Nikon 105 Macro: Autofocus or Manual

I'm not sure whether to get a simple autofocus port for my Nikon 105 VR macro, or go with a focusable port. Some posts I've read suggest that autofocus is enough. Should I spend a little extra for a focusing ring I may never use or need?

Personally I think its best to go with a port that offers both, the 105mm is a great lens, but even the smallest particle make AF an issue. If you have both you can switch to manual and capture the shot. Manual takes a little more practice and an eye, but in my mind it is worth it.

Hope this helps and happy shooting

Karen

I'm not sure whether to get a simple autofocus port for my Nikon 105 VR macro, or go with a focusable port. Some posts I've read suggest that autofocus is enough. Should I spend a little extra for a focusing ring I may never use or need?

Go for the focusing ring; the 105VR hunts quite a bit and can be frustrating.

Go for the focusing ring; the 105VR hunts quite a bit and can be frustrating.

I'll second that. Also with the 105 VR you can have the lens set to auto, but still make adjustments using the focus ring. I use this quite often and it definately helps.

Everybody:

Sounds pretty clear that the manual focus option is the way to go. After investing a gazillion dollars in the rest of it, what's another 200?

Thanks again for your help.

Sorry to be late responding on this.

I shoot focus priority and have no problem with autofocus. The lens does hunt BUT not on small changes. Simply focus at distance, then move in to minimum distance. Frankly getting the strobes position is the bigger issue.

I use both, depending on my mood and predicted subjects...

I would buy it, it is inexpensive (relatively to your equip) and gives you a choice.

Like everyone else above go manual.

I nearly went crazy the first time I used the 105 on autofocus, couldn't wait to sort out a gear for it and use it manually.

All my mates on the boat were laughing at me after that dive and said "now you know why we never use autofocus"

The 105 is the only one of my lenses on which I use manual focus. And on that lens I use it around 80% of the time.

The 105 is the only one of my lenses on which I use manual focus. And on that lens I use it around 80% of the time.

I've pretty much decided the manual focus port/ring on this lens is the way to go.