Nikon - AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Macro Lens - Black

Here we have what appears to be a made-in-heaven lens from Nikon combining thier excellent 105 2.8 with 9 blades for better bokeh (out of focus rendering) and (gulp!) VR!!! Well, let's cut to the chase. Is this lens worth the money? It depends. If you absolutely had your heart set on a Nikon 105 2.8 Micro, then this lens makes sense. The bokeh IS better than the older 7 bladed version. And it also has the VR which will be of aid when doing normal non-macro work. There's no denying that VR works great and combined with the 2.8 speed you get a nice package here for available light work. My problem with this lens, as with the original, is that the Tamron 90 Macro 2.8 DI is still a better lens. It is sharper and continues to hold the lead in bokeh for protrait work. With the Tamron being under 450 new, people in the know can save and score. On the other hand, the Nikon is HARDLY a bad lens by any stretch. We're talking about minute differences most of the time. The Nikon's VR is of very little aid doing macro work, but it's great when shooting anything else. On top of that you get VERY fast AFS focusing. Once again I'd like to point out that a macro 105 or 90 requires close distances to subject for 1:1 work. If you want to shoot bug faces a longer focal range, such as a 150 or 180 may be better suited, though less useful for protrait work on a DSLR with a 1.5 crop ratio. So depending on your applications, the Nikon 105 VR may still be worth the money. You have to consider how and where you'll be shooting. Optically I still feel the Tamron 90 is the lens to beat for this range in macros. But the gadget factor on this new Nikon makes for a very interesting product that will please a lot of shooters and gadget photogs alike. Enjoy!

This lens is absolutely incredible. It is a specialty lens, so it will not stay on your camera all the time. However, I have noticed that I am using this lens not only as a true 1:1 macro, but also as a portrait lens, and a fast aperture short telephoto lens. The picture quality is immaculate - it is by far the sharpest lens I have ever shot with. Good contrast too, beautiful colors, smooth buttery bokeh. Metal body, as are all the gold ring professional Nikkors. Bundled with VRII, it is a very versatile lens. This lens will open up an entirely new world for your photography. I find myself pointing this lens at the most mundane objects and getting something truly unique and amazing. Don't hesitate because of the price - it is worth every penny!

This is a great lens if you are looking for a macro or fixed focal portrait lens. Just remember when you are close, this has crazy shallow depth of field with beautiful bokeh! This is one thing to note, if you're very close to your subject the lens will NOT stop down to it's 2.8. aperture. I should also add, this is my second lens I received from Best Buy. The first lens I received had a noticeably focus drag when you manually focused the lens. Although fast when it was in auto, I believe the second lens was even faster. As always, Best Buy was great about replacing the lens. Even though this lens is older (still sporting the red VR), it is incredibly sharp! The noise in the VR mode is noticeable when compared to the newer 3rd and 4th generations VR lenses. It's not an issue with the lens, just older technology.

It was long due that I added a new lens to my inventory and I decided to buy a macro lens. I have a Nikon D7000 and when I asked friends about the best lens for macro, almost all of them suggested this one. So I thought of taking the plunge. And what better place then Best Buy to get it !!!! In fact, all my electronics stuff from last two years is from Best Buy. They have a wide range of products, competitive pricing (with price-match), flexible return policy and awesome people working there !!! It works great and I dont need to write anything in praise for that. The only complaint I have is it costs 1000 bucks approx., but as they say, "Quality comes with a price" !!!!!

This is certainly an excellent choice for Portrait Lens. Amazed with the picture quality. Very clean. Slightly on the expensive end, but would justify if you planning to take lot of portraits. The only thing I noticed is a very feeble noise when this guy is trying to focus in low light when you have the VR turned on. Even though this is listed as 2.8, the camera would override it to the next f stop if the settings are not suited for a 2.8. Macro is also amazing on this glass. Generally, I am used to getting very close to the subject, but this focuses great from a considerable distance.

The auto focus works pretty well most of the time. It's recommended to go manual for close up shots. I've done a number of close ups with the auto focus on and it pretty much can get it better than I can do manually. The depth of field can be very short. And the lens is pretty heavy. I have used it mainly for close-ups but it will work for portrait work and as a short telephoto as well. The auto focus is fine on telephoto shots and portraits. It seems to hunt more if you are doing a close-up with an open background such as sky.

After using this lens extensively I found the auto focus feature of 105mm lens is not so great, since it gets confused easily what is my focus point, so with half shutter it starts zooming in/out between the foreground and background. So with half shutter I have to manually adjust to get sharp focus. After the focus adjustment you get the best picture possible. I love it. It creates a perfect bokah.

The Nikon 105mm "micro" lens is fantastic. It is sharp and clear using it as a 105mm prime lens and when using it close up as a macro lens, which is what I love to do. After quite a bit of research I purchased this lens for macro photography and I was not disappointed. It does take time to learn how to use a macro lens, but the rewards are awesome. It was expensive, but worth it. Hats off to Nikon for a great lens, I have not seen anything comparable to it on the market in any brand. My recommendation is to save and get this lens. You can recommend it next time.