[Markulous]

I guess it ust depend on how you want to use the lens.

If all you wanted to shoot was macros of flowers (or other still life) then VR is somewhat redundant as a good tripod would be much more essential. Early versions of stabilisation systems suffered when on a tripod (they depend on rapid gyroscopic movements so they actually introduced vibrations!) but I believe that's not now the case (and I use 300mm and 100-400mm stabilised lenses, switched on, on tripods with no perceived ill effect)

If it's insects and other creepie-crawlies then VR comes into it's own (tho' I do recall suggestions that VR is not very effective at macro distances) and a tripod becomes a nuisance and even monopods difficult (anyone trying to capture moving insects wll know what I mean!)

Then there's the use of the 105mm as a portrait lens. I've the Sigma 105mm macro lens and use it as my main portrait lens (not that I take many portrait shots!)