Head-to-head · Best Macro Lenses

Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount) vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD (Sony E / Nikon Z)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Nikon Z shooters who want a stabilized, weather-sealed macro and short-telephoto portrait lens — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Macro Lenses

Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)

4.6

$896.95as of Jun 7

The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is the benchmark macro lens for the Z system, combining S-line sharpness, vibration reduction and a long working distance. Digital Camera World rated it 5 stars ('a stunner'), Cameralabs marked it Highly Recommended, and Amateur Photographer praised its 'excellent sharpness across the frame.' Its only real limitation versus the Canon and Sony flagships is that it stops at 1:1 magnification.

Strengths

— Very sharp across the frame, usable wide open with minimal aberrations
— Built-in VR stabilization (around 4.5 stops) aids handheld macro
— Long 105mm working distance keeps you back from skittish subjects

Watch-outs

— Maxes out at 1:1, not the 1.4:1 of the Canon and Sony flagships
— Premium price for the Z system
— No teleconverter support for greater-than-life-size magnification

$896.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Macro Lenses

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD (Sony E / Nikon Z)

4.5

$699as of Jun 7

The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD is the value champion of the macro field, reviving Tamron's legendary 90mm macro for mirrorless. PetaPixel called it 'sharp and capable for the value-minded photographer,' and Cameralabs rated it Highly Recommended. It delivers first-party-grade 1:1 sharpness and fast VXD autofocus for hundreds less than Sony or Nikon glass; the trade-off is no in-lens stabilization.

Strengths

— Excellent value, considerably cheaper than first-party macros
— Incredibly sharp in the center at f/2.8 with strong corners
— Fast, accurate VXD linear-motor autofocus

Watch-outs

— No optical image stabilization (relies on in-body IBIS)
— Stops at 1:1, not the 1.4:1 of the Canon and Sony flagships
— Roughly 4-inch working distance is shorter than the 105mm options

$699 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)

The Nikon Z MC 105mm offers a longer working distance than the Tamron 90mm and Sigma 105mm and adds in-lens VR they lack, but it stops at 1:1 where the Canon RF 100mm and Sony FE 100mm GM reach 1.4:1.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD (Sony E / Nikon Z)

The Tamron 90mm undercuts the first-party Sony FE 100mm GM and Nikon Z MC 105mm on price while delivering comparable 1:1 sharpness, but unlike them and the Canon RF 100mm it has no optical stabilization; like the Sigma 105mm it relies on in-body IBIS.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)	Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD (Sony E / Nikon Z)
Mount	Nikon Z	Sony E / Nikon Z
Focal Length	105mm	90mm
Max Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
Max Magnification	1:1	1:1
Min Focus	0.29m	0.23m
Stabilization	VR (~4.5 stops)	—
Filter Size	62mm	—
Weight	630g	630g
AF	—	VXD linear motor
Weather Sealed	—	Yes

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