AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D with HN-23 hood and 62mm Nikon NC protective filter.

Nikon’s cheapest dedicated macro (Micro in Nikon language) lens is also their sharpest close-up. And if that wasn’t good enough, mounted on a DX format body we get the same field of view as a 90mm lens on a 35mm film body, a great short portrait lens! Build quality is very good indeed, solid and reassuringly weighty. The 60mm is my main portrait and still-life/studio work lens. The only negative aspect of the 60mm is the limited working distance at large reproduction ratios, not ideal for shy or dangerous animals, but certainly doable.

Some samples here: http://www.pbase.com/tuckeruk/samples_60