Regarding what #3 said about "Big if true" - it definitely is. I stumbled upon this thread after doing some of my own research and I am really satisfied with how the native Nikon lenses perform. I like to keep things simple and reliable so I dont have to worry about my gear failing in the field. Basically, the main points from everyone here are:

• Get the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S if you want the best reach and quality.
• Grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 if you are on a budget and dont mind being physically closer to the bugs.
• Stick to native Z mount to ensure the weather sealing and autofocus actually work right. I have the 105mm and its been rock solid for me. No complaints at all. Using native glass just gives me peace of mind that everything is gonna work exactly like it should every time I turn the camera on... which is worth the extra cash imo.

Regarding what #3 said about "Big if true" - it is totally true lol! I have been using the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for a while now and its just amazing. The reliability is what really gets me... you can just feel how well its built the moment you pick it up. I love it because the autofocus is way more reliable than using old adapted lenses. Since the Z7 II has such a high res sensor, you really notice when a lens isnt perfect, but this one is pin sharp every time and gives you that true 1:1 magnification effortlessly. The internal focusing is a lifesaver too because the lens doesnt grow longer and poke the bugs you are trying to shoot. Honestly its a tank and I havent had a single issue with it even in some light rain. Definitely go for it! Its gonna be your favorite lens for sure. Let me know if you need any help with the settings once you get it!

For macro photography on the Nikon Z7 II, I highly recommend the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens. Some key benefits:

• Designed specifically for Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras
• 1:1 reproduction ratio for true macro capability
• Built-in vibration reduction (VR) for sharper handheld shots
• Fast f/2.8 aperture is great for subject separation and low light
• Premium S-Line optics for exceptional sharpness and clarity

It's an outstanding native macro lens that delivers stunning results on the high-res Z7 II sensor. Well worth the investment if you shoot a lot of macro.

NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens is great, and if you need a cheaper one, you can get Z MC 50mm f/2.8 lens.

Big if true

> What are some good native Z-mount macro lens options for this camera? Building on the earlier suggestion, I've always stuck with native Nikon glass because, in my experience, the weather sealing is just on another level compared to the Sony gear my buddies use. Over the years I've seen too many third-party adapters fail right when the light gets perfect. Honestly, I'm super paranoid about my gear getting wet. I dont trust anything that isnt native. Speaking of being paranoid, I remember this one time I was hiking up in the Cascades trying to get some close-ups of mountain heather... I ended up slipping on a patch of wet moss and nearly sent my whole bag into a creek. Spent the next three hours drying my boots by a fire and ended up sharing my trail mix with a very aggressive squirrel who definitely wanted more than just the almonds. He actually chased me for a good fifty yards. Anyway lol, sorry kinda went off topic there.