Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 Macro: More Than Just Close-Ups

I’ve used the AF-S version of Nikon’s 105mm f/2.8 macro for years, but about 12 months ago, I switched to the Z-mount NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S on my Nikon Z8. I’ve been shooting with it regularly ever since.

You’d expect it to be good for macro work. And it is. Excellent, even.

With 1:1 full-frame magnification, solid vibration reduction, and highly reliable autofocus on the Z8, it’s my go-to for gear close-ups on this site, as well as flower photography.

What makes this lens so valuable, however, is that it significantly overperforms as a general-purpose telephoto — precisely because of its macro design.

True macro lenses are engineered with a “flat field of focus.” They’re designed to ensure that when reproducing a flat subject (like a document, coin, or piece of art), the corners remain just as razor-sharp as the dead center, practically eliminating optical field curvature. Standard fast portrait primes, like the 105mm f/1.4, are fundamentally optimized for something entirely different: maximum center resolution and extreme background separation. A bit of field curvature is tolerated in those lenses because corner sharpness is irrelevant when the edges of your frame are melting into bokeh.

Because of this, when I turn the 105mm f/2.8 toward the rigid columns of the Lincoln Memorial or shoot sweeping architectural landscapes across the Tidal Basin, that flat-field design pays huge dividends. It delivers a level of edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire focal plane that traditional portrait lenses struggle to match, producing a look free of typical subtle curvature.

While the 105mm focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture put it squarely in the ideal range for portraits — and it works quite well for that — Nikon makes significantly more expensive, faster primes specifically suited for portraiture (like the 135mm f/1.8 Plena, 85mm f/1.2, and even another 105mm, the f/1.4). I doubt many people buy the 105mm f/2.8 strictly to shoot portraits.

Instead, the combination of a moderate telephoto reach, a fast-enough aperture, and a flat perspective makes it an incredibly capable tool for general photography. Below is a selection of images showing how I use it for both macro and non-macro work. A large portion of these are from the Tidal Basin; this is, by far, the lens I rely on most for tracking the cherry blossoms. I use it not just for detail close-ups, but for wide context shots, and I’ll often head down there with this as my only lens.

Sample images

Here’s a selection of images I’ve taken with this lens (if you’re looking for a filter for it, check my Nikon lens filter size chart). I tend to use it mostly wide open, or near wide open, and shoot with it on a Nikon Z8.

It will also work on a DX body, but the focal length will 1.5x (i.e., around 158mm in 35mm equivalent terms). If you’re interested in how that translates in terms of perspective, I have posted a separate calculator for that.

About the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 S

The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a macro lens for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, offering 1:1 life-size magnification. It has a bright f/2.8 aperture for depth of field control and improved low-light performance, with smooth bokeh. The lens includes Vibration Reduction (VR) to reduce camera shake, complementing in-body stabilization for sharper handheld shots.

Optically, it features S-Line construction with coatings that reduce chromatic aberrations, ghosting, and flare. The lens is weather-sealed for durability and equipped with a quiet autofocus motor and customizable control ring, making it well-suited for macro and portrait photography.

Specification	Details
Focal Length	105mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2.8
Minimum Aperture	f/32
Lens Mount	Nikon Z
Format Compatibility	Full-Frame/FX
Angle of View	23° 10′
Minimum Focus Distance	11.4 inches (0.29 meters)
Maximum Magnification	1:1 (Life-size)
Optical Design	16 elements in 11 groups, including 3 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements and 1 aspherical element
Diaphragm Blades	9, rounded
Focus System	Dual-Motor Multi-Focus STM (Stepping Motor) System with manual focus override
Image Stabilization	Yes, Vibration Reduction (VR) with up to 4.5 stops of compensation
Coatings	Nano Crystal Coat, ARNEO Coat, and Fluorine Coat
Filter Size	62mm
Dimensions (Diameter x Length)	Approximately 3.3 x 5.5 inches (85 x 140 mm)
Weight	Approximately 1.4 pounds (630 grams)
Special Features	– Focus limiter switch (0.3m to 0.5m) – L-Fn (Lens Function) button – OLED lens information panel – Weather-sealed construction – Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism – Compatible with focus shift shooting for depth of field stacking