Detailed Examination: Nikon Z 105mm Macro Lens Performance Analysis

Detailed Examination: Nikon Z 105mm Macro Lens Performance Analysis

The Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 macro lens, a new addition to the Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, is causing a stir in the underwater photography community. This high-end lens offers several advantages and some disadvantages when compared to its predecessor, the Nikon F 105mm macro lens.

### Pros of Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Underwater Use:

The Z lens's built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) technology helps reduce blur from camera shake, a valuable feature in underwater photography where steady shooting can be challenging. Advanced coatings like Nano Crystal Coat, Arneo Coat, and Fluorine Coat are also included, reducing reflections, ghosting, and repelling water and oil, improving image quality in challenging underwater lighting and wet environments.

The lens's internal focusing and autofocus system provide smooth, precise autofocus with an electronically coupled focus ring, ideal for macro precision underwater. The Nikon Z mount mirrorless body paired with this lens offers a more compact and potentially more ergonomic underwater housing setup compared to the DSLR system used by Nikon F lenses. The lens is also compatible with underwater accessories like the Nauticam MFO-3 mid-range focus optimizer, which extends working distance and improves focus stability underwater.

### Cons of Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 Compared to Nikon F 105mm Macro Lens:

The Z 105mm lens, weighing about 630g and measuring 85x140 mm, may be bulkier than older Nikon F 105mm designs, potentially impacting underwater housing choices and handling. Being a newer, high-end lens, the Z 105mm typically costs more, both for the lens itself and compatible mirrorless camera bodies, than Nikon F 105mm options. Users familiar with Nikon F lenses and DSLR underwater housings might need to adapt to the mirrorless system’s controls and features underwater.

### Advantages of Nikon F 105mm Macro Lens Underwater:

Older Nikon F 105mm macros, particularly the 105mm f/2.8 lenses, are known for excellent sharpness and color rendition underwater due to their established optical designs. For photographers using Nikon DSLRs, the F-mount 105mm macro may be more convenient without needing new bodies or housings. Older legacy lenses can often be acquired for lower cost and with extensive underwater housing availability.

### Limitations Compared:

The Nikon F 105mm macro lenses generally lack in-built stabilization, advanced coatings, and electronic focus ring smoothness, which can be less optimal for close-up underwater macro shooting. They also cannot directly benefit from newer underwater optical accessories like the MFO-3 without additional adapters or considerations.

In summary, the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 macro lens offers superior technological features such as image stabilization, modern coatings, and better compatibility with advanced underwater accessories, enhancing underwater macro photography. However, it is generally larger, more expensive, and requires mirrorless housing systems. The Nikon F 105mm macro lens remains a strong optical performer and is favored by DSLR users, though it lacks some modern conveniences and stabilization features essential for the most demanding underwater macro work.

1. Underwater photographers appreciate thenew Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 macro lens, a mirrorless camera addition, due to its built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, enhancing image quality in challenging underwater lighting and wet environments.
2. The Z lens, compatible with gadgets like the Nauticam MFO-3 mid-range focus optimizer, also features advanced coatings, such as Nano Crystal Coat, Arneo Coat, and Fluorine Coat, reducing reflections, ghosting, and water and oil repellency.
3. The internal focusing and autofocus system of the Z 105mm lens delivers smooth, precise autofocus, making it ideal for macro precision underwater.
4. However, when compared to the Nikon F 105mm macro lens, the Z 105mm may be bulkier, affecting underwater housing choices and handling, and more expensive in terms of lens and camera body costs.
5. The Nikon F 105mm macro, known for its excellent sharpness and color rendition underwater, is favored by DSLR users, while lacking in-built stabilization, advanced coatings, and electronic focus ring smoothness.
6. Underwater macro photography can greatly benefit from the superior technological features of the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 macro lens, including image stabilization, modern coatings, and compatibility with advanced underwater accessories. However, those who prefer DSLR systems may find the older Nikon F 105mm macro lens a suitable choice for its robust optical performance.

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