NIKKOR Z MC lenses? Are these special Mike’s Camera editions? Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing those just yet, but we are excited to report that Nikon has officially announced the first true macro lenses for the mirrorless full-frame Z-mount (or “Micro” in Nikonian). For the first time, Z-mount users will be able to natively fill the entire frame with incredible close-up detail, enjoying the benefits of their wide mount diameter and short flange distance.
Both the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 are scheduled for delivery toward the end of June and both will be priced at less than $1,000 on release. (Excited now? You can already pre-order both lenses at a Mike’s Camera near you or on our website.)
They share a few key features, including:
- 1:1 “true macro” reproduction
- Bright, fast f/2.8 aperture
- Nine-blade rounded aperture for beautiful bokeh production
- STM-driven AF systems
- Focus limiter switch for more efficient photography
Both excel at capturing macro scenes in addition to being ideal focal lengths for portraiture and everyday “walkabout” photography (the 105mm and 50mm, respectively).
The 105mm, as an S-series lens, really aims to impress. 16 elements in 11 groups guide light to a perfectly intentional finish on the sensor, including a large aspherical element at the rear specially designed to reduce field curvature. Nikon’s ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings serve to minimize aberrations and reflections. The focusing is all internal (a necessity for the 105mm’s robust weather sealing), and will allow you to focus as closely as 0.96′ (about 11.5″). The built-in VR system offers 4.5 stops of image stabilization, including on cameras without IBIS like the Z50. A very cool OLED display for pinpoint focusing information adds a little je ne sais quois to make using it a true luxury experience. In the press release, professional commercial photographer and Nikon Ambassador Joey Terrill had this to say:
The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is unquestionably the most exceptional lens I’ve ever used. The clarity, color fidelity, and breathtaking sharpness are present in every image. Pictures feel textural and dimensional while maintaining stunning subject accuracy. It is the perfect match for the extraordinary resolution and expansive dynamic range of the Z camera sensors, and the nuance from tone to tone feels as pure as photography can be. It’s very likely this lens will be permanently affixed to my camera going forward.
Not a bad review!
While the 50mm is not an S-series lens, it, too, looks like a promising addition to the mirrorless Nikon lineup. It’s light, weighing only 9.2 ounces, which makes it an appealing candidate for an all-purpose or street photography lens. It won’t bog you down, it’s wide enough to capture most scenes (but not too wide), and if you want to really embrace a small subject it will let you focus as closely as 0.53′ (just over a mere 6″). It’s dust- and drip-resistant, and a fluorine coating on the front element makes cleaning a cinch. Plus, it’s compatible with the Nikon ES-2 film digitizing adapter, if you’re sitting on a trove of analog imagery as well.
Check out some beautiful sample photos and links to pre-order below!
NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 sample images
