Not only is it a large optic, it works out at 120g heavier than Canon's 100mm macro, weighing in at a mighty 720g. It's unique in that it's the only lens to incorporate optical image stabilisation with Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR II) function offering the equivalent stability of a shutter speed...

With a decent range of features on top of good optics and VR, the Nikkor is worth every penny

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EXTREMELY disappointed!!! For nearly 800 bucks this lens is far from special. vibration reduction REALLY!! Ken Rockwell was right on. Pass this one by!

I honestly cannot think of any!

Poor focus; Poor vibration reduction; A DOG!

One of the most useful and praised lenses in Nikon history, the 105mm f/2.8 manual focus Micro-Nikkor of 1984 sired a line of high-speed close-up/portrait lenses, each growing in capability, size, and weight-up to this new 105mm f/2.8 ($830, street).

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Slow Focus

Very sharp lens and beautiful photos on an Epson D300. It is heavy and a bit cumbersome, but all is forgiven when the photos show up on the computer screen or in prints. Ideal macro lens -- right focal length (at least for my tastes.

Sharp

Automatic focus sometimes hard to achieve; Generally use manual most of the time; VR doesn't work reliable at close distances; For photos this close one should be using a tripod anyone so no big deal

Thanks to the addition of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology this is a big lens by conventional 100mm macro standards, and it is also heavier and more expensive than the norm.

Packed full of features

Dubious use of VR technology

Thanks to the addition of ( ) technology this is a big lens by conventional 100mm standards, and it is also heavier and more expensive than the norm. It is, however, very easy to hold and produces some great results.

Packed full of features

Dubious use of VR technology

Definitely the macro lens to start. Maybe for nice softer background look for 200mm macro, and for higher magnification than 1:1 try reverse macro technique, but in basic range this is the the only choice.

Optical stabilizer (works fine even at close-up distances); ultra fast focusing (from 0.5m - ∞); durable metal body

- The focusing is amazingly fast from 0.5m further; but on the macro distance 0,3-0,5m is not so accurate as at the longer distances; but in this situation you will focus manually either; - "framing" is moving during focusing (find more info on internet reviews