Best time to purchase lenses?

I'm ready to purchase the Nikkor 105mm 2.8G IF-ED lens, however, I'm worried it'll become outdated soon. Is it safe to purchase and will likely remain the latest for three more years?

Added (1). Also, if you have the lens, what can you tell me about it?

It is likely to last three years but I'd suggest to continue looking for the one you need to have a spare.

It is a great Macro Lens. It goes for about $900. I do not think that Nikon has said anything about an update for the lens. You should not be worrying about a lens going outdated anyways. I have lenses that are 5-10 years old and they work great. I also still shoot with some lenses that are 20-30 years old on my F6 (when I'm in the mood to process B&W film). The lens is sharp as hell, but I expect nothing less from Nikon, if you go to my website under sports the first Basketball photo was shot with it (www.pjbphotos.com). You know it is fast when you are shooting sports with something that was made to be on a tripod. The lens is not a straight 2.8 btw, I believe it goes up to a f/3.5 when focusing closer, if may be f/4 though. Also what camera are you shooting on, if it is not an FX, then it will be almost like a 160mm.

Lenses do not become outdated- a good lens is considered an investment, not like a DSLR that will likely need replacing in five years. It's a fantastic lens, one of the best for portraits. Sharp and contrasty with excellent bokeh.

Oh come on!

If you need that lens now then you buy it now.

If you are worried that it will be updated soon or whatever then you don't need it and if you think that way then you will never buy anything.

Just buy it, lenses don't go out of date or get updated, just buy the best you can afford and they will last you whilst ever you use that DSLR system.

I regularly use 40 year old lenses on my Pentax.

The best time to buy a lens is when you have a need for it. Not before.

Lenses don't become outdated.

They can last for years.

What difference does it make if the lens is updated by the manufacturer? If it's a good lens to start with it'll still be good even though it's been updated… I own several lenses that have been updated by Nikon but my lenses still perform extremely well. I understand that you'd like the most up-to-date equipment, but I've never been a slave to the manufacturers and rarely update my equipment unless the new version is radically improved and I can afford to upgrade.

I own the above lens you mention (VR version) and I'm certain you'll be very happy with it.

Here are a few shots taken with the 105 on a full frame camera: