Hi Joe, I have an older Non CPU Nikkor lens the 105mm F2.5 that does not have a macro/micro feature that I use & seems to work ok for my needs.Is this lens the forerunner of the lens you have???Nikon 105mm VR Micro ($924-ish) is where it's at. That is the cream of the crop. I have one and it is just stellar. You can opt for the 60mm version for less ($569-ish) , but personally, I dont think it has enough reach for insects. It would be fine however, for things that wont get scared and run/fly away. Then, there is always the 40mm ($269-ish) but I think that is just a waste.
I won't recommend any 3rd party macro lenses as I have no experience with them. I do however own 3rd party lenses that are stellar so don't count them out.
The 105 2.8 I have was designed specifically for Macro work, and having the ability to focus from infinity to 1:1 life size. You may be able to get decent closeups with the old 105 (originally designed for portraiture i believe). The difference is really just the focussing distance. with your 105, you may only be able to focus on a subject, say 15 inches away....where I can focus on it, up to say 2 inches away (not sure of exact measurments, just making an example).
I think to Lscha the above would sound confusing. What is the different of being able to shoot from 15 inches and 2 inches? As long as I can get the job done, what is the issue?
If one is into macro, wont the 15 inches be advantages since you can be further away from insects that may flew away if you gets too closed?
Is there an advantage of having the 60mm f/2.8D AF over the 85mm f/1.8G AF-S?
I think to Lscha the above would sound confusing. What is the different of being able to shoot from 15 inches and 2 inches? As long as I can get the job done, what is the issue?
If one is into macro, wont the 15 inches be advantages since you can be further away from insects that may flew away if you gets too closed?
If I were to settle on the 60mm AF-D instead of the AF-S would I be sorry? I don't have the skill for any portrait work anyway and probably wouldn't be taking macros of anything that moved. Is manual focusing that cumbersome? I do it occasionally now and it doesn't seem to be bad at all.