Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD vs Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S

Both are 1:1 macro lenses for Nikon Z with a focus limiter and almost identical weight (640 and 630 g). The Z MC 105 f/2.8 VR S (June 2021) is Nikon's own S-Line macro. It has in-lens stabilization (4.5 stops according to Nikon, 5-axis in combination with sensor shift) and robust sealing. The Tamron 90 f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD (October 2024) is a third-party macro with moisture-resistant construction and a 12-blade aperture. Per Tamron's specs it has no in-lens stabilization.

The choice sits between 105 mm with VR and S-Line features and 90 mm without a stabilizer but with a shorter close-focus distance (0.23 instead of 0.29 m).

Which one suits whom?

• Z MC 105: You shoot macro handheld or on a camera without sensor stabilization and want VR in the lens.
• Tamron 90: You stabilize via the camera or a tripod and want a 1:1 macro with a slightly shorter focal length.