Nikon AF Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D Lens

Pros: Very good optics, superior handling and build
Cons: Bad bokeh, not quite as sharp as a Tamron 90mm Macro

You will not be unhappy with this very fine Nikon lens. It's a great macro lens that is very sharp. Handling is excellent, perhaps the very BEST of all the 90 to 105 macro range lenses. It does 1:1 no problem, though your distance to the subject is quite ...

Pros: Sharp as a tack , flat field, great color transmission
Cons: a bit heavy

The 105 f2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor is sharp as a tack throughout its focusing range (from infinity to 12 inches) but the strength of this lens is up close and personal. For macro work, the 105 is an almost perfect focal length, especially for insects like...

Pros: Versatile and sturdy - great results!
Cons: Autofocus will hunt, heavy, loses a stop if you're too close

Pictures speak louder than words. You can view some sample images at http://www.pbase.com/ccraft/nikon105mm2

I've had this lens for about six months and I bring it with me wherever I go. While it is a 2.8, you will lose a stop or two if you get too close to your subject. You can set it to manual or automatic focus and the auto focus can hunt a bit if there isn't enough contrast. It's a tiny bit heavy, but it's very durable.

Overall though, it's a very sturdy lens. I've enjoyed taking macro shots with it and I've used closeup filters to magnify subjects like you wouldn't believe.