I shoot close up images a lot with Macro lenses (in Nikon language Micro lenses) and have decided to list here, some of the lesser known details of the current Nikon full frame Micro lenses.
The closest focusing distance in the figures below, is the distance between the subject and the front element of the lens.
Nikon AF Micro 200mm f/4D IF ED Lens
This lens is 200mm but reduces in focal length as it is focused to life size (1:1). I have not yet measured how much it reduces in focal length, but this does need to be taken into account as you focus toward life size.
This lens also has an effective aperture of f/5.3 and not f/4 at a magnification of life size.
The closest focusing distance with this lens is 0.4877 meters or 1.6 feet at life size magnifications.
Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Lens
This lens also reduces in focal length as it is focused to life size (1:1).
This lens also has an effective aperture of f/4.8 and not f/2.8 at a magnification of life size.
The closest focusing distance with this lens is 0.314 meters or 1.03 feet at life size magnifications.
Nikon AF-S Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED Lens
This lens also reduces in focal length as it is focused to life size (1:1).
This lens also has an effective aperture of f/4.8 and not f/2.8 at a magnification of life size.
The closest focusing distance with this lens is 0.185 meters or 7.28 inches at life size magnifications.
Summary
As you can see the 200mm lens is much better for keeping your distance from the subject , for example with live insects, reptiles or birds. This lens is much more subject to camera movement and most of the time I prefer to use it with a monopod or tripod.
The 105mm Micro has a shorter working distance and hence can be good for shooting subjects such as insects.
The 60mm lens has a much shorter working distance and I find this focal length very good for subjects such as flowers or plants.
The 200mm Micro lens is quite old now as far as the life of lenses is concerned. It is of the older screw driver focusing mechanism as distinct from the silent wave motors in the later lenses. Even thought it is an old design I love this lens because of the longer working distance.