I've got the 105 f/2.8 VR. It's an extremely versatile lens - a very good macro lens and also a very good portrait lens - especially on an FX body.

The 105 will work with all current Nikon teleconverters. The lens is not particularly fast focusing anyway, and can be sluggish with teleconverters. It's very good with the 1.4 teleconverter, a little slow with the 1.7, and slower with the TC20E III. But this combination effectively gives you an effective 105/145/175/210mm kit.

As you know, DOF is shallow with an FX body. For macro that adds to the challenge.

LensRentals.com has a blog post about testing this lens. It's excellent used as a macro lens, but drops a bit when used at distances of 15 feet or so.

the Nikon SB R1 works very well

I use an SB900 as a "comander" and a second SB 900 as a backlight

@ 1:1 + a converter, I think the lens may get in way of the wary wong

sevencrossing said:
The AF-S 105mm f/2.8 Micro is one of nikon's sharpest lenses, sharper than any zoom, converters will work, but you will lose IQ

If you plan on using converters a lot you MIGHT be better off with a zoom

I use the 105, hand held at 1:1 on a D800, but unless I am working in bright sunshine, I tend to use flash

Yes I'll use the in-camera flash with a Gary Fong Puffer and a SB700 for the closeups if the shot needs it, specially with TC-14 in use. Not planning to shot at night, but sometimes the subjects are located under severe shade. Still learning the Nikon CLS thingy. Practicing around the house before going to botanical gardens and nature parks. Looking at the wireless flash transmitter/receiver too, got the wired flash extender cable to start.

The AF-S 105mm f/2.8 Micro is one of nikon's sharpest lenses, sharper than any zoom, converters will work, but you will lose IQ

If you plan on using converters a lot you MIGHT be better off with a zoom

I use the 105, hand held at 1:1 on a D800, but unless I am working in bright sunshine, I tend to use flash

You got a lot of good answers, so I just put here what I feel I can "add". I use the 105 VR with a D7000 and it works well. You can use it for close up shots handheld with VR, actually this works pretty good. But don't expect to shoot it handheld near to 1:1 magnification with a small aperture for DOF, at least I couldn't keep it steady anymore :-)
Using a TC will not only give you more reach but also affect magnification, the TC-20e III works well and gives you 2x magnification. But with every TC - afaik - you loose autofocus.
As I visited Florida and ie the Everglades I surprisingly liked it as a walk-around lens. I could get a closeup from a flower or small animal and capture a bird in flight (or one resting on a branch) afterwards quickly w/o changing the lens due to it's moderate tele nature.

Thanks to all for the replies. Didn't see me buying this lens 6 months ago. Kinda like the value zooms give. But this is the exception, this lens has about everything. I'm hopping to use this lens, hand held(VR) on the D300s to capture those big red eyed tree frogs that inhabit every bush, tree and wall around my house. Love their bright green skin and huge red eyes, but boy are quick to jump, so the further I'm from them the less they'll hop away. Also got some beautiful praying mantis around that I've been meaning to photograph. Florida's climate and vegetation do offer a rich diversity of wildlife and insects. I wish the state bird would not bite so much though. ;-) On the plus side the Micro 105 f2.8 has a great reputation as a fabulous portrait lens too. Will use it also photographs the classic car and farm tractors during the winter shows. I read how some people chose this lens as their favorite amount all they own. It will be on the wish list till I buy it in early October.

The AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED will work with the TC-14EII, but it does not support the autofocus.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/en_US_Comp_chart.html

However, with macro, I like to do visual focus in most cases, then shoot high frame rates. Of course with flash, it is a single shot.

DOF is simply a function of focal length, aperture and has nothing to do with the size of whatever format the image is being captured on. Do not be confused by those who talk about equivalent DOF, or some other rhetoric, it makes mo difference whether one places a 1 inch piece of film behind the lens or an 8" X 10" piece of film behind the lens. The DOF will be the same for a given focal length lens at a specific aperture.

I believe you are correct about the lens and it being sharp....very good lens...by reputation.

1.7TC works on it, I wouldn't think the others would have a problem.

You obviously get more reach (Crop factor) so it works more like a 150mm macro. So yes, you can shoot further away. I have used it on a D300 for years and it is great. You get the same advantages of any DX lens.

I don't have much to add other than the D300s + kenko extension tubes + tc-20e III + 105mm looks funny and handles (ergonomically) badly but it works.

I loved the D300s + 105mm combo when I used it. I took my favorite portrait of my father with that combo. Absolutely no complaints.

Yes, all TCs will work on it along with VR too I hear. Not sure about depth of field on FX or DX is affected though.

i have the d5000 and the 105mm and recently moved to the d800.

dx to fx, fx to dx doesnt change the magnification of the subject. when using the 105 for its macro purpose, the lens feels familiar. at least, that is my feeling.
havent used a tc on it so can't comment on that.

Did a search of the forum for the Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8 IF-ED VR. Found plenty of good words to describe the 105 f/2.8's performance, bokeh and so forth on FX. How does the DX 1.5 crop affect the macro distance to subject and the DOF. What are its positives and/or negatives while being used on a D300s? I've read about the advantages of using 150-180mm macro focal lengths, will the DX crop give the advantages of greater lens distance to subject? I will also use it with a D700. Trying to justify this fixed focal length lens. Yea I'll probably buy it ! It has some one of the highest compliments if read, will I also get a DX macro bonus?

Can the TC-14E II be used with it on either DX and FX? Thanks in advance.