Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm

Nikon
70 Overall Score
vs
Sony SEL18135

Sony SEL18135

Sony
91 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm

88 out of 100 high confidence 145 reviews

The NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and versatility as both a macro and portrait lens. Users highlight its lightweight build, effective VR, and compatibility with Z-series cameras, though some note that autofocus can be slow, especially for macro work, and a few mention focus shifting issues or a plastic feel. Overall, it is considered a top-tier lens that delivers stunning image quality.

Pros
  • Exceptional sharpness
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Versatile macro and portrait use
  • Lightweight build
  • Effective vibration reduction
Cons
  • Slow autofocus in macro mode
  • Autofocus hunting in some conditions
  • Plastic feel for some users
  • Focus shifting issues reported
  • Bulky with hood attached
👍 Image quality 45
🤔 Autofocus performance 25
👍 Build quality 20
👍 Versatility 30
👍 Value for money 15
👍 Weight and size 18

Sony SEL18135

82 out of 100 high confidence 117 reviews

The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens is widely praised as an excellent all-in-one travel and walkaround lens for APS-C E-mount cameras. Users consistently highlight its sharpness, compact size, light weight, and versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range. While many note it is not ideal for low light and some report significant vignetting at the wide end, the overall sentiment is very positive, with most considering it a great value kit lens upgrade.

Pros
  • Sharp image quality
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Versatile 27-200mm equivalent zoom range
  • Effective optical image stabilization
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
  • Significant vignetting at 18mm wide end
  • Not ideal for low light photography
  • Variable aperture limits brightness at telephoto
  • Some copies may have quality control issues
  • Slight autofocus lag compared to premium lenses
👍 Image quality 35
👍 Build quality 12
👍 Value for money 18
👎 Vignetting 6
👎 Low light performance 10
👍 Zoom range 25

Scores

Budget
Nikon
58
Sony
96
Portrait
Nikon
39
Sony
89
Street
Nikon
50
Sony
88
Travel
Nikon
54
Sony
85
Wildlife Sports
Nikon
62
Sony
84
Video Cinema
Nikon
68
Sony
83
Macro
Nikon
82
Sony
67
Professional
Nikon
64
Sony
73
Landscape
Nikon
63
Sony
73

Specifications

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mmSony SEL18135
Optics
Typemacrozoom
Focal Length Min105 mm18 mm
Focal Length Max105 mm135 mm
Elements1616
Groups1112
Aspherical Elements11
ED Elements12★
CoatingNano Crystal and ARNEO Coatings—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/32f/3.5
Min Aperturef/2.83.5-5.6
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades9★7
Build
MountNikon ZSony E
Formatfull-frame★APS-C
Weather Sealed✓★✗
Weight0.63 kg0.33 kg★
Filter Thread62 mm55 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeSTMLinear motor★
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops4.5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance290 mm★450 mm
Max Magnification1:1★0.29x

Pros & Cons

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm

  • Strong stabilization (95th percentile)95th %ile
  • Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
  • Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
  • Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
  • Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

Sony SEL18135

  • Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong versatility (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile

Pricing

Both products are similarly priced.

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm

Sony SEL18135

Verdict

★ Winner: Sony SEL18135

Scores 91 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm Better at:

Macro

Sony SEL18135 Better at:

BudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Also Consider