While I've had a couple of them over the years, I am not certain.... Aren't all the Micro-Nikkor 55mm "only" 1:2 on their own, requiring some sort of extension to achieve full 1:1 I am not sayin' that a lens has to shoot 1:1 to be considered a macro lens. A lot of them over the years... and quite a few right now... are "only" 1:2. So I'm not holding this against the Micro-Nikkor 55mm lenses.... just noting it, since it might be a consideration depending upon what you're shooting.

I would never presume to tell you "all you need is the 105mm". In fact, it entirely depends upon what you're shooting close up. Out in the field and particularly if using it on an APS-C camera, a lens in the 90/100/105 range might be the most versatile... a good choice. I know a 100mm is my "most used". (Note: I shoot Canon mostly, and their 100 Macro lenses can optionally be fitted with a tripod ring, which is essential in my opinion.)

But there are times and places where a shorter or longer macro focal length is helpful or even necessary. When I'm shooting small products in studio, I use short focal length specifically so I can reach out to arrange the subject while observing it through the viewfinder or on the rear LCD screen. 35mm, 40mm or 55mm may also be necessary for some copy work. OTOH, when shooting critters that sting or bite, I sometimes choose to use a 180mm lens. But for other subjects the shorter lens puts me too close... while the longer focal length is more difficult to keep steady or renders too shallow depth of field.

Another consideration might be if wanting the lens to serve dual purpose.... such as a 55mm f/2.8 for the slightly larger aperture that can better double as an everyday "normal" lens than a 55mm f/3.5. Or, a 60mm or 90mm that you also like to use for portraiture.

I don't know if you need 40mm, two 55mm (one f/2.8, one f/3.5), and a 60mm... those are all pretty close to each other. Likewise 90mm, 105mm serve similar purpose.

But I have to admit I use:

- 45mm (tilt shift)
- 60mm (crop only, compact and doubles as a portrait lens thanks to f/2 aperture)
- 65mm (ultra high magnification, no less than 1X & up to 5X)
- 90mm (cheap vintage, manual focus only, 1:2)
- 100mm (most used, fitted with tripod ring)
- 180mm (also has tripod ring)

In addition, I always carry some extension tubes, so can use a lot of other lenses for close-up work or push any of the above to higher magnification.

I don't currently have one, but in the past have also had a 90mm tilt shift lens that I used with full frame camera for small product photography.

There are a lot of different types of macro and close-up photography. The lens you choose should and will be influenced by what you plan to shoot with it.