Previously I had the Nikkor 60mm Micro, which also achieved excellent results in the near and macro range. Here, however, was quite large, the intersection with the Nikkor 50mm F1.4 existing allround because of similar focal length. And I always wanted a bright tele with good imaging performance and VR. And that provides the Nikkor 105mm micro!
In the macro range, a greater distance to the subject is compared to the 60mm Micro possible, which is important in insect photography due to the flight distance. The maximum magnification ratio is, however, at both 1: 1. Particularly in the macro range, I find the micro 105mm However, changing the image section when focusing (Focus Breathing) somewhat disturbing that something complicates the picture composition. In practice, does this affect me so that when you initially framing the shot and then focused, changed the trimming again. If you choose him now new you have to re-focus and the game begins anew. That may be annoying. If, however, from the outset chooses a slightly larger picture and reworked the images on the PC later and tailoring, which probably makes the majority anyway, this shortcoming can be neglected.
For portrait photography, or taking pictures of children playing in low light VR is great! Sure, motion blur can be characterized not compensate, but here it is the maximum aperture of f2.8 and the great imaging performance even at full aperture come into play. The Bokeh is just fine!
Conclusion: With the Nikkor 105mm Micro is Nikon in my opinion, succeeded in building a robust all fixed focal length. Who can do without zooming, receives here a lens with almost spectacular imaging performance already at full aperture incl. VR. I have long wondered whether it is worth the extra cost compared to the 60mm Micro. Meanwhile, I have sold the 60mm Micro and not miss it, even though it has long been one of my favorite lenses. From me to the price (currently about EUR 740.-) unrestricted buy recommendation!
[Addendum: Meanwhile I run the 105s Micro on a D700, hence the addition of FX in the title. The results have blown me away simply. When Verwendundung as the Macro Focus is of course much lower than before on my D200, but I like the real 105mm as Allroud lens significantly better. Still a full purchase recommendation from me!]
