Advice: Want to purchase Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor lens

[Photologyst]

After selling some old equipment, I am almost ready to take the plunge and purchase a Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor lens for my D300 as a macro along with landscape, wildlife and portrait lens. According to reviews this is feasible. Some say good micro and general lens, others claim good for portraits and wildlife as well.

I do not like to carry a lot of lenses, as in the film days; two is about the limit of my tolerance now. I have read that many people seem to consider this lens the general, “carry all the time” one. Would you? Do you have experience as to how it performs in low light situations, i.e. churches, restaurants, streets at night, etc.?

Anyone have other or better suggestions? Can you please tell me the pros and cons?

Also: Which brand polarizing filter would you suggest? Tiffen, Hoya, ProMaster, CPL, other?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[bigfrank]

I had the AF model of this lens and used in on my D50 some. It took excellent photos, but what I found out was that I seemed to have to be fairly far away from the subject (macro work) as the lens is a full frame lens and will be a 157mm on your camera. I ended up selling it and buying the AF 60mm Micor-Nikkor and have never looked back. This would be like a 90mm lens on our cameras and works great for portraits and such, and is also wider if you are going to take landscape shots. I think they still make this lens in the new AF-s with VR like the newer 105mm you are talking about.

One thing that I did like with the 105mm was that sometime when I wast taking photos of bus and other things that spooked easy, I could be farther back and still get the shot without spooking the subject. Other than that, I like the 60mm better.

[Photologyst]

Thanks for your reply bigfrank.

I have purchased this lens and in general am still testing. It will do macro and portrait work without having to be on top of one’s subject—a plus and one reason I didn’t choose the 60 mm, which is also not well reviewed for a D300.

The photos are very sharp without distortion. It does well in low light and the bokeh is nice.

The VR works well and a tripod is not always necessary.

The auto focus “breathes” (changes image size) too much for my taste, which is its big flaw. However, with macro one tends to manually focus.

The lens is robust, but is made in China and has plastic threads, both of which are a negatives in my book.

I would consider a used Nikon ED 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6 D AF Micro; however, there is the price issue.

What I really want is one, single zoom lens that will do it all or at least most.

[ravncat]

I have nothing but love for the 70-180 micro - it's used price is more palatable in Japan - but harder to find. I got mine in excellent condition in Japan for about 750 dollars

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

What I really want is one, single zoom lens that will do it all or at least most.

the 105 isn't a zoom.
But you know that, right?

[kirbinster]

Its a great lens, super sharp - I love mine.

[bigfrank]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Thanks for your reply bigfrank.

I have purchased this lens and in general am still testing. It will do macro and portrait work without having to be on top of one’s subject—a plus and one reason I didn’t choose the 60 mm, which is also not well reviewed for a D300.

The photos are very sharp without distortion. It does well in low light and the bokeh is nice.

The VR works well and a tripod is not always necessary.

The auto focus “breathes” (changes image size) too much for my taste, which is its big flaw. However, with macro one tends to manually focus.

The lens is robust, but is made in China and has plastic threads, both of which are a negatives in my book.

I would consider a used Nikon ED 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6 D AF Micro; however, there is the price issue.

What I really want is one, single zoom lens that will do it all or at least most.

I am certain that you will find that the 105mm VR will work just fine for you. Unless you tend to drop your camera, or are very rough with it, I do not think that the detriments that you listed will be a problem. Good luck and post some of your results!

Frank