Yes the 3.5 is outstanding and so is the newer 2.8. All of Nikons Micro lenses have been outstanding including the 200. I still use the 3.5 and used the 2.8 50 & 105's for years with absolutely stunning results.
Nikkor glass is exceptional in optical performance and build. My vintage lenses are the early ones from the 60's. Now forty years old they're still performing up to todays standards. Contrast is a bit lower but they are sharp as a tack. I might have mentioned my favorites of all time are the vintage 24 f2.8, 50 micro, 85 f1.8 manual focus, 105 f2.5, 180 f2.8 ED, 75-150 E series f3.5 and my trusty 25-50 f4. Each are fantastic.