Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens User Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Nikon

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens User Manual

INTRODUCTION

Before using this product, please read these instructions carefully. You will also need to consult the camera manual.

This lens is intended exclusively for use with mirror less cameras featuring a Nikon Z mount.
Update the camera firmware to the latest version. With earlier versions, the camera may fail to detect the lens correctly and some features may not be available. The latest version of the camera firmware can be downloaded from the Nikon Download Center at the URL below. https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

FOR YOUR SAFETY

To prevent damage to property or injury to yourself or to others, read “For Your Safety” in its entirety before using this product.

Keep these safety instructions where all those who use this product will read them.

WARNING: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could result in death or severe injury.

CAUTION: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could result in injury or property damage.

WARNING

Do not disassemble or modify this product.
Do not touch internal parts that become exposed as the result of a fall or other accident.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or other injury.
Should you notice any abnormalities such as the product producing smoke, heat, or unusual odors, immediately disconnect the camera power source.
Continued operation could result in fire, burns or other injury.
Keep dry.
Do not handle with wet hands.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.
Do not use this product in the presence of flammable dust or gas such as propane, gasoline or aerosols.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in explosion or fire.
Do not directly view the sun or other bright light source through the lens.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in visual impairment.
Keep this product out of reach of children.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction. In addition, note that small parts constitute a choking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, seek immediate medical attention.
Do not handle with bare hands in locations exposed to extremely high or low temperatures.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or frostbite.

CAUTION

Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun or other strong light sources.
Light focused by the lens could cause fire or damage to product’s internal parts. When shooting backlit subjects, keep the sun well out of the frame. Sunlight focused into the camera when the sun is close to the frame could cause fire.
Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, for an extended period such as in an enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.
Do not transport cameras or lenses with tripods or similar accessories attached.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.

Notices for Customers in Europe

This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment is to be collected separately.
The following apply only to users in European countries:

This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.
Separate collection and recycling helps conserve natural resources and prevent negative consequences for human health and the environment that might result from incorrect disposal.
For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

USING THE LENS

Parts of the lens: Names and Functions

Refer to the diagram on the left edge of this sheet.

1 Lens hood| Lens hoods block stray light that would otherwise cause flare or ghosting. They also serve to protect the lens.| See B
---|---|---
2 Attachment point for
46 mm filters| An attachment point for the lens cap, lens hood, and 46 mm filters.

This attachment point is for use exclusively with the lens cap, lens hood, and 46 mm filter& and should not be used with other accessories.

| See B
3 Accessory attachment point| An attachment point for SY-1-62 ‘ adapter rings for use with optional SB-R200 flash units and 62 mm B adapters’ for use with optional ES-2 film digitizing adapters.

The accessory attachment point is for use exclusively with SY-1-62 adapter rings and 62 mm B adapters and should not be used with other accessories. Attaching filters, lens caps, or other accessories that could interfere with the lens as it extends could result in product malfunction or damage to the lens caused by contact with the accessory.

|
4 Control ring| Autofocus mode selected:
In autofocus mode, rotate the ring to adjust a setting such as (Focus (M/A)] or (Aperture] assigned using the camera. For more information, see the description of (Custom control assignment], (Custom controls], or (Custom controls (shooting)] in the camera manual.|
Manual focus mode selected: Rotate the ring to focus.
5 Reproduction ratio indicator| View the reproduction ratio and focus distance for close-up photography.

The reproduction ratio and focus distance shown by the reproduction ratio indicator are approximations only and their accuracy is not guaranteed.

A: Autofocus
M: Manual focus
Note that regardless of the setting chosen, focus must be adjusted manually when manual focus mode is selected using camera control&

|
Focus limit switch
10
| Choose the focus distance limits for autofocus according to your goals.

FULL: Choose for subjects at distances any-where in the lens’s full autofocus range (0.16 m/0.53 ft to infinity).
0.3 m-0.16 m: Limit autofocus to distances of 0.16 m (0.53 ft) to 0.3 m (0.98 ft). Choose this option for faster focusing when shooting close-ups or at any other time you anticipate that your subject will be no more than 0.3 m away.

|
11 Lens cap (front cap)| –|
12 Lens cap (rear cap)| —|

Attaching the SB-R200 requires an SX-1 attachment ring in addition to the SY-1-62 adapter ring. For information on using the SB-R200, see the documentation provided with the flash unit.
For information on using the ES-2 film digitizing adapter, see the documentation provided with the ES-2.

Attachment and Removal

Attaching the Lens

Turn the camera off, remove the body cap, and detach the rear lens cap.
Position the lens on the camera body, keeping the mounting mark on the lens aligned with the mounting mark on the camera body, and then rotate the lens counterclockwise until it clicks into place.
Turn the camera on.
- The lens will extend automatically.

Extending the Lens

Do not place the camera on a surface with the lens pointing down. Be particularly careful not to turn the camera on while it is resting on the lens, as the lens may malfunction if it fails to extend.
Do not hold the telescoping section or attempt to forcibly ex-tend or retract the lens. Failure to observe these precautions could result in product malfunction.
if the lens does not extend or freezes in place once extended, press the shutter-release button.

Removing the Lens

Turn the camera off.
- The lens will retract automatically. Proceed to Step 2 after confirming that the lens is fully retracted.
Press and hold the lens release button while turning the lens clockwise.

Removing the Lens While It Is Extended

The lens will not retract if removed while the camera is on. To retract the lens, turn the camera off, reattach the lens, turn the camera on, and then turn the camera off and remove the lens in the correct order.

Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood

The lens hood screws directly onto the attachment point for 46 mm filters.
Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood

Before attaching or removing the lens hood, turn the camera off and confirm that the lens is retracted. In addition, be careful not to touch or apply excessive force to the glass part of the lens.
To remove the hood, unscrew it from the lens.

Shooting Close-Ups

This lens can be used for close-ups, letting you get closer to your subject so that it fills more of the frame. When shooting close-ups, note the following:

Close-ups are prone to blur caused by camera shake. We recommend that you mount the camera on a tripod and release the shutter using an optional remote cord or wireless remote controller.
Shooting at short focus distances noticeably reduces depth of field. To increase depth of field and so increase the apparent depth of focus in front of and behind the focus point, stop aperture down and increase exposure times.
Be careful not to strike your subject when using the lens hood.

Adjusting aperture

The aperture of the lens varies in a range that changes with focus distance. At a focus
distance of infinity, aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/22, while the range at a focus distance of 0.16 m (0.53 ft) is f/5.6 to f/32. At apertures matching or close to the maximum
and minimum for the lens in modes A and M, effective aperture 1 is automatically adjusted for changes in focus distance as shown. 2 For example, if an aperture of f/2.8 is
selected at a focus distance of infinity, the effective aperture when the focus distance is
reduced to 0.16 m (0.53 ft) will be f/5.6.

Due to the way the lens is constructed, the brightness of the image it projects on the image sensor varies with focus distance. The image darkens as the focus distance drops and the reproduction ratio increases. The camera consequently shows an ‘effective aperture” that reflects this variation in brightness.
Assuming an aperture step size of ‘/3 EV.

Choosing a Reproduction Ratio

To take pictures at a selected reproduction ratio—for example, 1:1 (life size) or 1:2 (half
life-size):

Slide the focus-mode switch to M.
Rotate the control ring until the desired reproduction ratio is selected on the reproduction ratio indicator.
- For example, to select a reproduction ratio of 1:2, rotate the control ring until the index points to “1:2”. Do not rotate the control ring after choosing the reproduction ratio.
Position the camera so that the subject is in focus.
- Move the camera forward or back until the image in the shooting display is in focus.

Reproduction Ratio
The “reproduction ratio” is the ratio of the apparent size of an object on the image sensor to its true size. If the length of the subject on the image sensor is 1 cm when the actual subject is 2 cm long, for example, the reproduction ratio is 1:2 (half life-size).

Taking Photographs

Touching the extended portion of the lens while autofocus is in progress may interrupt the focus operation. Normal function can be restored by pressing the shutter-release button.
The focus position may change if you turn the camera off and then on again after focusing. If you have focused on a pre-selected location while waiting for your subject to appear, we recommend that you do not turn the camera off until the picture is taken.

Cameras with AF-Assist Illuminators

The lens or lens hood may block the light from the camera AF-assist illuminator.

For the information on using the lens with cameras that have built-in AF-assist illuminators, visit the site below. https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/

Using the lens on Cameras with a Built-in Flash

Shadows will be visible in photos where light from the built-in flash is obscured by the lens or lens hood. Remove the lens hood before shooting. Note, however, that depending on the distance to the subject, and in the case of zoom lenses also on the lens focal length, shadows may appear even when the lens hood is removed.

For the information on focal lengths and subject distances at which shadows will not appear in photos taken with a built-in flash, visit the site below. https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/

Precautions For Use

Do not pick up or hold the lens or camera using only the lens caps or lens hood.
Keep the CPU contacts clean.
Should the rubber lens-mount gasket be damaged, cease use immediately and take the lens to a Nikon-authorized service center for repair.
Replace the lens caps when the lens is not in use.
Do not leave the lens in humid locations or in locations in which it may be exposed to moisture. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
Do not leave the lens next to open flames or in other extremely hot locations. Extreme heat could damage or warp the reinforced plastic exterior.
Taking the lens from a warm to a cold environment or vice versa may cause damaging condensation inside and outside the lens. Place the lens in a sealed bag or plastic case before taking it across a temperature boundary. The lens can be taken from the bag or case once it has had time to adjust to the new temperature.
We recommend that you place the lens in its case to protect it from scratches during transport.

Lens Care

Removing dust is normally sufficient to clean the glass surfaces of the lens.
When cleaning the fluorine-coated front lens element:
- Remove fingerprints and other oily stains with a soft, clean cotton cloth or third party lens cleaning tissue; clean from the center outwards using a circular motion.
- To remove stubborn stains, wipe gently using a soft cloth lightly dampened with a small amount of distilled water, ethanol, or third-party lens cleaner.
- Drop-shaped marks may form on fluorine-coated surfaces, which are highly water and oil-repellent. Such marks can be removed with a dry cloth.
When cleaning the rear lens element, which is not fluorine-coated:
- Remove fingerprints and other oily stains with a soft, clean cloth or third-party lens cleaning tissue lightly dampened with a small amount of ethanol or third-party lens cleaner; clean from the center outwards using a circular motion. Be sure to clean evenly and thoroughly without leaving smears.
Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.
Neutral Color (NC) filters (available separately) and the like can be used to protect the front lens element.
Do not store with naphtha or camphor moth balls or in direct sunlight. If the lens will not be used for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry location to prevent mold and rust.

Accessories

Supplied Accessories

LC-46B Lens Cap (front cap)
LF-N1 Lens Cap (rear cap)
HN-41 Lens Hood
CL-C1 Lens Case

Using the Lens Case

The case is intended to protect the lens from scratches, not from falls or other physical shocks.
The case is not water resistant.
The material used in the case may fade, bleed, stretch, shrink, or change color when rubbed or wet.
Remove dust with a soft brush.
Water and stains can be removed from the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use alcohol, benzene, thinner, or other volatile chemicals.
Do not store in locations exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures or humidity.
Do not use the case to clean the monitor or lens elements.
Be careful that the lens does not fall from the case during transport.

Compatible Accessories

The lens supports the following optional accessories.

Accessories for use with the attachment point for 46 mm filters:
- 46 mm filters
Accessories for use with the accessory attachment point:
- SB-R200 wireless remote flash units *
- ES-2 film digitizing adapters
- The lens can be used with up to four SB-R200 flash units.

Filters

Use only one filter at a time.
Before attaching or removing filters, turn the camera off and confirm that the lens is retracted.
Remove the lens hood before attaching filters.

Incompatible Accessories

Use only supplied or compatible accessories. Using other accessories could cause product malfunction or damage the accessory or lens. Examples of accessories that cannot be used with each attachment point follow.

Accessories that cannot be used with the attachment point for 46 mm filters:
- Third-party step-up or step-down rings
Accessories that cannot be used with the accessory attachment point:
- Lens caps
- Filters
- AF-3 and AF-4 gel filter holders
- Third-party step-up or step-down rings

Specifications

Mount	Nikon Z mount
Focal length	50 mm
Maximum aperture	f/2.8
Lens construction	10 elements in 7 groups (including] ED element 1 aspherical

element, and a fluorine-coated front lens element)
Angle of view| •FX format: 47°
•DX format: 31° 30′
Focusing system| Front focusing system
Minimum focus distance| 0.16 m (0.53ft) from focal plane
Maximum reproduction ratio| 1 x
Diaphragm blades| 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Aperture range| •At a focus distance of infinity: f/2.8 —22
•At a focus distance of 0.16 m (0.53 ft): 05.6 — 32
Focus limit switch| Two positions: FULL (00-0.16m) and 0.3 m — 0.16 m
Filter-attachment size| 46 mm (P = 0.75 mm)
Dimensions| Approx. 74.5 mm/3 in. maximum diameter x 66 mm/2.6 in. (distance to end of lens from camera lens mount flange)
Weight| Approx. 260 g (9.2 oz )

Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance, specifications, and performance of this product at any time and without prior notice.

Warranty Terms

Your Nikon equipment is guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for one full year from the date of original purchase. If during this period of guarantee the product proves defective due to improper material or workmanship, our authorized service network within the sales territory of Nik on Europe B.V. will, without charge for labor and parts, repair the product in the terms and conditions set as below.

Nikon reserves the right (at its sole discretion) to replace or repair the product.

This warranty is only provided upon presentation of the completed warranty card and original invoice or purchase receipt indicating the date of purchase, product type and dealer’s name, together with the product. Nikon reserves the right to refuse free-of-charge warranty service if the above documents cannot be presented or if the information contained in it is incomplete or illegible.
This warranty will not cover:
• necessary maintenance and repair o r replacement o f parts due to normal wear and tear.
• modifications to upgrade the product from its normal purpose a s described in user manuals, without the prior written consent of Nikon.
• transport costs and all risk s o f transport relating directly o r indirectly to the warranty of the products.
• any damage resulting from modifications or adjustments which may be made to the product, without the prior written consent of Nikon, in order to comply with local or national technical standards in force in any other country than the ones for which the product was originally designed and/or manufactured.
The warranty will not be applicable in the case of:
• damage caused by misuse including but not limited to failure to use the product for its normal purpose or according to the user instructions on the proper use and maintenance, and to installation or use of the product inconsistent with the safety standards in force in the country where it is used.
• damage caused by accidents including but not limited to lightning, water, fire, misuse or neglect.
• alteration, defacing , illegibility or removal o f the model o r serial number o n the product.
• damage resulting from repairs o r adjustments which have been conducted by unauthorized service organizations o r persons.
• defects in any system into which the product is incorporated or with which it is used.
This service warranty does not affect the consumer’s statutory rights under applicable national laws in force, nor the consumer’s right against the dealer arising from their sales/purchase contract.
Notice: A n overview of all authorized Nikon Service Stations can be found online by following this Link https://www.europe-nikon.com/service/