Nikon Macro Lenses, 60mm vs 105mm

[Sodaman420]

Hey guys, howsit going?
Seeing as spring has arrived, I do not want to miss the beautiful flowers that are going to be blooming soon. The crocus in my yard have started already!
Now I am faced with an expensive choice. I want to get a macro lens to be able to photograph these flowers. I was split between these two:

The Nikon 105 mm f/2.8 Vibration Reduction, Autofocus Lens here (http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2160)

Or, the same lens basically, only 60mm.
60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor here (http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=1987)

I'm going to be going to the photo store to get it, so I can test it out for myself, but I was wondering if anyone had any input on either of these lenses?
Is the 60mm not enough zoom to capture extremely close details?
Is the 105mm too much?
Any other suggestions?

Just let me know.

Thanks,
-Tony

[inkista]

With macro lenses, the focal length isn't so much a measurement of magnification (both those lenses have 1:1) as it's a measure of your working distance to get the subject to fill the frame. I have the Canon 60mm Macro, and I tend to be right on top of things, with the lens hovering only centimeters away from the subject. I'd assume you have a larger working distance with a 100mm, which would help avoid shadows, and make it easier to take pictures of little things that hop, fly, or crawl.

I once had the opportunity to take a picture of a golden orb spinner, and I chickened out with the 60mm, since it would have meant getting a great deal closer to a very large spider than I was comfortable with. I used my 400mm birding lens instead. :D

[NaturesPixel]

ok i have a sigma 50mm.. that i got secondhand to do me over till i could afford a 105mm Nikkor... now if you can afford the $$ for the 105mm get it!!! you will not be disappointed... i have seen some fantastic photos come out of this lens in the right hands of course... the thing is.. you wont want to just capture flowers you will also wanna capture the insects that are on the flowers... meaning with a 60mm you will scare them away... with the 105mm you can stand back and still capture the 1:1 ratio you are after :)

[Firemaine]

Found this info on Macro lenses. Hope it helps.

50 - 65 mm macro lenses are the least expensive. They are best for copying documents. They're not the best for living subjests beacuse you usually have to get too close for comfort or lighting. Today the Nikon 60 mm f/2.8 AF sells for about $350 brand new and is a wonderful choice if it gives you enough working room.

105 mm macro lenses are the most popular. This is because they don't cost that much more than the 50 - 65 mm lenses and offer about twice the working range.

[Sodaman420]

Ahhh, I see now.
Thank you so much guys!
I like the idea of being able to be further away from the things that fly and crawl, buzz, etc haha. I really appreciate the info.
Off to B&H I go on Friday :D
-Tony