Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

All I can say is that if you've NOT been using a High Quality Micro Lens (Nikkor term for Macro) then RUN out and pick one of these up. If you've ever been disappointed with your close up shots of products you might want to sell, the detail in artistic items that you've made, PORTRAITS (yep!) of your grandchildren and children and so many other things I simply do not know a better way to jump start your "fun" in photography again.This lens is designed with VR and it does a great job of it especially if you're hand holding it. On a tripod (which I use often for the above mentioned items) it's simply spectacular. It's a FAST Autofocus if you ask me ESPECIALLY if you consider that you are more than likely trying to focus on a very minute and specific area without moving (thus the VR). You'll learn, don't worry - even hand holding. You may have to get your lighting better, and make the shutter speed adjustments you need but the results will make you LOVE photography again.This lens is SO much better then a 40mm or 60mm IF you're after the very best. That's not to say I haven't gotten spectacular shots with the other lenses. It's an amazing portrait lens too when setup correctly and will contend with an 85mm in almost every way and better it. However, owning both this lens and the 85mm would be the best if you can afford it. If you're into shooting small insects, flowers, and the like I just can't imagine not having this lens - yes, it's THAT good. Almost non-existing hunting lags, and super sharp, crystal clear photos. Nikon really got this one right. Amazingly you can get these used (like new) for less that $450. Enjoy.!

I've owned this lens for about six months now, and I can say with full confidence that it is one of the sharpest lenses in the Nikon lineup. I use it mostly for macro photography as well as portraiture, and for those purposes it's perfect. Images are crisp, distortion-free, clean, and accurately cast. Even when shooting wide open at f/2.8 there is little softness or vignetting present. Comparing shots wide open with shots stopped down, even at 100% crops, shows little difference in clarity, contrast, and sharpness, from corner to corner. I'm really impressed with how well this lens performs at its widest aperture.This lens is pretty much the do-it-all kind of device. You can shoot macro...you can definitely use it for portraiture (it's almost the ideal focal length for portraits). You can even use it for landscapes, if you want to isolate a subject from its background.The bokeh this lens produces is clean and well-defined. The subject leaps out of a soft, creamy background, especially at wider apertures.This lens uses the 62mm filter size...I strongly recommend getting a clear or UV filter to keep on the front of the lens at all times to protect the front lens element. A UV or clear filter will help prevent dust and debris from settling on or inside the front of the lens, and will also help protect it in case you bump into something.The lens comes with the HB-38 lens hood, a sizable hood which further aids in protection of the front of the lens.Vibration Reduction works well...it affords the photographer the ability to get shots indoors in low light that would otherwise require a flash or higher ISO. I can routinely get crisp, clear shots with no motion blur at shutter speeds of around 1/15 second...something I cannot do with other lenses that don't have VR.It's not a heavy lens, nor is it especially light. You can easily carry this lens around on your shoulder all day without a problem. It doesn't quite have the strong, tank-like feel of other Nikon pro lenses (I would not feel comfortable dropping this lens onto a hard surface); it doesn't feel like the body is made of metal as much as it is composite plastic...which is ok, since it keeps the weight down. Considering the lens has a reach of 105mm at f/2.8, I think the weight of the lens is very acceptable.I've never experience any issues with lens flare or ghosting, and I've used it a great deal in sunlight.Personally, I think this lens is worth every penny of it's sales price. It's not an inexpensive lens, but considering how well-rounded it is and how well it performs, the price is very fair and reasonable.I'd recommend the 105mm Micro-Nikkor to anyone who's looking for an excellent performing macro or portrait lens.

Typical Nikon level pro glass- high quality glass, great dispersion elements, great build, dead on AF, incredible images when used correctly. Arguably a little heavy. However, pro's are used to the weight. Weight, in my opinion, is commensurate with quality glass.Understand this is a single focal length 2.8. Most non-pro's are used to zoom lenses and will not likely want to trade the convenience of a zoom for the pro level quality, at single focal length, this lens offers. For consumerists, the application is somewhat limited. But, even if you are a consumer level shooter just coming off a kit lens, and are moving into serious portrait work, this lens will deliver. But even with such pro glass at 2.8, lighting is critical to any portrait work. So, don't think for a moment this lens eliminates your need for quality light.Many other reviewers hit the technical component of the review. So, I tend to review from a pragmatic end-user perspective. This lens will shoot your daughter's recital in a gym well enough, if you get close enough and properly white balance. In a controlled setting, this is a lens you will want to take portraits of your children and wife/husband; just be sure (if indoors) you can get back far enough. If you shoot outdoors, you will want fill flash (yes, even with this, or any lens). For outdoor night time sports under good lighting, this lens is a killer- just maybe not enough reach. For outdoor daytime sports, and at a much better price point, definitely go with the Nikon 70-300 f4.5 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, which is more than sufficient to stop kids sports in action at great reach (450mm on a dx body).This lens also delivers great contrast and color replication- if you are using a color managed workflow (if not, you probably would not be looking at this lens anyway). Just remember that most people are viewing images only on some type of monitor these days (screen, Iphone, Ipdad, etc..). These screens/monitors are normally very cheap, not color matched, and using browser that only deal in the SRGB color space, thereby making all your effort nearly wasted. This is why prints, the true test of quality, still matter. And, if you are printing, this lens will definitely pay off.If you have the money and the need, you will not be disappointed with this Nikon glass. In fact, I have never been disappointed with any pro-level Nikon glass. Even their DX line is great for consumer to intermediate level shooting.