Need help with macro lens decision

[Metric]

My next lens is most likely going to be a macro lens for XTi, I've narrowed it down to these two. I'm trying to keep the cost under $500 USD in this case.

Canon EF 100mm F/2.4 Macro USM - $489 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-Macro-Lens-Cameras/dp/B00004XOM3/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1207588972&sr=1-4)
Canon EF-S 60mm F/2.4 Macro USM - $384 (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207587575&sr=8-1)

I can see the benefits of the 100mm since I wouldn't have to be as close to the subject to frame the same shot at the 60mm, but the lack of IS seems to be the downside of using the 100mm (being 160mm due to the 1.6x mag. on the XTi to a 35mm).

I guess the real question is whether the extra money for the 100mm over the 60mm outweighs the pro's and con's listed above.

[Magnj]

Macro is fun, but are you going to take that many pictures? 4-500$ is a lot of money to spend on what I consider to be a novelty lens. If you must get one, I'd say 60mm is your best bet but I have no experience with either lens.

[alexio]

For wildlife 60mm is too short. For flowers, coins, etc 60mm is fine. With a 60mm lens I do recommend an external flash though, because you can get nasty shadows of the lens without it.

[pasatoiutd]

The 60mm lens will give you more DOF, but for photographing insects the 100mm is a far better option because it gives you a greater working distance. The Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 USM macro is also a very good portrait lens.

[Soulburner]

100mm is much better than 60mm for macro work. It's too bad they don't have IS, like the Micro Nikkor 105mm VR. This rules out handheld shots unless you have lots of daylight.

Both look like great lenses though.

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM macro (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/162-canon-ef-s-60mm-f28-usm-macro-test-report--review)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/167-canon-ef-100mm-f28-usm-macro-test-report--review)
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM macro (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/169-canon-ef-180mm-f35-l-usm-macro-labtest-report--review)

[Cold Fussion]

Defiantly get the 100mm. The ef-s lens isn't compatible with the 5d/1d and if you ever upgrade to either camera, you will need a new lens. Secondly, i have the 100mm macro and i can say that it is a beautiful lens. Its very sharp, focuses quickly, isn't very heavy and the f2.8 is great.

[Metric]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll see if I can get the 100mm sorted out (My sister is actually being kind enough to order the 60mm for my high school graduation gift. I'll see if she can order the 100mm if I pitch in some money as well.) Also, is the 1.6 crop being factored in as well? (Just want to be sure)

[MaxxxRacer]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll see if I can get the 100mm sorted out (My sister is actually being kind enough to order the 60mm for my high school graduation gift. I'll see if she can order the 100mm if I pitch in some money as well.) Also, is the 1.6 crop being factored in as well? (Just want to be sure)

1.6x zoom (its not a crop) is not factored in, but when ppl talk about the macro, they are generally speaking from experience with a 1.5x or 1.6x sensor camera because full frame DSLR's have not been around for that long.

[Metric]

1.6x zoom (its not a crop) is not factored in, but when ppl talk about the macro, they are generally speaking from experience with a 1.5x or 1.6x sensor camera because full frame DSLR's have not been around for that long.
Didn't know that full-frames haven't been around for too long, thanks for the clarification. I'll talk to my sister to see if I can get the lens ordeal figured out. But the 100mm seems to be the choice over the 60mm?... Either way, I'll be satisfied being able to move away from the kit lens for once, so either one would be fine.

[Soulburner]

1.6x zoom (its not a crop) is not factored in, but when ppl talk about the macro, they are generally speaking from experience with a 1.5x or 1.6x sensor camera because full frame DSLR's have not been around for that long.
It is in fact a crop-factor and not a zoom-factor ;)

You are only capturing an APS-C sized (actually slightly smaller than APS-C spec for Canon, they wanted to be special and create their own size) portion of the full-frame image. The image angle or perspective doesn't change so it isn't any more zoomed in though.

[guess2098]

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp

i got a 50mm macro. cheap price and works very well. can get really close to subjust