Using a canon macro 50mm as a normal 50mm?

[semajha]

Can someone explain to me how a macro lens works for just "normal" use.. I wish I could phrase it a little better but for an example... Could I use a Canon macro 50mm lens the same way I use a regular canon 50mm? Will it function the same way? Is the focusing different?

Here's the lens I'm thinking about getting... http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-Co...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277446100&sr=8-1

 

[Rabbit]

In short, no. The 50mm Macro has a much smaller focal distance than the reg 50. The idea of a macro is for close up shots. If you can grab focus with the macro at further distances (which is uncommon in most macro's) you will lose most of your depth of field. If you're in a bind for cash pick up the 50mm 1.8.

 

[Fahad]

according to photozone.de :

The primary application of the lens is, obviously, macro photography but it's not limited to that - infinity focus is possible - so it can replace normal standard lenses if you can live with the smaller max. aperture.

 

[daveswan]

The only problem I foresee is that of focus throw.
If you've only got x degrees in total, and it has to accommodate focus to a close distance, where the lens has to be racked out disproportionately further then that much less will be available for "normal" distance ranges.

Dave

 

[steventimothy]

I've had use of Canon's 100mm f2.8 macro and it's a beautiful all purpose lens. Really great optics, the owner doesn't even use it for macro work, it's just so great for portraits.

 

[semajha]

Good to know, thanks everyone.