5 creative ways to use the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Next up in our series celebrating 90 years of NIKKOR is the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S. A true macro lens with a 1:1 reproduction ratio for life-size images, the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S will give you incredible depth and detail in stills or video
Macro photography lets you investigate the miniature world of insects and plants, but a macro lens like the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is also fantastic for showing detail, whether you’re photographing food, products or still life. Plus, the 105mm focal length is a winner when it comes to creative portraiture. Read on for five things to try with this remarkable lens.
1. Use it as a portrait lens
The 105mm focal length is fantastic for creative portraits. You’ll be further back from the subject than you would be with a ‘classic’ 85mm portrait prime lens, so make sure you have room to manoeuvre, and you will be rewarded with beautiful subject separation, wonderful bokeh and a lack of distortion.
2. Take advantage of the limiter switch
The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S has a switch that limits the autofocus to 0.3-0.5m working distance. Perfect when working close up, it reduces focus searching and allows the AF to lock on quickly and accurately. Try it with subjects that are prone to movement, such as insects.
3. Up your manual focus skills
A lens like the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S has a narrow focal plane, even a few stops down from the maximum f/2.8, so is perfect for practising manual focus. Food photography is an ideal way to start using manual focus, since your subject is staying still. Practise using the smooth action control ring to place the focus in precisely the place you want it. And remember that with an FTZ adapter your Nikon Z camera has access to huge numbers of older NIKKOR lenses, some of which only have manual focus, so it’s a skill worth investing some time in.
4. Free yourself from the tripod
Although a tripod is often seen as a necessity with macro photography, built-in Vibration Reduction on the lens, combined with in-camera VR, enables you to get the image you need without having to carry a tripod all the time. Give it a try on an indoor field trip around your own home, creating inventive detail shots of everyday items.
5. Macro isn’t just for stills
The world of tiny things really comes to life when they move. The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a video powerhouse, with near-silent AF, minimal focus breathing and smooth, stable aperture control. Test it out on an insect on a leaf or water droplets running down a piece of glass (and if you use a high frame rate you’ll be able to create beautiful slow-motion effects).
The key stats: NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Type: Nikon Z mount
Format: FX
Focal length: 105mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/32
No. of diaphragm blades: 9 rounded diaphragms
Minimum focus distance: 0.29m
Weight: 630g (22.2oz) approx.
Want to see it in action? Check out our 90-Second NIKKOR video below.
90-Second NIKKOR: NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
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Celebrating 90 years of NIKKOR
Introducing a new video series from Nikon Europe. In each episode, we’ll take a NIKKOR Z mirrorless lens and tell you everything you need to know in 90 seconds
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