One of the best macro lenses

... Are getting for Nikon SLR cameras. I run it on a D700 (FX - the angle of view corresponds to a 2-fold magnification or 2 times normal focal length).
The optical performance is excellent, with the D700 over Lens weaknesses benevolent away looks as DX cameras or high-resolution 36MP-D800. I can see no improvement when stopping down (and thus no need to dim when depth of field is not needed). The bokeh is excellent, the AF-S motor sauschnell (even in the macro range, while some lenses require several seconds to focus), the focus ring buttery soft and precise. The chassis is made of metal and feels accordingly to robust and high quality. It fits very well with the (relatively serious) D700. The supplied lens hood snaps cleanly and is very useful in many situations, although they may be at high magnifications in the way. The supplied bag is convenient and high quality standard with Nikon.
Due to its focal length of 105mm and the relatively high light intensity, this lens is not only for macros, but also very suitable for portraits - especially on FX. The VR (stabilizer) provides good services here - photographing is comfortable, and the probability of getting at really low shutter speeds to a sharp image, increase (even with portraits, people move up irregularly). In the macro range, I could often do without it - there should be a short shutter speeds of 1/200 sec at least not less than...
The only negatives are the price and weight. At a D5100 or D3100 me the lens would be too heavy. Thank God there are alternatives:
-Nikon AF-S 60mm VR - easier, cheaper
-Tamron 60mm 1: 2 - no stabilizer, not FX-compatible, no faster and quieter autofocus, but higher light intensity, very easy, cheap
-Sigma 70mm 1: 2.8 - perhaps an idea sharper, no fast and quiet autofocus, no stability, relatively easy and affordable
-Nikon 85mm 1: 3.5 DX - not FX-fit, less light intensity, light
-Tamron 90mm 1: 2.8 - no VR, no faster and quieter autofocus
-Tokina 100mm 1: 2,8 - Tamron 90mm, built like a little longer and more massive

Macro specialists might want a little more focal length for macro shooting more comfortable:
-Sigma 150mm 2.8 OS HSM - reserves despite the long focal length, the high light intensity in, ideal for portraits outdoors, hard
-Sigma 180mm 2.8 OS HSM - extreme lens, the longest macro, F = 2.8, sauschwer
-Tamron 180mm 1: 3.5 - no stabilization, ultrasonic focus and only 3.5 aperture, it cheaper and easier
-Nikkor 200mm 1: 4 - very high quality, longest macro, purist furnished but ideal for MF and tripod, expensive

The 105s is for me something like the golden mean. Not too expensive, not too heavy, not too long for portraits, not too short for macros. It is very well equipped with VR and AF-S; what even die manual focuser and stand-users appreciate now and then. Therefore, I can recommend the lens with a clear conscience, but with the Council, to look at the cheaper, easier alternatives on top of that - sometimes it does not have to be the best :-)