105mm VR Macro on D7000 - to keep or not? Advice?

Gabbro wrote:

I have had the 105 VR for years and love it for flowers, bugs, even portrait, on D300 & D7k. Great lens no question about it. The problem to me is its bulk and weight. Most of my photos were taken while hiking. Because the weight, most of the time, I wouldn't even bring it on a hike. Besides, as you said, it is a little too long for portrait, and too long for large flowers as well. So recently, I bought a Nikon 60 mm AFS G Macro. It's much smaller, half the weight (maybe). I can easily carry it on a hike, and it is a great portrait lens on DX. Too me, it is a perfect flower lens. I know, the working distance is a little short for bugs. But hey, you can't have everything. Most important, it is with me most of the time when I need it. So now, my 105 VR becomes "stay home, tripod macro" lens. the 60 mm goes with me all over the places.

I also tried the 60 mm AF-D Macro. It is very sharp lens, BUT not internal focus (front moves in and out when focus). And the lens itself is retracted so deep, it is almost imposibble to clean if you get the front element dirty. So many using that lens would put a clear filter in front. The 60 mm AFS G has no such problem. Give it a try and find out your self.

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