Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro-NIKKOR and Macro Ring flash Bower SFDRL14N

Got some pressies for myself, purchased from B&H Photo (USA) via CW...

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro-NIKKOR

B&H Photo price paid: 800 USD

Present price (May 2011): 950 USD

Some facts from KenRockwell ...

This AF-S VR 105mm macro is popular: Nikon's made about 120,000 of them so far as of 2008.
Nikon calls this the AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Nano-Crystal Coat. (What a mouth-ful!)

Here's the tech jargon ...

AF-S and SWM: Silent Wave (focus) Motor.
VR: VR II Vibration Reduction.
Micro-NIKKOR: Nikon macro lens.
G: Gelded for cost-reduction and removing compatibility with older cameras.
IF: Internal Focusing.
ED: ED Glass.
Nano Crystal Coat (N): Nikon's latest anti-reflection coating

I was dissapointed that it was "Made in China" as the previous samples used to be Japanese-made. However, the build quality is really good, and I doubt it really has a bearing on the performance. Closest focal length is 31cm, and it weighs a hefty but manageable 720g.

Bower SFDRL14N TTL Macro Ringlight Flash (Guide No. 46'/14 m at 50mm) for Nikon with i-TTL
B&H Photo price paid: 98 USD
Present price (May 2011): 105 USD

Description from BHphoto - The Bower SFDRL14N TTL Macro Ringlight Flash provides full TTL control (including i-TTL) with both digital or film SLR cameras. This allows for accurate exposures of closeup subjects. When shooting at extremely short distances, relatively minor movement of lighting and subject results in relatively large changes of exposure. TTL metering eliminates the need for lengthy calculations of exposure, because the inherent loss of light at macro distances can automatically be accounted with ease.

Build quality is below-par, but what do you expect for a system which costs 1/6th of the equivalet Nikkor R1C1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight system! Made in Singapore, very plasticy finish, but seems to recharge quickly and does the job!

ps. Have to admit CSI:Miami and CSI inspired me to get this set-up, heh heh!