Can you use Macro zoom lenses as telephoto?

[tomgreenfield-17]

I'm wondering whether to buy a normal telephoto or a macro telephoto, which are the same size. So why doesnt everyone have a macro telephoto lense, instead of a telephoto?

[RandyMN]

I use my Canon 180 Macro as a telephoto at times because of it's sharpness. I also have a telephoto so I see no need to combine them for every one as both have their purpose.

[MeanGreeny]

One drawback is that the focussing will be slower by some degree.

On a macro lens the threads which the focussing mechanism runs in are finer - requiring more 'turns' to move a lens to a given focussing position. This helps in making them focus more accurately at the limited depths of field experienced at 1:1+ magnification.

Don't expect to easily use your macro for fast [or even medium] speed moving objects e.g. sports of various sorts.

It physically can't keep up as a result of the high gearing - even though it may essentially have the same motor as the conventional telephoto.

HTH

[gasrocks]

Hope you aren't being fooled by the word macro that some put on their lens. Many will add that word since they made it focus a little closer but it isn't a true macro lens.

[tomgreenfield-17]

So, would you suggest buying a non-macro tamron or sigma of equivilant focal length and buying a prime macro lense such as a 28 or 50mm?

[steved110]

It would help if you had specific lenses in mind. One lens that is commonly recommended here is the sigma 70-300mm APO macro; also the sigma 24-70 EX macro - in these cases the term macro is actually used incorrectly, in that these lenses typically will give a quarter to perhaps 1/3 life size images - true macro requires at least 1:1 magnification.

However using the term macro to mean 'close-up focus' is pretty wide spread.

Telephoto zooms that have a 'macro' function are often a good way to get some close up photos taken without going to the expense of getting a dedicated macro lens. we don't all need 1:1 magnification, and I am sure many images taken with true macro lenses like the 100mm f/2.8 macro, are not always taken at full magnification. (ie the lens is not always at the minimum focusing distance)

So to get back to your original question, I would say that if you had your eye on a telephoto zoom with a macro function, go for it. You can't beat the versatility.

[Raymate]

Use my 60mm for telephoto more than macro. The focus speed is not that slow on the 60 but agree if you want fast focus then macros can lack the speed, but so far for me it has not been an issue :)