Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
p.1 #1Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
I am curious if anyone has attempted to use the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC on their Valoi easy35. I have the second gen of the easy35 on preorder and I will need a macro lens of course.
I've owned and used the 105mm MC (great) in the past and also an old 105mm D (not good due to telescoping barrel). The Z 105mm was great, but expensive, so I am looking at the cheaper 50mm MC or the 60mm G F versions as possible alternatives.
What I want the lens to do is limit waste around the 35mm frame and not end up wasting pixels when I scan. Some of the rebate is fine as I always scan the exposure date at the edge of the frame that is imprinted by the F6.
Any help from those with past experience is appreciated.
I've owned and used the 105mm MC (great) in the past and also an old 105mm D (not good due to telescoping barrel). The Z 105mm was great, but expensive, so I am looking at the cheaper 50mm MC or the 60mm G F versions as possible alternatives.
What I want the lens to do is limit waste around the 35mm frame and not end up wasting pixels when I scan. Some of the rebate is fine as I always scan the exposure date at the edge of the frame that is imprinted by the F6.
Any help from those with past experience is appreciated.
Mar 27, 2026 at 06:39 AM
p.1 #2Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
I have not used the 50/2.8 MC, but I have actually heard amazing things for the AI-s 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor with the PK-13 as a fantastic lens for film scanning as it has a very flat plane of focus. Something that may also be worth a look since it's quite affordable. Many macro lenses extend on the barrel, though, including the Z MC 50mm f/2.8.
If you need internal focus but don't want to spend the $ for the 105mm, you can also take a look at the Z mount Tamron 90mm, which is 1:1 and internal focus, for $699.
If you need internal focus but don't want to spend the $ for the 105mm, you can also take a look at the Z mount Tamron 90mm, which is 1:1 and internal focus, for $699.
Mar 27, 2026 at 09:00 AM
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p.1 #3Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
I just use the 60 G, and it has the added benefit of being cut from the same cloth as the 35/1.4 G and 85/1.4 G in that it has rendering that no Z lens can give you for other non-macro shooting. Unfortunately they seem to be about twice as expensive now vs when I got mine.
Mar 27, 2026 at 09:03 AM
p.1 #4Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
geekcop wrote:
I am curious if anyone has attempted to use the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC on their Valoi easy35. I have the second gen of the easy35 on preorder and I will need a macro lens of course.
I use the Z 50mm MC for my slide scanning rig, having recently switched from the Sony 50mm. So far, I'm very happy with it. I especially like that the portion of the lens that extends when focusing is actually inside the slide holder. With the Sony rig the holder had to be screwed to the moving part, which made it a lot more fragile/less stable.
Here's my rig with the medium-format holder and a recent sample from an old chrome (nothing special).
I am curious if anyone has attempted to use the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC on their Valoi easy35. I have the second gen of the easy35 on preorder and I will need a macro lens of course.
I use the Z 50mm MC for my slide scanning rig, having recently switched from the Sony 50mm. So far, I'm very happy with it. I especially like that the portion of the lens that extends when focusing is actually inside the slide holder. With the Sony rig the holder had to be screwed to the moving part, which made it a lot more fragile/less stable.
Here's my rig with the medium-format holder and a recent sample from an old chrome (nothing special).
NIKON Z 8 NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 lens 50mm f/5.3 1/15s 100 ISO -1.0 EV
Mar 27, 2026 at 09:25 AM
p.1 #5Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
Also potentially worth considering are the Laowa macro lenses - they are generally outstanding, and are all internal focus. You can get the 90mm or the 58mm (if you want shorter working distance) for $499 new, and they are native Z mount, and do 2x magnification.
Mar 27, 2026 at 09:25 AM
p.1 #6Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
Mike, I really like your setup. Would you be so kind as to list your gear? I use the Z8 and 50 macro and have a lot of old slides to process. This looks very efficient. Thank you! 
Mary
Mary
Mar 27, 2026 at 09:41 AM
p.1 #7Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
I use the 50 MC with the ES-2, not the Valoi. I've also got the 60 f/2.8G that Scott mentioned, and the one time I A/B'd them for film scanning, the 50 had a slight edge.
But like Scott said, the 60G is fantastic as an all-around lens. I use mine as a normal lens instead of a 50, and it's got a great look while also being a proper macro. I was underwhelmed by the 50MC's look for actual normal photography, but that suits me just fine. It lives with my film scanning stuff for copy work, and the 60 does everything else.
Edited on Mar 27, 2026 at 10:11 AM · View previous versions
But like Scott said, the 60G is fantastic as an all-around lens. I use mine as a normal lens instead of a 50, and it's got a great look while also being a proper macro. I was underwhelmed by the 50MC's look for actual normal photography, but that suits me just fine. It lives with my film scanning stuff for copy work, and the 60 does everything else.
Edited on Mar 27, 2026 at 10:11 AM · View previous versions
Mar 27, 2026 at 10:09 AM
p.1 #8Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
mjgphotoz wrote:
Mike, I really like your setup. Would you be so kind as to list your gear? I use the Z8 and 50 macro and have a lot of old slides to process. This looks very efficient. Thank you!
I'll give it a go...
I use two different film holder gizmos:
• the one in the photo is for 120-format film is a Camflix 120M. I bought it from a Chinese seller on Amazon, but they don't have them any more. Here's an eBay listing for it - https://www.ebay.com/itm/283670441829
• Also use a Nikon ES-2 holder for 35mm slides and film; its design is quite similar to the above, just smaller. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1357884-REG/nikon_27192_es_2_film_digitalizing_adapet.html
The light source is a little light box I found on Amazon, also no longer sold. But this Kodak model looks to be identical - https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-Negatives-Illuminated-Stenciling-Glare-Free/dp/B09TQSVDGW/ref=sr_1_14
I've cobbled together various arca-rails/clamps and a mini-tripod from my junk drawer to hold it all in place.
When shooting, I either tether to my computer to capture directly, or us a cheap remote trigger to take the shot without having to touch the camera. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N12LX4T?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1
Finally, if you're scanning negatives, I highly recommend investing in the Negative Lab Pro software. It does a great job of properly converting negative images. Info here - https://www.negativelabpro.com
Mike, I really like your setup. Would you be so kind as to list your gear? I use the Z8 and 50 macro and have a lot of old slides to process. This looks very efficient. Thank you!
I'll give it a go...
I use two different film holder gizmos:
• the one in the photo is for 120-format film is a Camflix 120M. I bought it from a Chinese seller on Amazon, but they don't have them any more. Here's an eBay listing for it - https://www.ebay.com/itm/283670441829
• Also use a Nikon ES-2 holder for 35mm slides and film; its design is quite similar to the above, just smaller. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1357884-REG/nikon_27192_es_2_film_digitalizing_adapet.html
The light source is a little light box I found on Amazon, also no longer sold. But this Kodak model looks to be identical - https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-Negatives-Illuminated-Stenciling-Glare-Free/dp/B09TQSVDGW/ref=sr_1_14
I've cobbled together various arca-rails/clamps and a mini-tripod from my junk drawer to hold it all in place.
When shooting, I either tether to my computer to capture directly, or us a cheap remote trigger to take the shot without having to touch the camera. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N12LX4T?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5&th=1
Finally, if you're scanning negatives, I highly recommend investing in the Negative Lab Pro software. It does a great job of properly converting negative images. Info here - https://www.negativelabpro.com
Mar 27, 2026 at 10:10 AM
p.1 #9Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
Jman13 wrote:
I have not used the 50/2.8 MC, but I have actually heard amazing things for the AI-s 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor with the PK-13 as a fantastic lens for film scanning as it has a very flat plane of focus. Something that may also be worth a look since it's quite affordable. Many macro lenses extend on the barrel, though, including the Z MC 50mm f/2.8.
If you need internal focus but don't want to spend the $ for the 105mm, you can also take a look at the Z mount Tamron 90mm, which is 1:1 and internal focus, for...Show more →
Ooo, this is very good to know as I have the very similar 55/3.5.
I have not used the 50/2.8 MC, but I have actually heard amazing things for the AI-s 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor with the PK-13 as a fantastic lens for film scanning as it has a very flat plane of focus. Something that may also be worth a look since it's quite affordable. Many macro lenses extend on the barrel, though, including the Z MC 50mm f/2.8.
If you need internal focus but don't want to spend the $ for the 105mm, you can also take a look at the Z mount Tamron 90mm, which is 1:1 and internal focus, for...Show more →
Ooo, this is very good to know as I have the very similar 55/3.5.
Mar 27, 2026 at 11:13 AM
p.1 #10Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
When I first started using a digital camera to scan, the Micro-Nikkor 55 2.8 Ai-S and the PK-13 was the lens I started with. Over the next three years I used it with a battered Sony A5100 and then on a Sony A7II. It's a great lens and works well but the autofocus FE90 2.8 Macro was a game changer. Fast to focus and no more magnifying the screen to check the focus.
Mar 27, 2026 at 11:22 AM
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p.1 #11Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
MikeEvangelist wrote:
I'll give it a go...
I use two different film holder gizmos:
• the one in the photo is for 120-format film is a Camflix 120M. I bought it from a Chinese seller on Amazon, but they don't have them any more. Here's an eBay listing for it - https://www.ebay.com/itm/283670441829
• Also use a Nikon ES-2 holder for 35mm slides and film; its design is quite similar to the above, just smaller. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1357884-REG/nikon_27192_es_2_film_digitalizing_adapet.html
The light source is a little light box I found on Amazon, also no longer sold. But this Kodak model looks to be identical - https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-Negatives-Illuminated-Stenciling-Glare-Free/dp/B09TQSVDGW/ref=sr_1_14
I've cobbled together various arca-rails/clamps and...Show more →
Mike, thank you so much. I use CaptureOne and tether to a laptop. The latest release has implemented negative film scanning and conversion. Really appreciate the info!
Mary
mjgphotoz wrote
Mike, I really like your setup. Would you be so kind as to list your gear? I use the Z8 and 50 macro and have a lot of old slides to process. This looks very efficient. Thank you!I use two different film holder gizmos:
• the one in the photo is for 120-format film is a Camflix 120M. I bought it from a Chinese seller on Amazon, but they don't have them any more. Here's an eBay listing for it - https://www.ebay.com/itm/283670441829
• Also use a Nikon ES-2 holder for 35mm slides and film; its design is quite similar to the above, just smaller. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1357884-REG/nikon_27192_es_2_film_digitalizing_adapet.html
The light source is a little light box I found on Amazon, also no longer sold. But this Kodak model looks to be identical - https://www.amazon.com/KODAK-Negatives-Illuminated-Stenciling-Glare-Free/dp/B09TQSVDGW/ref=sr_1_14
I've cobbled together various arca-rails/clamps and...Show more →
Mike, thank you so much. I use CaptureOne and tether to a laptop. The latest release has implemented negative film scanning and conversion. Really appreciate the info!
Mary
Mar 27, 2026 at 11:29 AM
p.1 #12Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
Thanks everyone for your comments. Mike, I really like that set-up. Not too dissimilar to what Scott has done for 35mm which is also nice. Scott's post from a while back made me keep the 60mm in contention but I was curious if the 50mm MC would do the same thing.
I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking for something less expensive than the 105 MC which is what prompted my looking at the 50 MC and now 60mm G.
I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking for something less expensive than the 105 MC which is what prompted my looking at the 50 MC and now 60mm G.
Mar 27, 2026 at 03:20 PM
p.1 #13Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
geekcop wrote:
Thanks everyone for your comments. Mike, I really like that set-up. Not too dissimilar to what Scott has done for 35mm which is also nice. Scott's post from a while back made me keep the 60mm in contention but I was curious if the 50mm MC would do the same thing.
I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking...Show more →
The Z-mount 50mm extends when focusing, the 60G does not. That alone would be enough reason for me to prefer the latter for film scanning. These shorter macros are also more convenient for film scanning compared to 105mm lenses as you need fewer spacer rings between the lens and the film.
Thanks everyone for your comments. Mike, I really like that set-up. Not too dissimilar to what Scott has done for 35mm which is also nice. Scott's post from a while back made me keep the 60mm in contention but I was curious if the 50mm MC would do the same thing.
I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking...Show more →
The Z-mount 50mm extends when focusing, the 60G does not. That alone would be enough reason for me to prefer the latter for film scanning. These shorter macros are also more convenient for film scanning compared to 105mm lenses as you need fewer spacer rings between the lens and the film.
Mar 28, 2026 at 03:46 AM
p.1 #14Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
Whichever lens you get, make sure it is an AF 1:1 macro lens.
I started with mf 55 2.8 micro nikkor + extension tubes to get 1:1.
It was a life changing moment when I switched to an AF macro lens. W the 60g that I am now using instant pin sharp focus on the grain every single time. The clouds cleared, cherubs sang and the sun shone through with a single beam illuminating the Holga from whose film I was scanning.
I started with mf 55 2.8 micro nikkor + extension tubes to get 1:1.
It was a life changing moment when I switched to an AF macro lens. W the 60g that I am now using instant pin sharp focus on the grain every single time. The clouds cleared, cherubs sang and the sun shone through with a single beam illuminating the Holga from whose film I was scanning.
Mar 28, 2026 at 09:42 AM
p.1 #15Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
fjablo wrote:
I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking for something less expensive than the 105 MC which is what prompted my looking at the 50 MC and now 60mm G.The Z-mount 50mm extends when focusing, the 60G does not. That alone would be enough reason for me to prefer the latter for film scanning. These shorter macros are also more convenient for film scanning compared to 105mm lenses as you need fewer spacer rings between the lens and the film.
Anything you attach to the 50 MC is attached to its outer filter ring, not the inner ring that moves. In effect, you would never know it's not an internal focusing lens.
geekcop wrote
Thanks everyone for your comments. Mike, I really like that set-up. Not too dissimilar to what Scott has done for 35mm which is also nice. Scott's post from a while back made me keep the 60mm in contention but I was curious if the 50mm MC would do the same thing.I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking for something less expensive than the 105 MC which is what prompted my looking at the 50 MC and now 60mm G.
Anything you attach to the 50 MC is attached to its outer filter ring, not the inner ring that moves. In effect, you would never know it's not an internal focusing lens.
Mar 28, 2026 at 10:02 AM
p.1 #16Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
I am going to borrow the 50mm MC from Nikon via my NPS membership once my V2 easy35 arrives and test it to see how works. Otherwise I'll probably get the 60mm F lens. Autofocus makes everything a lot easier.
Mar 29, 2026 at 05:57 AM
p.1 #17Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
OffTrail wrote:
I use the 50 MC with the ES-2, not the Valoi. I've also got the 60 f/2.8G that Scott mentioned, and the one time I A/B'd them for film scanning, the 50 had a slight edge.
But like Scott said, the 60G is fantastic as an all-around lens. I use mine as a normal lens instead of a 50, and it's got a great look while also being a proper macro. I was underwhelmed by the 50MC's look for actual normal photography, but that suits me just fine. It lives with my film scanning stuff for copy work, and the 60...Show more →
I used to own the 60G for use with the ES-2 with my D850 (and I do miss the negative conversion of the D850) and enjoyed using it for non macro purposes too. But since after selling my D850 I no longer have an F mount body and the 60G was the only lens I kept my FTZ for so I decided to part with both on B&S and replace them with the 50 MC. So it is most encouraging to hear your impressions from your A/B tests. Scott’s comments made me have a bit of seller’s remorse but realistically I would probably not have used my 60G plus FTZ for general photography very much while I may take the 50 MC when I think a very portable macro would be very handy. At least it would seem I have not compromised my film scanning - thanks for the info!
I use the 50 MC with the ES-2, not the Valoi. I've also got the 60 f/2.8G that Scott mentioned, and the one time I A/B'd them for film scanning, the 50 had a slight edge.
But like Scott said, the 60G is fantastic as an all-around lens. I use mine as a normal lens instead of a 50, and it's got a great look while also being a proper macro. I was underwhelmed by the 50MC's look for actual normal photography, but that suits me just fine. It lives with my film scanning stuff for copy work, and the 60...Show more →
I used to own the 60G for use with the ES-2 with my D850 (and I do miss the negative conversion of the D850) and enjoyed using it for non macro purposes too. But since after selling my D850 I no longer have an F mount body and the 60G was the only lens I kept my FTZ for so I decided to part with both on B&S and replace them with the 50 MC. So it is most encouraging to hear your impressions from your A/B tests. Scott’s comments made me have a bit of seller’s remorse but realistically I would probably not have used my 60G plus FTZ for general photography very much while I may take the 50 MC when I think a very portable macro would be very handy. At least it would seem I have not compromised my film scanning - thanks for the info!
Apr 02, 2026 at 06:45 PM
p.1 #18Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
OffTrail wrote:
I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking for something less expensive than the 105 MC which is what prompted my looking at the 50 MC and now 60mm G.The Z-mount 50mm extends when focusing, the 60G does not. That alone would be enough reason for me to prefer the latter for film scanning. These shorter macros are also more convenient for film scanning compared to 105mm lenses as you need fewer spacer rings between the lens and the film.Anything you attach to the 50 MC is attached to its outer filter ring, not the inner ring that moves. In effect, you would never know it's not an internal focusing lens.
Exactly.
However when I replaced my 60G with the MC 50 I initially had trouble connecting my ES-2 as I had stored the necessary deeper adapter in a “safe place”
fjablo wrote
geekcop wrote
Thanks everyone for your comments. Mike, I really like that set-up. Not too dissimilar to what Scott has done for 35mm which is also nice. Scott's post from a while back made me keep the 60mm in contention but I was curious if the 50mm MC would do the same thing.I used the original easy35 and I liked it but sold it when I heard they were going to release this second version with more even lighting. I had also used the 105D on the OG easy35, but the telescoping portion sagged and caused framing issues. I am looking for something less expensive than the 105 MC which is what prompted my looking at the 50 MC and now 60mm G.
Exactly.
However when I replaced my 60G with the MC 50 I initially had trouble connecting my ES-2 as I had stored the necessary deeper adapter in a “safe place”
Apr 03, 2026 at 06:18 AM
p.1 #19Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
pwschladen wrote:
But like Scott said, the 60G is fantastic as an all-around lens. I use mine as a normal lens instead of a 50, and it's got a great look while also being a proper macro. I was underwhelmed by the 50MC's look for actual normal photography, but that suits me just fine. It lives with my film scanning stuff for copy work, and the 60 does everything else.I used to own the 60G for use with the ES-2 with my D850 (and I do miss the negative conversion of the D850) and enjoyed using it for non macro purposes too. But since after selling my D850 I no longer have an F mount body and the 60G was the only lens I kept my FTZ for so I decided to part with both on B&S and replace them with the 50 MC. So it is most encouraging to hear your impressions from your A/B tests. Scott’s comments made me have a bit of seller’s remorse but realistically...Show more →
Oh yeah, if you were just down to the 60G then the 50 is a good move. And I suspect most people who need a macro would be satisfied with that move regardless of its size/weight advantage. It is the newer lens and it does have a few features/performance gains to show for it. My membership in the 60G fan club is down to its look outside of macro/copy work.
OffTrail wrote
I use the 50 MC with the ES-2, not the Valoi. I've also got the 60 f/2.8G that Scott mentioned, and the one time I A/B'd them for film scanning, the 50 had a slight edge.But like Scott said, the 60G is fantastic as an all-around lens. I use mine as a normal lens instead of a 50, and it's got a great look while also being a proper macro. I was underwhelmed by the 50MC's look for actual normal photography, but that suits me just fine. It lives with my film scanning stuff for copy work, and the 60 does everything else.
Oh yeah, if you were just down to the 60G then the 50 is a good move. And I suspect most people who need a macro would be satisfied with that move regardless of its size/weight advantage. It is the newer lens and it does have a few features/performance gains to show for it. My membership in the 60G fan club is down to its look outside of macro/copy work.
Apr 03, 2026 at 02:06 PM
p.1 #20Has anyone used the Nikon Z 50/2.8 MC with an easy35 scanner
Boogers. I was hoping to cheap out with a used 60mm 2.8D on the FTZ at $150, rather than $5-600 on a too short Z macro that won't be used for anything but periodically scanning film.
Desmolicious wrote:
Whichever lens you get, make sure it is an AF 1:1 macro lens.
I started with mf 55 2.8 micro nikkor + extension tubes to get 1:1.
It was a life changing moment when I switched to an AF macro lens. W the 60g that I am now using instant pin sharp focus on the grain every single time. The clouds cleared, cherubs sang and the sun shone through with a single beam illuminating the Holga from whose film I was scanning.
Desmolicious wrote:
Whichever lens you get, make sure it is an AF 1:1 macro lens.
I started with mf 55 2.8 micro nikkor + extension tubes to get 1:1.
It was a life changing moment when I switched to an AF macro lens. W the 60g that I am now using instant pin sharp focus on the grain every single time. The clouds cleared, cherubs sang and the sun shone through with a single beam illuminating the Holga from whose film I was scanning.
May 03, 2026 at 01:10 PM