Bridges wrote:
Unless you plan to use it for portraits, and only want it for macro, save yourself some money and get the Nikon without VR. Macro should be done on a tripod using manual focus, and with the VR turned off. Also look at the Tokina 10mm macro. Most people will tell you it’s the equal to the Nikon in sharpness and could save you a few more bucks.
I have taken hundreds of insect photos with the Nikon 105 Micro lens and almost all have been without a tripod.
Most insects I have photographed haven't waited while I got set up with a tripod. Almost all were taken with me holding the camera at maximum focus range as I moved in closer and closer to the insect.
But you are right IF talking about photographing stamps, coins and other small objects that don't move off at their whim.