Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) is 17mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for zoom.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) is 17mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is $1,099, $150 under the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 630g (1.39 lb) vs 810g (1.79 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) or the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) is 17mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for zoom.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Tilt-Shift (Nikon Z)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 105mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 14 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 104° | 23° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Manual | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,249 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | 85mm |
| Length | 111mm | 140mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 630g (1.39 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
