Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S vs Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for zoom, the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 50mm 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.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) opens to f/1 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is $1,099, $100 under the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (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.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S reaches 1x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is 530g (1.17 lb) vs 630g (1.39 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S or the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 105mm, the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for zoom, the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 50mm 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. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) opens to f/1 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 105mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 12 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 23° – 23° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | − |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 29 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $1,199 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 85mm | 70mm |
| Length | 140mm | 66.4mm |
| Weight | 630g (1.39 lb) | 530g (1.17 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
