The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens is the gold standard for shooting small and very small subjects with a Nikon mirrorless camera.
The Z 105mm has a 1:1 reproduction ratio, meaning that images taken of your subject can be represented at full size. While it has a short minimum focus distance of 0.96 ft (0.29m), the 105mm reach means that you don't need to get quite as close as you would with a mid-range lens (say, a 60mm Macro) to shoot the same subject. This can be particularly helpful with skittish creatures and when observing interesting animal behavior.
Build Quality
This lens has a great solid feel to it, with a more sleek and understated look compared to the old F 105mm lens. The lens elements have NANO Crystal and ARNEO Coatings to limit lens flare and ghosting. As you would expect from a lens of this caliber, the Z 105mm is weather-sealed for dust and drip protection.
The lens is 3.35" (85mm) diameter and 5.51" (140mm) in overall length. The focus mechanism is internal so the lens does not extend or contract with use. This is great for underwater photographers because it minimizes port length.
Compared to the old Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR lens, the new Z lens is slightly larger yet 3.2 oz (90g) lighter.
Autofocus
Autofocus performance can be a little slow to find focus depending on the subject and background. The lens will be a little faster on newer camera bodies - like the Z8 and Z6 III - compared to early model Nikon mirrorless cameras. Once you lock in on a subject, Nikon's 3D tracking autofocus is excellent and keeps up effortlessly in-between shots.
Nikon Z6 II • f/16 • 1/160 • ISO 800 © Jason Milligan
The lens has up to 4.5 stops of vibration reduction which combines with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for tack-sharp images when hand holding - or when hovering in the water column.
Manual Focus
Autofocus is by far the most common way to use this lens underwater. When used in an Ikelite 200DL underwater housing, manual focus is supported by the addition of an optional Manual Focus Gear # 5509.72.
Nikon Z8 © Sean Howard
Image Quality
Once focus is obtained, the images produced with the Z 105mm lens are superb. Combined with a powerful camera body like the Nikon Z8, this lens is capable of incredible detail that is perhaps even better than similar focal lengths from Canon and Sony.
Uses Above Water
On the surface, the 105mm can be used as a portrait lens. It's also a good choice for food or product photography and one of the most common focal lengths we use at Ikelite in the studio.
Nikon Z6 II • f/32 • 1/200 • ISO 125 © Jason Milligan
Conclusion
If you're a Nikon shooter and enjoy the hunt for tiny treasures underwater, the Z 105mm Macro f/2.8 VR S lens is definitely for you. It's a standard addition to our gear bag and one of our favorite Nikon lenses. This lens retails in the US for $1149.95 but frequently pops up on instant savings promotions.
The most similar Z-mount alternative to this lens is the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro Lens which retails at $699. But we prefer the Nikon Z 105mm for its unbeatable image quality and extra reach for smaller subjects. You can pick up a good quality used Z 105mm for well under a grand, bringing it very close to the price range of the Tamron alternative.
Keep scrolling for more images taken with this lens.
Reach out to us today if you have any questions about choosing equipment or setting up the Nikon Z 105mm Macro.
Nikon Z6 III • f/36 • 1/160 • ISO 100 © Nirupam Nigam
Nikon Z8 • f/11 • 1/160 • ISO 200 © Nirupam Nigam
Nikon Z6 III • f/16 • 1/160 • ISO 100 © Nirupam Nigam
Nikon Z8 • f/11 • 1/160 • ISO 200 © Nirupam Nigam
Nikon Z6 III • f/16 • 1/160 • ISO 100 © Nirupam Nigam
Nikon Z8 • f/25 • 1/160 • ISO 200 © Nirupam Nigam
Additional Viewing
Low Light, High Performance: A Review of the Nikon Z8 From a Blackwater Expert
Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and Nikon Z6 II Underwater Results
Nikon Z 105mm Manual Focus Gear Installation // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]
Nikon Z6 III Underwater Review & Results
Nikon Z8 Underwater Review // Josh Blank Ditches the D850 [VIDEO]
Macro with Black Background Underwater Camera Settings
Nirupam Nigam is a dedicated underwater photographer and fisheries scientist. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the Marketing Director at Bluewater Photo. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. He received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, at the University of Washington. Check out more of his photography on his website.
Jason Milligan hales from Rockingham, Western Australia. He's been diving for close to two decades and studying underwater photography for over 10 years. In that time he has developed a keen sense of composition, clarity, and it doesn't hurt that his backyard is filled with Australia's most stunning underwater creatures. Follow more of Jason's underwater photography journey on Instagram @millo_hd.
Sean Howard began diving at age 15 in the cold January waters of Idaho’s Snake River Canyon. He purchased his current Ikelite system in 2014 and loves nothing more than trying to capture the beauty and wonder he feels on every dive. He is an advertising executive and lives in Washington DC with his wife and daughter – both of whom are also avid divers. Sean shoots with a Nikon D7100 in an Ikelite Housing with two DS161 strobes. See more of Sean's work on his website.
