Need suggestions for close-up/portrait Macro lens

Looking to purchase a Macro lens for close-up & portrait use (I use another camera for actual macro work). It will be used with a D200. I like the magnification, sharpness, and good contrast of a Macro lens for this purpose.

In my current arsenal I have the Sigma 50-500mm, Tokina 12-24 wide angle, and the Nikkor 18-200mm VR.

I do prefer "image stabilization" (VR) and am leaning toward the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR lens.

If $$$ isn't an issue is this the best choice for a non-macro Macro lens?

Any input is appreciated.

TRF

How about a lens designed with portrait in mind, such as an old 105mm f2.5, and a small extension ring, such as the PK-11a ?

TRF

--I recently purchased the Sigma 150mm Macro with the same intentions i.e a good close portrait macro.

I find it works well with focus limiter and HSM helping focusing speed to a respectable level, (hunts a bit in low light however), but returns high quality head shots. No VR but should be on your short list IMHO.

Regards

Andy Q
http://www.andyroo.zenfolio.com

--I have read good things about it and they are ALL true. Wish it were a wee bit faster but within its lighting requirements it is VERY good....Is it better than some other more expensive lens I have in the equiv. focal lenght for portrait work, no...but its VERY VERY good and the macro side does not disappoint. Relatively inexpensive, even new.
MATTinNE_FL

Seems like you already made up your mind. Lenses are always personal choices and it is very difficult to say anything definitive without really knowing how the lens will be used.

85mm f/2.8 PC Micro Nikkor is my pick. I still recommend that you buy the lens that feels right in view of the different shooting opportunities you expect to encounter.

I´d still suggest to go with the 85/1.4D and a seperate Macro based on your lens setup if you do more portrait than macro work and want "the best". If you lean more towards macro then the 105/2.8VR is probably the better choice.

VR is nice but it does not help with moving subjects (only compensates lens-shake) and the opportunities of playing with DOF at 85/1.4 are amazing as well as the possibilities for available-light pics.

My combination for this case is an old MF (2nd hand) 55/2.8 AIS Micro-Nikkor (manual focusing with this lens is excellent, you can use it on the D200 in M and A mode and also have another prime lens) and the 85/1.4D - but then I do almost no Macro work.

--
Andi

The 28-105 stepped down to aperture 9-11 (e.g. when using studio-flash equipment) is THE best portrait/glamour Nikon zoom-lens on D-bodies (e.g. sold my 24-120VR for it which is too soft).

Highly recomendable for this area of pics, but sadly lately discontinued by Nikon. If you get one, remember to pick up the hood seperately (not included)!
--
Andi

Looks like I have a little research to do on these other options. Sure wish I could rent these older lenses first for a test drive!

Cheers,

TRF