Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a professional-grade macro prime lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This S-Line lens is engineered to reveal hidden worlds and thrilling details with its superb optical performance. It offers a versatile 105mm focal length, a close working distance, and a true 1:1 reproduction ratio, allowing for life-size magnification of subjects. Beyond macro photography, its characteristics make it an outstanding choice for portraits, delivering a classic 105mm look with beautiful background separation.

This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. What's in the Box

Upon unboxing your NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens, please ensure all the following items are present:

• LC-62B Lens Cap (front cap): Protects the front element of the lens from dust and scratches.
• LF-N1 Lens Cap (rear cap): Protects the rear element and lens mount when the lens is not attached to the camera.
• HB-99 Lens Hood: Reduces flare and ghosting caused by stray light, and offers additional physical protection to the front of the lens.
• CL-C2 Lens Case: Provides protective storage and transport for your lens.

Image: The HB-99 Lens Hood, included with your NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens, designed to minimize lens flare.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens to Your Camera

1. Ensure your camera is turned off.
2. Remove the body cap from your camera and the rear lens cap (LF-N1) from the lens.
3. Align the mounting mark on the lens with the mounting mark on the camera body.
4. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place, indicating it is securely locked.

Image: The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens mounted on a Nikon Z series mirrorless camera body.

3.2 Attaching the Lens Hood (HB-99)

1. Align the lens hood mounting mark with the mark on the front of the lens.
2. Rotate the hood clockwise until it clicks into place. Ensure it is firmly attached and correctly oriented.

4. Operating the Lens

4.1 Key Features and Controls

Image: Side view of the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens, highlighting its control switches and display.

• Focus Mode Switch (A/M): Toggles between autofocus (A) and manual focus (M).
• Focus-Limit Switch (FULL/0.5m-0.29m): Limits the autofocus range to speed up focusing. "FULL" uses the entire focus range, while "0.5m-0.29m" restricts it to closer distances, ideal for dedicated macro shots.
• L-Fn Button: A customizable function button that can be assigned various camera settings via the camera menu.
• DISP Button: Toggles the OLED display on the lens, showing information such as aperture, focus distance, and reproduction ratio.
• Control Ring: This customizable ring can be assigned functions like ISO, aperture, or exposure compensation for quick adjustments.

4.2 Macro Photography

The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S excels in macro photography with its true 1:1 reproduction ratio, allowing you to capture subjects at life-size magnification on the sensor. This is perfect for revealing intricate details of small objects like jewelry, flowers, insects, and products.

Image: A detailed macro shot of a feather with a water droplet, showcasing the lens's ability to capture fine textures and reflections.

For optimal macro results, consider using the focus-limit switch to restrict the focus range to "0.5m-0.29m". This can significantly improve autofocus speed and accuracy when working at very close distances. The lens's quiet motor ensures minimal disturbance to sensitive subjects like insects.

4.3 Portrait and Everyday Photography

While primarily a macro lens, the 105mm focal length is also highly flattering for portraits, providing excellent subject isolation and a pleasing compression effect. The bright f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for beautiful shallow depth of field, creating smooth, creamy bokeh that makes your subject stand out.

The lens's advanced optical design ensures exceptional sharpness, contrast, and clarity across the frame, making it suitable for a wide range of everyday photographic situations beyond macro, including landscapes and general close-up work.

4.4 Vibration Reduction (VR)

The built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) system helps to minimize camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. While there isn't a physical VR switch on the lens, you can enable or disable this feature through your Nikon Z camera's menu settings.

5. Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens. Follow these guidelines for care:

• Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of lens cleaning fluid applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
• Dust and Moisture: The lens is weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture. However, it is not waterproof. Avoid exposing the lens to heavy rain or direct water spray. Always wipe off any moisture immediately.
• Storage: When not in use, store the lens with both front and rear caps attached in the provided CL-C2 lens case, or in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts. Always handle it with care, especially when attaching or detaching it from the camera body.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your lens. For more complex problems, please refer to the Nikon support website or contact customer service.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please visit the official Nikon USA website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Nikon USA Support: www.nikonusa.com/support