Request a product

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4NikonNIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024June 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm105 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Macro lens–Yes
Optical construction10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing16 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementThree ED elements and one aspherical element
Coatings–Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/1.4–16f/2.8–32 at infinity; effective f/4.5–51 at the closest focus distance of 0.29 m. Main aperture figures refer to infinity
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 23°10′; DX 15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.37 m0.29 m
Maximum magnification0.17×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusingMulti-focus stepping-motor system; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance publishedMinimum 0.29 m from focal plane; limiter selects full range or 0.29–0.5 m. Manual focus throw is adjustable; focus direction reversal requires a compatible Nikon Z body released in October 2020 or later
Magnification detailMaximum 0.17×Maximum 1×, reproducing subjects at life size
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim with an FX camera in Normal mode. Stabilisation becomes less effective at macro distances, as both reviews note; the USA release's generic footnote refers to maximum telephoto although this is a prime
Video featuresSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ringQuiet autofocus, smooth aperture control and reduced focus breathing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm85 mm
Length86.5 mm140 mm
Weight420 g630 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings, L-Fn button, information panel with DISP button, AF/manual switch and focus limiter; Digital Camera World confirms distance, depth-of-field and aperture display
Zoom designInternal focusing keeps lens length unchangedInternal focusing keeps lens length unchanged
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionSealing around mount and moving parts for dust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all conditions; fluorine front coating repels water, dirt and dust
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 85 mm maximum diameter × 140 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 420 gApproximately 630 g
Lens hoodHB-115 includedHB-99 included
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hoodLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-99 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailNikon USA states late September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessorNikon USA states late-June 2021 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

More comparisons