Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

The 200mm micro closest working distance is 18" though I did not measure the distance I was within 24" on most shots.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You are confusing Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD) which is 19.7-inches, with Minimum Working Distance (MWD) which is 11.8-inches. Pre-set your lens to Manual, turning focusing collar to closest focus. Move camera/lens as a unit, in-&-out towards subject, taking photo when in focus. This is MFD, which is the only distance to capture 1:1 (life-size) true macro.

See MFD here: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/1989/af-Micro-nikkor-200mm-f%252F4D-if-ed.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Thanks for the tip, I will try that. It is going to be hard doing this on a tripod, but what you say makes sense.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

This is just an exercise to acquaint you with MWD, which is most important for true macro-photography.

I know of tripod shooters that move subjects to their mounted macro rigs. Most of us hand-hold, so we can much more easily move camera/lens to proper WD for subject.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

In the mid range both the DX 85mm and the FX 105mm lenses have the same working distance. I use the 105mm as my primary macro lens so I can say that it and the 85 are comparable and you'd be really happy with the 85.

However, working distance is somewhere between six and twelve inches depending on what you're photographing. You did say you had a problem getting close because of your back. That might suggest that working distance is an issue for you. Under those circumstances the 200mm macro might be a better deal. This gives you a much better working distance, you can practically stand up to do pictures of small things. But it's more expensive and it doesn't have an image stabilizer. So that's the trade off. It's also heavier.

So all considered I'd certainly endorse the 85.

Good Luck.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Minimum Working Distance (MWD) is required on a true macro lens to capture 1:1 magnification (life-size) on sensor.
The mathematical MWD for an 85-mm macro lens on a DX sensor is 127-mm = 5-inches.
The mathematical MWD for a 105-mm macro lens on a DX sensor is 157-mm = 6.2-inches.
The mathematical MWD for a 200-mm macro lens on a DX sensor is 300-mm = 11.8-inches.

My field documentation of Nikkor 105G MWD confirms the mathematical calculation.

G.Feduccia Loc: Paradise in Florida Panhandle

Wow, guys! Heck my flowers and insects don't look THAT good! Gary