The 200 macro is legendary, among the sharpest lenses of its day, at least in the macro ranges. I have been sorely tempted to obtain a 70-180 macro to try out. It was never reported to be as good as the 200/4, but it also may be good enough and have some character.
You are right, it were one of the best lenses and the IF is a dream, focusable with the little finger.
For the D700 it is a good compagnion but I tested it with my Sony ILCE 7 and here are colour shifts visible.
For me, as a "normal" user the resolution of the D700 is more than sufficient.
Is it allowed to show an analouge sample here?
Taken with the Micro Nikkor 4/200 as well but with a 1972 Nikon F2 and an Adox Silvermax 100, analouge film but the negative scan were digital :lecture: