Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I have done some research on this forum so, when I ask this question, please do not lambast me.

I have a Nikon D610. I would like to buy a lens for close-up photography (think flower stamens and pollen-on-flower-stamen type of close up. From what I have read on this forum it is better to buy a prime lens for this type of work.

Can anyone here weigh in on this particular lens:
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

and the pros and cons of this lens vs an alternative that will get me close up?

I would like to limit my considerations to Nikkor lenses but I don't mind buying used, and I don't mind buying something with a simple manual focus or auto focus (either would work for me).

Thank you in advance for any advice. ~ Eileen M. Rowley

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/2,8G ED VR is an excellent lens and will go very well with your D610.

Ricker Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah

I have the same camera and the same lens and you can capture a gnat on a fly's eye. You have the best lens for macros that is made by Nikon. Zeiss probably makes a better lens for macros but it would likely cost 4-5 times the price of your 105mm.
Best regards, Ricker

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Excellent choice -
Used is good - priced lower than new or refurbished -
Here is a refurbished one:
https://www.adorama.com/nk10528afvrr.html

Top recommended sites for photo gear (all authorized dealers):
B&H Photo & Video
Adorama
Cameta Camera
KEH Camera

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I have the 105 as do several other Nikon shooters in the UHH True Macro forum. I like the Sigma 105 very much . Others like a longer focal length like a 180 Sigma. You can also use a telephoto zoom for close ups but for Macro like you described get something that focuses to 1:1. Better quality than cropping a telephoto shot and much easier than reversing or stacking lenses. Extension tubes are a possibility but no substitute for a macro lens and they can be used together to go beyond 1:1.

BrettProbert Loc: Clinton, PA

I have it and I LOVE it. Almost never leaves one of my cameras.

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

Thanks, Mac, for confirming my idea. ~ Eileen

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

Thank you, Ricker. This is just the information I was looking for. ~ Eileen

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

Thanks for this information. I've signed up for a photography class in June so I hope to get the whole thing figured out by then.
~ Eileen

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

Thank you, Brett, for confirming that this is a good lens. I appreciate your feedback. ~ Eileen

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Nikon USA is currently doing a 10% sale on factory refurbs and that would qualify for free shipping.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/refurbished-cameras.page?#!/tag:8ps:Lenses

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

You don't mention budget, but here are some thoughts:

While the 105 micro-nikkor is a great lens (I do have it) when it comes to macro lenses the longer the focal length, the greater "working distance" you are afforded to achieve that 1:1 (or thereabouts) imaging. That is, you can be further away from your subject with the Nikkor 200MM Micro or a Sigma or Tamron 150 or 180MM macro lens.

The reason this greater working distance may be useful is that it allows more options for lighting - and to do what you want you will likely need to use additional light. In macro shooting, the depth of field is vanishingly thin, so it's not unusual to shoot at f11 or more. There are post processing techniques like focus stacking, but these entail merging multiple shots taken of the same subject, which means said subject must be completely motionless (and you may need a focus rail of some sort to slightly shift the camera). For studio situations where the subject is unable to move, that may be fine, but if you want to walk through a botanical garden and shoot live flora not so much.

So while I like my 105 very much, the 200MM Nikkor is the one I usually use at the gardens. You can see the results on my website (in my signature below) - most of the flower shots were taken with that lens (at very small apertures, using a flash to provide the necessary light).

Again, you don't mention budget, and know that these longer macro lenses can be more costly than the 105, but it is at least something of which to be aware.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The lens you mention is just about perfect for what you want to photograph. If you want a little less working distance and a little more depth of field, an older "Micro-Nikkor" 55mm f/2.8 AI or f/3.5 AI (manual) macro lens might work. I love mine. I have one of each, strangely.

KEH has a bunch of used 105s right now, priced from $528 to $792: https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-105mm-f-2-8g-ed-if-af-s-vr-micro-nikkor-lens.html

They also have a couple of 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkors for less than $100: https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-55mm-f-3-5-micro-ai-manual-focus-lens-52.html

They are a VERY reputable dealer, and great to work with. I've bought two lenses from them. Both were like new, but rated EX. (Read their ratings scale on their web site).

As a general rule of thumb, shorter macro lenses are best on a copy stand or for very small product photography, while longer macro lenses are favored for photographing insects and spiders and other creepy crawlers. Any macro can be used to photograph flowers.

You should probably subscribe to the true macro and closeup photography forums here on UHH and read the extensive array of discussions on techniques and gear. There is much talent there!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I do not see any reason to lambaste anybody who needs help although I have seen many time rude attitudes and comments in the forum that are not ethically acceptable. The majority here is glad to help someone in need.
The majority of the macro shots people make are made with the camera on a tripod. Those shots usually have a very limited depth of field which obviously depends on how close is the camera to the subject and lens opening.
I do not see VR here as a big problem solver and the lens you have in mind is a very expensive one.
Nikon has manufactured several Micro-Nikkor lenses over time. I use the old 105 f4 AIs lens of the 70's with wonderful results. Their "old" 105mm f2.8 non VR Micro-Nikkor is a very good performer and most probably all the lens you need for your macro needs. Later on, if you are more and more into macro photography you could add a set of extension rings or dioper lenses to come even closer to the subject for more spectacular macros.
That would be my choice if I were in your shoes.