AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR vs Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/2.8?

I'm looking for a good macro lens and I'm debating between these two. The 85mm is about $100 more expensive but has AF. Which one should I purchase?

Check the minimum focusing distance. If you can, also find out the magnification ratio. Those are the two important specs with Macro lenses. Focusing distance will tell how near you should be to your subject. Not everyone needs to be in kissing distance hence the longer focal lengths. Then some need to have exact magnification ratios like 1:1 (life size), or 1:2 (half of life size), etc. You then get what fits your requirements. If that is too complicated for you, get the 55mm Micro. That's the all-purpose macro lens for full-frame. If your camera has a crop sensor, look for a 35mm Micro lens. If you can't make a final decision, test them all out in the store. You're allowed to do that.

AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED is better rather than other