Nikon 40mm vs Nikon 85mm Macro Lenses?

I'm looking into getting the Nikon D5100 as it's at the top end of my range with everything is included (memory card, bag, etc.). I'm set on getting the 18-200mm as my overall lens but I know that I want a macro lens as I tend to delve into macro/product shots. I'm leaning towards the Nikon 40mm Macro Lens but am worried about it not having the VR II feature seen in the 85mm.

At 40mm you probably don't need VR. VR is almost essential at longer lengths such as 300mm. Besides, in any still life you can use a tripod.

Once you learn how to properly hold your camera, you only need VR at the telephoto end.

I have the 40mm micro (along with a Tokina 100mm macro) and it does well for everything but bugs. It's DoF is a lot more favorable than the longer focal length macro lenses, and it focuses pretty well (longer focal length macros often require a tripod).

The only issue is to obtain true macro photos you have to get very close with this lens - which tends to scare off bugs.

But having said that, I use the 40mm for 80% of my macro shots - and only use the 100mm for bugs - which after time, the bug the novelty wears off.

Dude, don't buy a camera which doesn't have mirror lock-up shooting… ESPECIALLY when you wanna shoot macro.

I've been down this road years ago with a Nikon D3000. The 3000 series and 5000 series cameras DO NOT have mirror lock up. Dude you're gonna go looking online at other peoples macro work, and you will wonder why theirs is so much sharper - its usually mirror lock up. The mirror slap causes vibrations throughout the camera, including the sensor. With mirror lockup you will have a MASSIVE increase in sharpness.

But if you don't take my advice and continue with the D5100, then get the Nikkor 105mm FX f/2.8. Its Nikons sharpest macro lens, but its only around an 8 to 8.5. The 40 and 85mm didn't test too sharp on Photozone. I had the nikkor 60mm FX and it wasn't much sharper than the kit lens, plus there was no VR.

If you wanna shoot macro properly you'll need a tripod and mirror lockup. Forget about macro lenses, I researched them years ago and tabulated them all, and you are better off buying a sharp portrait lens like a Sigma 30mm 1.4, and a set of automatic extension tubes, to get the super macro close up. Plus you can use that 30mm for portraits.

Macro is: Tripod; Mirror lockup (with remote); automatic extension tubes or bellows; and a really sharp lens. Plus get a Pentax K-30, it will eat that D5100 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and poop out gold nuggets.