EF-S 60mm vs EF 100mm Macro Lenses (Help!)

[mattbisme]

Even before I had a DSLR I've always enjoyed looking at and taking (with my little Sony T9) macro photography. Now that I have had my XSi for about a year now, I really want to add a dedicated Macro lens. I'm still learning a lot about the technicals of the different lenses, so any guidance would be appreciated.

I have recently rented both the Canon EF-S 60mm and EF 100mm Macro Lenses, and I've found that I really like both of them. The 60mm is about $200 less expensive than the 100mm, and that alone makes it very tempting. However, aside from price, I fear I won't understand the pros or cons of each focal length without long-term use of each lens.

Since this isn't possible, I'm desperately looking for help and suggestion from anyone experienced in Macro photography.

Although I like shooting insects, my preference is objects, so I'm not as concerned about my subject running away.
Any thoughts are appreciated!

[OsmosisStudios]

The 100 allows you to get the same magnification (1:1) but you can be farther away from your subject to do so. This gives your subject breathing room, which is great for anything living. This extra room also means youre not blocking your own light.

[natek313]

The point Osmosis made is probably the biggest difference (aside from price) between the two lenses. Both lenses are tack sharp, so no worries there.

Another thing that you might want to consider is if you're ever going to upgrade to a full-frame camera body. If you plan on doing that in the future, you won't be able to use the 60mm since it's a EF-S mount.

I own the 100mm macro, and I absolutely love it!

[mattbisme]

Both very good points! Although I would like to one day upgrade to a full-frame camera body, my current budget won't allow for that in the foreseeable future. Regardless, I am seriously leaning towards the 100mm at this time; I have found that I do like the extra distance I can have between myself and the subject, even for non-macro shots.

The longest focal length I have for any lens currently is 55mm, so the 100 breaks me out of that small box at the same time. While renting the 100mm I found that portrait shots could become a little bit more "candid" which I liked.

I have a feeling that I'll pick the 100mm, but I'll still take any extra insight that anyone may have!
Thanks!

[toddybear]

I have used the 100mm and in my opinion it is VERY heavy. The 60mm is less than 2/3 of the weight so it is a big difference for me. On image quality they are both very good even if the 60mm has small advantage. Overall I would rather get the 60 than the 100 but that is my choice

[inkista]

I have the 60 and love it to death, but if you're planning on taking any insect pictures at all, you want the 100. The 60's just too damn short for subject matter that gets nervous when you loom, and even with flowers, it's hard to get away from your own shadow. I prize the small size and weight, and the 60's great for tabletop and flower macros, but you do have to get very close to your subject matter.

[kelleyrie]

I love love love my 60mm, doesn't stop me from wanting to buy the 100mm too so I guess my anyswer is both? lol

[mattbisme]

Originally Posted by toddybear

I have used the 100mm and in my opinion it is VERY heavy.

Yes, this was a consideration of mine. My XSi is a little less than balanced with the 100mm attached.

Originally Posted by inkista

if you're planning on taking any insect pictures at all, you want the 100

Yea, I'm sure I will. Although it's not what I am primarily interested in, I'm certain it will come up.

Originally Posted by kelleyrie

I love love love my 60mm, doesn't stop me from wanting to buy the 100mm too so I guess my anyswer is both? lol

If only my budget would allow for that! haha!

Thank you for all the help! i'm pretty sure I've decided on the 100mm!

[Bluenoser]

I owned the 60 originally but sold it and purchased the 100. For me it came down to being able to get further away from the subject.

The difference in weight is noticeable, (60mm = 335g - 100mm = 600g) but I didn't really notice it when shooting since I'm using a tripod 90% of the time I do Macro and a monopod the other 10%.

[theArchitect]

You might want to consider the Tamron 90mm f2.8 - the benefits of Canon 100mm but cheaper price.