Please help me decide

kdotaylor · July 21, 2011

Help! Am looking at this lens:
Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens

But is it worth it to get the VR in this lens for twice the price?
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens

ziggy53 · July 21, 2011

How do you intend to use the lens?

As a macro/close focus only lens?

As a portrait lens?

Will you be looking to use the lens for income?

Anything else regarding the use/application of the lens?

kdotaylor · July 21, 2011

I would most likely use it primarily as a macro lens, as I have some other portrait lenses already. I've never done macro, but am interested in experimenting with that as something new. I wouldn't expect to gain income from this unless I took some really cool photos. I'm just wondering if I could hold the less expensive lens steady enough for detailed close up or would I just be frustrated by blur and should invest in the one with VR.

zoomer · July 21, 2011

If you aren't going to use a tripod for macro then VR will probably be worth it.

puzzledpaul · July 21, 2011

Do you intend using flash for macro ... or ambient?

pp

ziggy53 · July 21, 2011

Most folks agree that image stabilization (VR) has little effect at true macro distances. Some sort of physical stabilization is greatly preferred, either a tripod (for non-moving and planned subjects) or a pole/stabilizer for hand-held tasks.

You don't mention if you shoot FX or DX bodies, but on DX bodies the older Micro-Nikkor AF-D 105mm, f2.8 holds its own pretty well in image quality, excellent really. The newer Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm, f2.8G IF-ED VR is a little sharper, but not too much better.

Reviews:

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/223-micro-nikkor-af-105mm-f28-d-review--lab-test-report
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/224-micro-nikkor-af-s-105mm-f28g-if-ed-vr-review--test-report

In your situation I would recommend the older AF-D model just because you probably won't notice the difference in image quality and I doubt that the VR will help as much as physical support.

For some very useful information on macro technique:

http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=143373

kdotaylor · July 21, 2011

Okay, thank you so much for your input, everyone. I'm leaning towards getting the older lens and saving some $$. Thank you, ziggy53, for the links to the techniques!

Please help me decide

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