By looking at data available at Photons to Photos (link), the focal length reduction of the Z 105 MC is rather pronounced from infinity (magnification = 0) to shorter distances. I have collected the data for both the Z 105 MC and the AF-S 105 VR and plotted them in the figure below. As you can see, focus breathing of the Z 105 MC is really huge, even at "normal" focusing distances.
The "old" AF-S 105 Micro VR doesn't change significantly its focal length from infinity (FL = 104 mm) to 1:4 (FL = 102 mm).
On the basis of these data, it is reasonable to assume that the "old" 105 Micro allows a slightly better subject isolation from the background, even in portraiture.
The larger Z-mount flange and its closer distance from the sensor plane allowed a higher performance lens to be designed with less chromatic aberrations, however at the expense of reducing the focal length.
In close-ups, a TC doesn't increase FL, but only the magnification. The 105 mm + 1.4X TC combo has a FL equal to 147 mm at infinity only. This is a general behaviour. For example, the FL of the 300/2.8 VR + 1.4X combo is around 250 mm (instead of 420 mm) at the minimum focus distance:
The optical scheme of the old AF Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8D was made of a 75/2 prime coupled to a 1.4X converter; the overall FL changed from 105 mm at infinity to 73.7 mm at 1:1, while the FL of the "prime" (the Master Lens in the picture below) changed from 75 to 72.7 mm:
pmgnut wrote:
I have this lens {F mount} and love it, it's actually one of my favorites. Tack sharp and fantastic bokeh.
Z8 + 105/2.8S Macro in Nauticam housing, single Sea&Sea YS-D2 strobe with snoot.
Just a little pool session to get used to my new housing and this is the first time I tried to
use a snoot wiht a strobe.
All shot at f18, 1/160s, iso 64 just in my snorkel gear. I am ready for my scuba trip next month
which will be 100% macro dives
