Macro Options for Nikon Z Camera: I have been doing macro flower photography for a few years. Have used the fine Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens. Now that I have a Z camera, thinking...

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

I have been doing macro flower photography for a few years. Have used the fine Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens. Now that I have a Z camera, thinking of changing things up. Has anyone else tried the Nikon Z 85 1.8 S with macro extension tubes? It’s supposed to be sharp and 1.8 is plenty fast, plus it’s lighter than the 105 Micro with FTZ adapter. Wondering if anyone else here has tried it and your results. Thx

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

Mario22 wrote:

I have been doing macro flower photography for a few years. Have used the fine Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens. Now that I have a Z camera, thinking of changing things up. Has anyone else tried the Nikon Z 85 1.8 S with macro extension tubes? It’s supposed to be sharp and 1.8 is plenty fast, plus it’s lighter than the 105 Micro with FTZ adapter. Wondering if anyone else here has tried it and your results. Thx

I haven't (yet) sprung for the 85 1.8 S, but I do have the 50 1.8 S and have been using it with the Photodiox Pro extension tube set and it works great.

Here is a quick grab of the top of an Altoids tin, showing the razor-thin DoF at maximum aperture. Nikon Z7, 50mm f/1.8, 1/200sec, closest lens focus point, 50mm extension.

(Download)

BebuLamar

I think just use the 105mm as you already have it. It's a micro lens designed for close up work. Besides when using extension tube the range of focus is very limited.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

RLSprouse wrote:

I haven't (yet) sprung for the 85 1.8 S, but I do have the 50 1.8 S and have been using it with the Photodiox Pro extension tube set and it works great.

Here is a quick grab of the top of an Altoids tin, showing the razor-thin DoF at maximum aperture. Nikon Z7, 50mm f/1.8, 1/200sec, closest lens focus point, 50mm extension.

Thx so much for the shot of the 50 with extension tubes! I have some tubes on order and will try it when they come.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

BebuLamar wrote:

I think just use the 105mm as you already have it. It's a micro lens designed for close up work. Besides when using extension tube the range of focus is very limited.

Thx for your reply. I don’t own the 105 micro, I rented it. That’s why I was curious about using the 85 until the S version of the 105 arrives.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Mario22 wrote:

I have been doing macro flower photography for a few years. Have used the fine Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens. Now that I have a Z camera, thinking of changing things up. Has anyone else tried the Nikon Z 85 1.8 S with macro extension tubes? It’s supposed to be sharp and 1.8 is plenty fast, plus it’s lighter than the 105 Micro with FTZ adapter. Wondering if anyone else here has tried it and your results. Thx

Is anyone making S-Mount extension tubes? I have only seen F mount tubes.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

BobHartung wrote:

Is anyone making S-Mount extension tubes? I have only seen F mount tubes.

Here are the Photodiox extension tubes I mentioned in my post above.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1486064-REG/fotodiox_macrotube_auto_nkz35_pro_automatic_macro_extension.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1486063-REG/fotodiox_macrotube_auto_nkz15_pro_automatic_macro_extension.html

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...I'm up for a new Z lens, that 85mm looks dang good for what you want to do (dunno 'bout the tubes, no experience there) I'm really torn; the 85 or the 35...hmmmmm.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

RLSprouse wrote:

Here are the Photodiox extension tubes I mentioned in my post above.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1486064-REG/fotodiox_macrotube_auto_nkz35_pro_automatic_macro_extension.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1486063-REG/fotodiox_macrotube_auto_nkz15_pro_automatic_macro_extension.html

Thanks, I missed that one.

Nicholas DeSciose

Keep using the 105 mm with the adapter. Is the best possible combination

photoman43

If you are willing to get a manual focus lens, check out the 150mm f2.8 macro lens from Irix. It will need the adapter to work on your Z body. It comes with a tripod collar mount--a big plus in my opinion.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1442869-REG/irix_150mm_f_2_8_macro_1_1.html

I have AF macro lenses and never use them in AF--always manual focus.

jno

Per Steve Perry if you want to do focus stacking with a Z7 you need the latest 105 macro. Older lenses won't work.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

jno wrote:

Per Steve Perry if you want to do focus stacking with a Z7 you need the latest 105 macro. Older lenses won't work.

I'm curious to see where he says this. Maybe he's referring to the "focus shift" in-camera feature?

I've certainly done focus stacking with my Z7, so this doesn't make sense unless there is some specific context around it.

If you have a citation, I'd sure appreciate it.

jno

Look at his web site for Costa Rica Gear.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

RLSprouse wrote:

I'm curious to see where he says this. Maybe he's referring to the "focus shift" in-camera feature?

I've certainly done focus stacking with my Z7, so this doesn't make sense unless there is some specific context around it.

If you have a citation, I'd sure appreciate it.

I did a bunch, too, with the 24-70 f4...<shrug> and they were spectacular.