Mark7829 wrote:
Do your research. Macro lenses are called macro for their 1:1 ratio. Other reported macro lenses don't have that. In addition, the 105 f/2.8 Nikon has superb sharpness, can go as high as f/59, most lenses stop at f/22, incredible AF speed. It has all the groups and elements to reduce flares, distortion, etc. Has a 9 blade, rounded aperture for superior bokeh. Makes wonderful images and will last a lifetime. I don't think those who made any recommendation even shoot macro.
Nikon "Macro" lenses are called Micro (Nikkor) lenses. f/45 or f/64 is a bit much, unless you like diffraction. My Pentax Macro lenses go down to f/32 but I never go there. Great DoF for film, but not great for sharp diffracted pixels. I rarely go beyond f/11 today for anything.
Not sure I get the AF speed issue for macro / micro photography. Should be using Manual Exposure and Manual Focus anyway for that on a tripod. If you use a 105mm as a portrait lens, than that is a different story.