The 105 VR is an awesome lens, but there are alot other options
The more popular ones:
Nikon 105 2.8 non-VR, if you dont need VR, AF-S & Nano coating
Tamron 90mm 2.8, if you dont mind slower focusing and noisier AF, but at a longer price
There are also the, Sigma 105 2.8, Tokina 100 2.8
If you do not mind manual focus, do check out, the Kiron 105mm 2.8, Lester Dine 105mm 2.8, Vivitar Series 1 105mm 2.5, Vivitar 100mm 2.8.
They are the same lens, made by Kiron, and are really awesome!
If you need more focal length,
consider the Sigma & Tamron 180mm, and Nikon 200mm
or a shorter focal length,
Nikon 60mm 2.8 AF-D/AF-S
Nikon 55mm 2.8 or 3.5, (Manual focus though) and only 1:2.