By Jason Milligan
Initially I was using the classic Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR on my Nikon D7000 and later with the FTZ adapter when I switched to mirrorless Nikon Z6. Once I upgraded to the Z6II I decide I would move all my lenses from FX to Z mount. So the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S was added to my arsenal.
The new lens is slightly lighter, noticeably sharper, and eliminates the need for an adapter and extra port extensions. The images below highlight the impressive range this lens can handle, from f2.8 to f32, even though we rarely shoot below f4 underwater.
Leafy sea dragon, Phycodurus eques.
Lucky Bay, Esperance, Western Australia.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/16 • 1/160 • ISO 800 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Porcelain Crab, Neopetrolisthes maculatus.
Gato Island, Malapascua Island, Philippines
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/18 • 1/200 • ISO 125 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Pigmy Seahorse.
Gato Island, Malapascua Island, Philippines
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/32 • 1/200 • ISO 125 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Xeno Crab, Xenocarcinus tuberculatus.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/6.3 • 1/125 • ISO 125 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Spun of light Nudibranch.
Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/29 • 1/125 • ISO 125 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Western Australian or Tiger Snout Seahorse, Hippocampus subelongatus.
Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/8 • 1/200 • ISO 200 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Western Australian or Tiger Snout Seahorse, Hippocampus subelongatus.
Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/9 • 1/200 • ISO 200 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Tooth Edged Chromodris, Goniobranchus roboi.
Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/6.3 • 1/125 • ISO 125 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Leafy sea dragon, Phycodurus eques.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/20 • 1/200 • ISO 800 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Leafy sea dragon, Phycodurus eques.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/20 • 1/200 • ISO 800 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Western Australian or Tiger Snout Seahorse, Hippocampus subelongatus.
Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.
Nikon Z6II • Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S • Dual DS161 Strobes with TTL.
f/18 • 1/125 • ISO 100 • 105mm
© Jason Milligan
Additional Viewing
Featured Customers | Jason Milligan Underwater in Australia
Nikon Z 105mm Manual Focus Gear Installation // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]
Macro with Black Background Underwater Camera Settings
Nikon Z6 II or Canon R6 Housing? Back in the Water in Catalina [VIDEO]
Macro Minded: Creating Meaningful Underwater Macro Photo and Video
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.
