Nikon has announced two new Z mount macro lenses – the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8. Both new lenses offer a 1:1 reproduction ratio to enable photographers to get a closer look at their favorite subjects.
While third party macro lenses have been available for the Z mount for a while, these two new pieces of glass are the first official macro lenses for the Z mount line-up – and have been hotly anticipated.
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The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a constant f/2.8 aperture mid-telephoto macro lens that features S-Line next-dimension optical design with a smooth and silent multi-focusing system. It features Nikon's anti-reflective ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings to help combat ghosting and flare, while the in-lens Vibration Reduction (VR) helps photographers capture steady handheld shots – even at slower shutter speeds.
The 105mm f/2.8 VR S features a minimum focus distance of just 0.29m and the AF focus limiter enables rapid acquisition of subjects from 0.29m - 0.50m. Nikon advises that focus breathing is "all but eliminated" on this lens, which will please videographers looking to use macro lenses for their footage.
Meanwhile, the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is billed as a "compact, lightweight and versatile lens that's ideal for starting macro photographers who want to shoot vibrant close-ups". Photographers can use markings on the lens barrel to see whether they're shooting at a 1:4, 1:2 or 1:1 magnification ratio, while the f/2.8 rounded 9-blade constant aperture should be perfect for capturing stunning bokeh.
The 50mm f/2.8 features a minimum focus distance of just 0.16m, which means that photographers can capture sharp shots even when the front of the lens is just 5.6cm away from the subject. Meanwhile, the AF focus limit switch enables the lens to focus more quickly on subjects within the 0.16m - 0.30m range.
Rob Harmon, Senior Commercial Lead, Nikon Northern Europe, says: “The long-awaited 105 mm macro lens brings astonishingly beautiful macro performance to the Z system, and is a perfect choice for both professionals and macro enthusiasts. Its smaller and more affordable sibling has a lot to offer too: the new 50 mm macro lens is ideal if you want to start shooting true macro images. And if you simply want a versatile 50 mm lens that will also let you capture incredible close-ups, then this is it.”
The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and the Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 lenses will be on sale on 24 June 2021 for $997 / £999 / AU$1,699 and $645 / £649 / AU$1,099 respectively.
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