Nikon 60mm F/2.8 or the Nikon 85mm?

I would like to get a macro lens for my new nikon d5100 which one is better/sharp/can use handheld
I'll be taking pictures of my cats eyes and portrait, and flowers MOSTLY

The 60mm is a macro lens. The 85mm is not.

The 85mm is not a macro lens, nor will the f1.8 version autofocus on your camera.

The 60mm f2.8 is a true (1:1) macro lens and is also an AF-S lens, so will autofocus on the D5100 no problem.

DO you really need a macro lens just to photograph a cat's eye? You can do that verywell with the 18-55 given with the camera, if you have the right technique.I'd say since you saved money in the camera better get a nice zoom lens say the 70-200mm VRII f/2.8 and look how coll that gets. Or better still get a 50mm f/1.4G lens… Trust me the second lens is gonna make you happier than a 60mm or an 85mm…

-- 50mm lens…

Of course the 85mm is a macro lens, at least the f3.5 is.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2190/AF-S-DX-Micro-NIKKOR-85mm-f%252F3.5G-ED-VR.html

Both lenses are incredibly sharp. The 85mm gives you a bit more working distance which is nice if you shoot bugs. The 60 is a bit faster, f2/8 versus 3.5 and the focal length works better for portraits.

If you have a baby nikon, d3000, d3100 or something like that then do take care that you get the 60mm f2.8 AF-S, the older AF-D will not autofocus