. Depends on distance from subject but take guide from my comments in the video.
I'm interested in doing the same as you posted on TH-cam. Does it really make money?I
I got a tamron 90 2.8 usd a few days ago, the F stop macro distance is not stable either. It seems to be normal for a macro lens.
Thank you for the very interesting video on the Z macro lens. I was thinking of buying one as its now back in stock. I was wondering what the focus breathing is like. I plan to do a lot of macro and will be stacking images. Thanks again. Now subscribed :)
(Lack of) focus breathing is pretty good. Not as well-controlled as some other Z lenses, but acceptable to me.
Nothing good stacking software can't handle ... I use LR, as shown.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Many thanks, very helpful :)
Do you mind sharing what camera settings you used for your video example at 16:00. It is stunning. Is that 12 bit to Atomos Ninja or internal? Great video. Thanks so much!
Thanks! Not at all, as much as I can recall.
It would have been: 24fps/1/50s | ISO 100 | Flat profile.
These were from camera 2, so I'm not sure of aperture; probably f/4.
Since I was using 2 cameras (both Z6s) and dynamic range was not a challenge, I decided to shoot internal 8-bit, also in the interest of matching colour easily.
Here's my comparison of internal/external (10-bit) recording with Z6: th-cam.com/video/S_SNi0KB5Vo/w-d-xo.html
my vibration reduction on my z7 is greyed out when i use this lens, any thoughts
Sorry, for the moment I can't think what may be causing that -- if you have something turned of or some other function may be limiting it.
Mine works fine -- can access through "i" menu.
Nice review Ray. I was wondering how much difference the VR on the lens makes when you have IBIS on the camera body. Does IBIS and VR add to each other or do they do the same job? If this question makes sense.
Thanks Martin. I'm no technical whizz but my understanding is that Nikon image stabilization works as a hybrid system, with VR lenses correcting for vertical and horizontal movement, while the IBIS handles camera roll.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto thank you for getting back to me on this. Have a good day.
Hi Raymond. I got a Z9 today and starting to build a Z lens collection. Right now I have an Otus Zeiss 50mm manual lens which I love for portraits. Should I consider adding this 105mm lens?
Congrats on your Z9 (still waiting). For tighter portraits I've always preferred the 105mm focal length. This lens has the added feature of macro.
Great review, thank you. Lens VR can be turned off in camera correct? I image with a Z62 and there are times when I don't want VR in camera/lens.
That is correct.
Thank you Ray. Coming from Canon and Sony I’m still getting the hang of things. So far I’m very impressed with the Z bodies and the native lens line up. From a purely user experience perspective, I love the fact that shooting with a Nikon Z “feels” like you have a quality piece of equipment in hand. From the grip to the sound of the shutter it just feels different than what I’m used to…I mean this in a good way. Color science and low light performance is amazing too!
I'm still not sure what to think of this lens. Sometimes it has this incredible Zeiss 3d look to the shots, and other times they just look worse than the old 105 micro. Is there some forced processing going on? Maybe it depends on the focusing distance, there is some kind of zooming going on after all.
I don't think it's worth swapping out the F mount version for this, even if it was readily available.
Anyhow, this is my favorite review of this lens, it doesn't rush through anything just to be one of the first out there, and it shows. Clear and thought out points.
Thanks for making this.
My pleasure. For me, the results have been pretty consistent, so far. There are, I think, so many variables that come into play as far as light, focus point, distance to subject ... with every lens. So it's hard to judge comprehensively over the shorter term.
I agree it should be possible to come to some conclusion in a reasonable time, but I'm still on the fence, like you.
One thing's for sure: I wouldn't be afraid to take it to a paid shoot.
Whether I become as attached to it as my old 105mm f/2.5 AIS remains to be seen.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto It's definitely a great lens, and it will serve you well I'm sure.
The Z version just doesn't offer too much over the older model, aside from a little cleaner look. Which, for now, feels like a sidegrade. I've come to appreciate some of the flaws the F lens has.
It will be a while before I could get my hands on one anyway, plenty of time to think on this one!
As for becoming attached to this piece, I think we live in a different time now. We are constantly bombarded with options and incremental upgrades.
I have both, the AF-S and this newer MC version. Frankly, having to always have the additional weight and extended length of the FTZ adapter vs the lighter and native design MC lens makes it a no-brainer which one I’ll use with my Z cameras now. Functionally, they are both excellent.😄
What do you think of the Nikon 58mm f/1.4 lens?
Since I've never used one (58mm 1.4G?), I can't really comment. I might point out that it is an F-mount lens and my experience so far is that while the FTZ does the job it's supposed to, the Z-mount lenses are in a class of their own.
When it comes to the subject of this video, it meets or exceeds its siblings. And it's a bargain at the price, especially as that 58 is not cheap.
I for one do not like having a very shallow depth of field for a portrait picture, I like the ears in focus.
I own Z6ii 24-70 mm F4 lens. I am looking to buy a 105 Macro and 50mm 1.8 S Lens from Nikon, if I want to save some money do you recommend buying an F mount lens for Z6ii?, are there any issues with it for the long run?
Your call, Shashidar. I can tell you this: F-mount lenses work well with FTZ adapter, the Z 50mm f/1.8 is unmatched by any F-mount. Any time you can buy Z is a good investment.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Ok, thanks so much for the reply. By the way your content is really helpful for me, thanks :)
Many thanks Raymond. I much appreciate your straightforward urbane manner of presentation and will look out for other videos from you. You're in Canada I'm in France so I can probably only fantasise about a sharing a workshop with you. Stay well.
You are very welcome, Gerry. Please do have a look around my channel; I'll soon be celebrating my 100th video! I can only fantasize about living in France! It's been 14 years since I rode in Paris-Brest-Paris. How time flies!
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Do keep in mind that if you get to France you and your camera (+ wife/companion) would be very welcome here. We live in the SW in the Lot, just south of the Dordogne river. Very beautiful in all seasons.
👍🏾🙏🏾
You mentioned that in micro the lens tends to hunt. I am not a micro photographer but I have been led to believe that many micro photographers use manual focus instead of autofocus?
Yes, focussing close up with shallow DoF is always a challenge and manual focus is often the easiest route.
I have no idea who you are, but I found this "review" and your explanation and presentation to be truthful and educational. So i subscribed, just in case. 👍
Thanks! Ray here. Welcome aboard!
Hello Ray, what interesting thoughts, I know I order this lenses the day or be 9:00 am the first morning that you could order it in the UK. 2/June/2021 and I am still waiting. As of Friday they say 2 mounts. I am so looking forwards to getting it. Keep well, keep safe and enjoy your lens.
Thanks, I hope you get it soon; it's a keeper.
This lens is out of league.. I had so many native/third party macro lenses in the past, but this is the sharpest one I've ever handled.. also I couldn't find any chromatic aberration at all.. simply one of sharpest lenses in the market
It is extraordinary, for sure. As I say, there was some CA with very shiny surfaces (like my watch) under bright light, but easy to control in post.
Just want I wanted to hear
Hello my friend good morning
Hello 👋
Can’t decide between the 105 or the 85 primarily for portraits. I love the 105 focal length but 85 is also fine. The 85 is much more compact but can’t do macro. I only shoot macro occasionally.
Would love some bokeh comparisons of the two. Which lens would you take for a portrait session?
I also have the 50/1.8S.
*As I recounted at length in the video,* the 105mm is my preferred focal length for portraits. But it depends what we mean by "portraits."
If we're talking environmental portraits, then I might choose a 24mm lens, full length for head and shoulders, 50mm. Head and shoulders, 85mm. Headshots, 105mm all the way.
Don't get hung up on the "bokeh" craze; the out-of-focus areas will be greatly influenced by distance-to-subject and generally we're close-in for portraits ... which is why there's an argument in favour of wide apertures in wider focal lengths and why it's not so critically important in a portrait lens.
“S” stands for “shit!”, the exclamation you utter when you see the price of any of those lenses.
Which, of course, I’m going to have to buy.
A shame the human body only has one kidney to spare