Looks like this Nikon 105/2.8 is a really good lens for macro!
Are these crops? Did you use AF?
I'm asking about AF as I would like to use focus stacking on my Zf.
Does all Z bodies have that focus stacking feature? Is it easy to run? Just pick a feature, aim (AF) and press release button?
Did any of you guys try it? Would you be able to share a sample?
I have the Laowa 85 f5.6. The smaller aperture is not a huge issue for macro as your stopping down for depth of field anyway. I would just add that it is only f5.6 at infinity and the effective aperture at macro magnifications is around f11. I typically use mine with the aperture ring set to f11 and I shoot 90% of the time in the 2x range.
As others have mentioned, the main drawback is manual focus not allowing use of the focus stacking function in the Z cameras.
Ripolini wrote:
To use "automatic" focus stacking you need either a AF-S (F-mount) lens + FTZ or a Nikkor Z lens. AF/AF-D Nikkor lenses won't AF on Z bodies.
However, there are excellent macro photographer who can focus stack manually. It's not that difficult
You can start from the first tutorials by Micheal Erlewine:
I crop most images to 5K or 4K resolution, so yes - they're all cropped to some extent.
Mostly AF, using magnified view, on a tripod, with flash
I've not done much focus-stacking - only did it once and it was easy enough.
You go into the menu, set your stacking interval + number of shots + some other settings,
click and the camera does the rest. Then you can merge them in Photoshop easily.
saaketham wrote:
I crop most images to 5K or 4K resolution, so yes - they're all cropped to some extent.
Mostly AF, using magnified view, on a tripod, with flash
I've not done much focus-stacking - only did it once and it was easy enough.
You go into the menu, set your stacking interval + number of shots + some other settings,
click and the camera does the rest. Then you can merge them in Photoshop easily.
Beautiful photos again.
Yeah, looks like 105mm is getting straight on my list, so once I get Zf from pre-order, I will be looking to get Nikon 26mm 2.8, that 105mm 2.8 Macro and Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 Z. Or will start with just 40/2.
Ripolini wrote:
Yes but he also said that the Canon 100 Macro on R5 focuses faster ...
He says a lot of things. 🙂
I got several keepers, shooting with the Z 105 MC over many weeks. I highly recommend it for macro.
I did not recommend it for full body outdoor portraits, because I didn't like the background rendering, compared to a 105 f/1.4.
But if Canon is better, then great - I have no experience with Canon mirrorless. 🙏🏼
No, only some have it and it comes in two versions. Some bodies will adjust the focus in pre-chosen steps, and then you need software to stack them (my preferred method) while other's will stack them in camera and give you a stacked photo. Unfortunately as far as I know that final shot is a JPG, never a raw or tiff, so I have little use for it.
Almost bought a Tokina 100mm, 1:1 and has af. Not sure if the older Pro D has af on the Z or not, atx-i might do better on adapting. I doubt they had much trouble making excellent 100mm macros by the time this came out
I've also looked at the 60's 55/3.5's, too short for a lot if my macro but supposed to be excellent, 27.5mm tubes to get to 1:1 aren't too unwieldy imo vs 52.5mm on the 105's. I use 180, and have used tc a lot, on bugs and butterflies that fly off, but that's harder
AmbientMike wrote:
Almost bought a Tokina 100mm, 1:1 and has af. Not sure if the older Pro D has af on the Z or not, atx-i might do better on adapting. I doubt they had much trouble making excellent 100mm macros by the time this came out
I've also looked at the 60's 55/3.5's, too short for a lot if my macro but supposed to be excellent, 27.5mm tubes to get to 1:1 aren't too unwieldy imo vs 52.5mm on the 105's. I use 180, and have used tc a lot, on bugs and butterflies that fly off, but that's harder
I went with a Sigma 105mm f2.8 OS with an FTZ. It seems pretty good so far. I've had good luck with Sigma macros. Plus the lens only cost me £190 second hand, so I consider it a huge bargain over the Nikon 105 MC.
