Common photography myths (11)

Myth #10: Macro lenses are only sharp at close distances

September 5th, 2009 - 08:44:09 PM:

I don't know if this was ever true, maybe half a century ago. Today's macro lenses are just as sharp at close distances as at infinity focus. You can use a macro lens for general photography just like any other lens.

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#1: Comment posted by Steve Lane on January 26th, 2010 - 05:19:31 PM:

Myth #10 "You can use a macro lens for general photography just like any other lens."

This is not strictly true; I have two macro lenses that only operate from between 2 to 9.5 x life size. Even with no extension, they cannot focus in areas that can be considered OK for general photography. They are stricly high magnification macro lenses. There is some confusion as to what a macro lens is; True macro lenses operate from life size (1:1). The majority of lenses that focus from infinity down to half life size should be considered as 'close'focus' lenses. These are the type that can be considered good for general photography. I have one of these (Zuiko Digital 50mm F2) and it is superb for capturing general images as well as close-ups .

Michael Hohner answers:

There are always exceptions to a rule. The above entry deals mainly with “normal” macro lenses that also focus to infinity.

I'd better not start a discussion about what a “true” macro lens is. Following your definition, Zeiss currently does not have a “true” macro lens for SLRs.