In this Video, I compare photos with my Nikon Z7II using my new Nikkor 105mm MC f/2.8 S lens as compared to the Nikkor 60mm EF-s Micro f/2.8G ED lens.

My first impression was that the older Nikkor 60mm Micro lens actually help up better than I thought when considering it required the Nikkor FTX adapter to work with my Nikon Z7II.

However, the Z mount Nikkor 105mm MC lens produced outstanding results - definitely dive into the video to some some stunning examples. Some of the closeups of flower petals were almost going from macro to microscopic level!

As part of the tests I did use the Focus Shift shooting function of my Nikon Z7II. This really highlights the amazing clarity of the Nikkor 105mm lens by combining a series of images of different focal point. To say some of the images are stunning is an understatement!

Some of the benefits of the newer Nikkor 105mm MC lens over the older Nikkor 60mm lens are:

1. Longer focal length allowing you to shoot macro shots from further away which is great for not disturbing insects as well as avoiding shadowing your subject by having he lens too close.
2. Additional Function button and function ring. I used the L-Fn function button to allow me to toggle between viewing full frame as well as fully zoomed view on LCD. You set that up in the Custom Settings Menu/f2 Custom controls then scrolling across to Lens FN button and choosing Zoom on/off. This ability to zoom in fully to focus on the macro subject with a press of a button zoom out again is a game changer for getting sharp focus.
3. Being a dedicated Z mount lens the Nikkor 105mm MC lens produces the sharpest possible image for a prime lens. Definitely edging out the 60mm.
4. Focus shift shooting with the Nikkor 105mm MC lens was more predictable that results with the 60mm. My first thought was the 60mm was not taking enough shots as it was not 'communicating' well through the FTX adapter. In hindsight, I think the issue was that the Steps (chosen in the Focus Shift shooting menu) were much larger focus jumps than the 105mm resulting in fewer jumps to infinity (Focus shift shooting cuts off once focus is at infinity).

I hope you enjoyed the lens shootout

If you have not tried Macro Photography I highly recommend giving it a go! These types of shots will definitely get the attention of your friends and family and opens up a world of stunning and rewarding images.

You don't want to miss out on the deep dive into Focus Shift shooting/Focus stacking that I will be presenting to DPinsiders. If you are NOT a DPinsiders member you will have a great opportunity with the Macro Special offer.

If you are interested in a great reference guide on Macro Photography I highly recommend Photzy's Macro Lighting eBook: