Wow, that was cheap. I might see if I can pick one of those up here in DK. I've been considering getting the Nikon 105/2.8 Micro too. You wouldn't happen to have any experience with that one, would you?
I briefly owned the new VR version. I bought it used in LN condition for $600 and sold it for $850 a week later. It's razor sharp, but big and heavy.
If you don't need the VR, there are a lot of cheaper/lighter versions like the Tamron 90/2.8, Sigma 105/2.8, older manual focus Nikkors, and other legendary MF macros like the Tokina 90/2.5 and the Kiron/Vivitar/Lester A. Dine 105/2.8.
The sheer size and weight probably won't bother me too much. I was lucky enough to use a 24-70 2.8 a while ago and I never felt like I reached the point were I got tired to carrying it, even though I was using it for around 6 hours straight. I guess I can also thank my RS-7 strap for that.
My main concern is that it will be too narrow, cus I'm still on a DX body (D7000), so I guess the focal length be ~155mm in theory, if I'm not mistaken.
The VR is not too crucial for me either, so I will definetely look into some of the alternatives you recommended. I guess I'll have to see if I can borrow the 105/2.8 somewhere too before I decide on anything.
Just thought I would post a few snaps I got from the Honda meet yesterday at South Mimms.
Kinda annoyed with the quality of photo i'm getting with the 18-55mm IS lens im using on my canon 400D. I did switch over to my 50mm lens and even gave my 75-300mm lens a go, and the quality of those lenses were soo much better.
