macro lenses...

[hschlessphoto]

Just a quick couple questions about macro lenses

1. Do macro lenses just let you focus on images when you are closer to them/a smaller minimum focus range? or do they have other advantages?

2. Can you use a macro lens for things other than macro shots?





thanks

[Eric&Susan]

Macros not only have a short focusing distance they also focus to infinity.

I also use my Canon 60 macro as a portrait lens when taking pics of the kids.

Eric

[Angelo]

I moved your question over to Technique for better response. :thumb

[pathfinder]

Just a quick couple questions about macro lenses

1. Do macro lenses just let you focus on images when you are closer to them/a smaller minimum focus range? or do they have other advantages?

2. Can you use a macro lens for things other than macro shots?





thanks

Macro lenses will allow getting much closer to a subject than typical non-macros lenses. Be aware that some manufacturers call lenses "macro" which most folks really do not feel are true "macros", but just close up lenses.

A true macro, typically, allows an image at the film plane, that is life size or 1:1 life size to image size. True macros are very sharp with good contrast, and usually focus well in the corners of the image plane as well.

"Macro" lenses do focus from a near point smoothly on out to infinity. I have some shots of birds in flight taken with a 180mm Tamron macro lens. The 90-100mm macros can take lovely portraits as they are mild telephotos.

Some links about macros can be found here ....



http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?t=16228

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=76553

http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=357620&postcount=7

[Lord Vetinari]

A couple more characteristics of prime macro lenses
1. All the prime 1:1 macro lenses from major manufacturers are amazingly sharp
2. They have very flat field focus

Brian V.