Odd experience with the 60mm Macro.

Thanks for mentioning this, I have very much the same choice to make - do I buy a 60mm macro while the 20% rebate applies, or go for the 45/1.8 with the same rebate?

Meanwhile, I also use the MicroNikkor 55/3.5 and really like its output. But the 60mm Oly appeals because it is smaller, lighter, and has AF and AE.

Seems to me, I'd see little direct benefit in actual image quality.