Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a zoom (70-180mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a 105mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-180mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 630g (1.39 lb) it's lighter than the 795g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is 70-180mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S reaches 1x magnification vs 0.36x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 630g (1.39 lb) vs 795g (1.75 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a zoom (70-180mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a 105mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-180mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe.
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 shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 630g (1.39 lb) it's lighter than the 795g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is 70-180mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-180mm | 105mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 34° – 14° | 23° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 27 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.36x | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,049 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 83mm | 85mm |
| Length | 155.5mm | 140mm |
| Weight | 795g (1.75 lb) | 630g (1.39 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
