Hands on With the Freshly Unveiled Nikon MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens

Last week, Nikon unveiled the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens. In an unusual move from the manufacturer, we have a hands-on video before the lens reaches the shelves.

Designed to give beautiful bokeh, the 105mm f/2.8 is one of Nikon’s high-quality S-lenses and has a minimum focusing distance of less than a foot (20 cm). 16 elements sit in 11 groups, there are 9 rounded aperture blades, the front filter measures 62mm, and the unit weighs 1.4 lbs (630 g). The lens includes weather-sealing to allow for shooting in challenging conditions.

As you’d expect given its name, the macro reproduction ratio is 1:1, but as this video from Matt Irwin shows, this is a versatile lens and could be a great option for portraiture. From this quick glance, the stabilization — what Nikon calls Vibration Reduction (VR) — also looks impressive, allowing for handheld video that’s free of jitter and shooting stills at slow shutter speeds.

B&H Photo is currently taking preorders for the lens, which is priced at $996.95 and is expected to start shipping at the beginning of July.

Will you be placing an order? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.