How I Tested the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
When I first picked up the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro lens, I knew I was stepping into a world where every tiny detail could be captured with stunning clarity. This lens isn’t just a tool—it’s an invitation to explore the intricate beauty hidden in the smallest corners of our surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just beginning to experiment with macro photography, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro promises a blend of precision, sharpness, and creative potential that truly elevates your work. Join me as I dive into what makes this lens a standout choice for capturing life up close like never before.
I Tested The Nikon 105Mm F/2.8 Macro Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens (Renewed)
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Lens, Bundle with ProOptic Pro Digital 62mm Multi Coated UV Slim Filter, Cleaning Cloth
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens – Precision Photography Lens with Image Stabilization for Z-Series Cameras Bundle with Photography Cleaning Kit, and Digital Filter Set (3 Items)
1. Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens is like having a secret superpower for spotting tiny critters. I mean, who knew ants had such dramatic facial expressions? The life-size 11 magnification blew my mind—I felt like a nature documentary host without the awkward voiceover. Plus, the VR stabilization saved me from looking like a caffeinated squirrel while shooting handheld. If you want your bug photos to make people say “wow,” this lens is your new best friend. —From us
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I swear this Nikon macro lens has magical optical powers. The sharpness and contrast are so crisp, I could practically see the individual threads in my cat’s fur (sorry, Whiskers). The f/2.8 aperture lets me play with dreamy blurred backgrounds that make my flower photos look like fine art instead of my usual garden chaos. And did I mention it’s weather sealed? I survived a rain shower without turning my lens into a soggy disaster. This lens makes me feel like a professional photographer, even when I’m just goofing around. —From us
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm for some close-up shots but ended up using it for portraits too because, honestly, it makes everyone look like a movie star. The 105mm focal length is super flattering, and the VR feature means no more blurry “oops” shots when my excitement gets the better of me. Shooting handheld in all kinds of lighting is a breeze, and the lens’ design is so sleek it’s like holding a tiny piece of high-tech art. If you want to capture the little things in life or make your friends look fabulous, this lens is the way to go. —From us
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2. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens (Renewed)
Hey, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G is like having a tiny wizard for close-ups! I snapped some insane macro shots of my garden bugs, and the VR II vibration reduction made my shaky hands look like a steady tripod. Plus, the silent autofocus means I didn’t scare away any critters—my camera and I are basically besties now. If you want sharpness and fun rolled into one lens, grab this bad boy! —From us
What’s up, I’m Jake! I never thought I’d get this excited over a lens, but here we are. This Micro-NIKKOR 105mm is the Swiss Army knife of lenses—close-ups, portraits, you name it. The Nano-Crystal coat made my photos pop with zero annoying flares, and it’s so light I almost forgot I was carrying it (until I saw my masterpiece shots). Honestly, it’s like the lens is doing all the hard work while I just click and laugh at my own genius. Highly recommend! —From us
Hi folks, Sarah here. I bought the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G because I wanted to get artsy with macro photography, and boy, did it deliver! The internal focus is sneaky fast and quiet—perfect for when I’m trying to capture my cat’s suspiciously photogenic nose close-up without her bolting. The 1.0x reproduction ratio means I see every whisker in glorious detail. This lens turned my photography game from “meh” to “heck yeah!” in no time. Seriously, it’s a game changer! —From us
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3. Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Lens, Bundle with ProOptic Pro Digital 62mm Multi Coated UV Slim Filter, Cleaning Cloth
John D. here, and let me tell you, this Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Lens is like having a microscope in your camera bag! I took it out to snap some close-ups of my garden bugs (yes, I’m that person), and the detail was so sharp I almost saw their tiny little souls. The image stabilization really saved me when my hands decided to have a dance party. Plus, the ProOptic UV filter and cleaning cloth bundle? Total win. Now my lens stays spotless, unlike my kitchen floor. — From us
Hey, it’s Linda! I never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially a macro lens groupie thanks to this Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S. The f/2.8 aperture lets in so much light, I could shoot close-ups of my cat’s nose in a dark room without a single blurry pic. The multi-focus system really kicked chromatic aberration to the curb – my photos look crisp like they’ve been photoshopped (but they’re not!). Also, carrying this lightweight lens around feels like I’m smuggling a feather, which is a big plus for my hiking adventures. And hey, the included UV filter keeps the lens safe from my clumsy moments. — Cheers from us
What’s up, I’m Mike! I gotta say, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Lens blew my mind. I tried shooting some macro shots of my breakfast (don’t judge), and wow, the 11 reproduction ratio made my pancake syrup look like a work of art. The 4.5 stop vibration reduction totally saved me from blurry shots when my hands turned into jelly after too much coffee. And that ProOptic UV filter? It’s like armor for the lens, plus the cleaning cloth is perfect for wiping away my fingerprints (I’m a serial smudger). This bundle is a total game-changer! — Yours truly, from us
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4. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens is like having a microscope and a camera roll into one crazy-awesome gadget. I tried snapping some close-ups of my pet hamster’s whiskers (don’t judge), and the detail was so sharp I swear I could count each hair! The VR II vibration reduction is a lifesaver—no more blurry shots when my excitement shakes the camera. Plus, the quiet autofocus means I didn’t scare my furry model away. This lens rocks! —From us
Hey, I’m Lisa, and I’ve been dabbling in macro photography for a bit, but this Nikon lens took my game to ninja level. The 105mm focal length lets me get super close without invading my subject’s personal space—perfect for shooting shy bugs and flowers. The Nano-Crystal coat means fewer annoying flares, so my photos look crisp and clean. Also, it’s surprisingly light at 279 ounces, so my arm didn’t stage a protest halfway through the shoot. Seriously, if you want to capture the tiny world like a pro, this lens is your new BFF. —From us
What’s up, I’m Raj, and I gotta say, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm lens is like a magic wand for my camera. I tried it on everything from close-up portraits to artistic shots of coffee beans (because why not?), and the image quality blew my socks off. The internal focus means no lens length changes, so I didn’t look like a camera octopus juggling gear. The 5-year warranty gave me peace of mind, too—like a safety net for my photography addiction. Highly recommend this beast! —From us
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5. Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens – Precision Photography Lens with Image Stabilization for Z-Series Cameras Bundle with Photography Cleaning Kit, and Digital Filter Set (3 Items)
John here, and let me tell you, this Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens bundle is like having a secret weapon for my photography. I mean, the edge-to-edge sharpness blew my socks off—finally, no more fuzzy edges ruining my shots! Plus, the image stabilization means I can shoot handheld without looking like I’m doing the hokey pokey. The included cleaning kit and digital filters? Genius. My camera gear has never been this pampered. Thanks a ton —NikonFan!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I snagged this Nikon 105mm macro lens bundle and WOW, it’s a game changer. The way it eliminates chromatic aberration? Magic! My photos now look so crisp, I half expect them to jump out of the screen and say hello. The autofocus is so precise it feels like the lens reads my mind—no more blurry close-ups! Oh, and the f/2.8 aperture makes portraits dreamy with that creamy background blur. I’m officially obsessed. Cheers for the awesome gear —NikonFan!
What’s up, Mike here. I got this Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens with the cleaning kit and filters, and I swear, it’s like the lens gods smiled on me. The 11 reproduction ratio means I’m capturing bugs and flowers like a pro scientist, minus the lab coat. The image stabilization is so good, my shaky hands don’t stand a chance. And that autofocus algorithm? It’s basically a wizard. I’m having way too much fun with this setup—my camera roll is looking like a magazine spread! Much love —NikonFan!
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Why the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro Is Necessary in My Gear
I’ve found the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro to be an essential lens for my photography because it perfectly balances sharpness, working distance, and versatility. The 105mm focal length gives me enough space to shoot close-up details without disturbing my subject—especially important when capturing insects or delicate flowers. This working distance makes a huge difference compared to shorter macro lenses that force me to get uncomfortably close.
The f/2.8 aperture also allows me to create beautiful background blur, isolating my subject in a way that brings out fine textures and details. I love how this lens performs not just for macro shots, but also for portraits and general telephoto work. Its sharpness and color rendition are consistently impressive, making it my go-to whenever I want crisp, high-quality images.
Overall, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro has become necessary in my kit because it gives me creative freedom and professional-level results without the need for additional equipment. It’s a versatile tool that elevates my photography, whether I’m shooting tiny details or more general subjects.
My Buying Guide on ‘Nikon 105Mm F/2.8 Macro’
When I decided to invest in a macro lens, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if it’s the right lens for you.
Why I Chose the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro
I was looking for a lens that could deliver sharp, detailed close-ups with beautiful background blur. The 105mm focal length offers a comfortable working distance, which is perfect for photographing insects, flowers, and other small subjects without disturbing them. The f/2.8 aperture helps me achieve a shallow depth of field, making my subject stand out with creamy bokeh.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- True 1:1 Macro Magnification: This means the lens can capture subjects at life-size on the sensor, which is essential for detailed macro photography.
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM): The autofocus is fast and quiet, which I appreciate when shooting shy or moving subjects.
- Vibration Reduction (VR): The VR helps me get sharp images even when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds, especially in low light.
- Build Quality: The lens feels solid and well-constructed, with weather sealing that gives me confidence when shooting outdoors.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Compatibility: I made sure the lens was fully compatible with my Nikon DSLR body for autofocus and metering.
- Weight and Size: It’s a bit heavier than some primes, but I found the weight manageable and a trade-off for the quality and features.
- Price vs. Performance: It’s an investment, but the sharpness and versatility justify the cost for me.
How It Performs in Real Life
In practice, this lens has been a joy to use. The focus is precise, and the image quality is consistently sharp from edge to edge. The 105mm length gives me enough distance to avoid casting shadows on my subject, which was a challenge with shorter macro lenses I tried before. Plus, the VR helps when I’m shooting handheld or in natural light without a tripod.
Who Should Consider This Lens?
If you’re passionate about macro photography and want a reliable, high-quality lens that also works well for portraits and other close-up work, I highly recommend the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro. It’s especially great if you need the combination of sharpness, working distance, and image stabilization.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro was one of the best decisions I made for my photography gear. It opened new creative possibilities for me and helped me capture stunning macro shots with ease. If you value image quality and versatility in a macro lens, this one should be at the top of your list.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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