Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- User Rating: 
Summary for Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- Nice lens
Notes on Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- I am new to macro photography. Depth of fields is critical so a tripod helps. Great lens/tool. But it takes some learning to prefect the art of macro photography
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- The NIkkor 105 VRII Micro is an excellent lens
Notes on Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- If you're looking for a Nikkor micro lens, this could be the one for you. I photograph coins, flowers, insects and various jewelry items. This lens is very versatile and quite sharp and contrasty. The VRII works very well, though, realistically, for macro photography, I'm not sure the VR is of any value, since you turn it off when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
I find the lens doubles very effectively as a short telephoto lens on a DX frame camera, providing excellent bokeh at wider apertures. As such, it doubles as an effective portrait lens, though that is not it's primary purpose (in my book.) It also performs well for other forms of photography; I've used it to get architecture shots, and find that it introduces very little distortion.
For macro photography I like this lens because of the effective working distance at 1:1. You still have 6-8 inches between the object and the front glass...plenty of room to get your lighting set up the way you want it.
The only downside, if there is one, would be that it's a rather bulky lens; some people don't like the way it fits their hand or balances on the camera. I've used it on the smaller D80 and a larger D300. I find the lens easy to handle, and both camears produce exceptional photos with this lens. I have medium sized male hands...but those with small hands may find the lens a bit more awkward?
The second party lenses from Tokina, Tamron and Sigma are also good...and a bit cheaper. Only you can decide what features are of value to you. For me, the VRII was "worth it" because I use the lens occasionally for interior shots at dinner events where I work. With f/2.8 and VR, I can often avoid using my SB800.
I've never regretted getting this lens.
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- Great lens that hunts a little to much
Notes on Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- This lens is an excellent Macro lens...The only thing that prevents 5 stars is that the lens tends to hunt too much and will hang up at one end of the focal range or the other. When not hunting, however it provides crystal clear images and color quality is outstanding, as well as wonderful Bokteh....
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- stunning portrait lens
Notes on Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- have had this lens for over a year, using it on a Nikon D80. it's performed extremely well. in very rare cases it's a little slow to focus, specifically in low-light conditions. would buy it again.
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- User Rating: Summary for Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- Do you need one?
Notes on Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ...- This is a great lens - it`s as sharp as it gets, has no distortions, focuses down to 1:1, it`s fast and does beautiful bokeh.
However, there are some cons - it is heavy and has minor focusing problems when in low light (on my d40x - can`t say for other models). The VR is great, but also intended for objects 3m or more away. Under that, it gradually loses stability.
Consider also it is a prime lens, meaning, there is no zoom. You will probably need to carry around additional lens if you don`t want to miss a shot. This is a must have lens for portrait and macro photography. However, if you plan on making tourist shots, cut on the bokeh and get the all-round 18-200mm. It`s slower (f3.5-5.6), but far more practical and somewhat cheaper. You can`t miss with either one. Good luck!
