question about macro lens

[petiot]

I never looked closely at macro lenses, but i often found myself wishign that i had macro capabilities. Although i dont want to buy a lens for that only, since i am not a macro addict.

My question is: can a macro lens (e.g. canon 50 f2.8 macro compact) can be used in the same way as a normal lens (e.g. 50 f1.4)?? any limitation? quality issues?

sorry if the answer(s) is obvious :(

thanks

Dan

[justme_dc]

The short answer is yes it can work as a normal lens. The 50mm macro has a really flat field of focus and is great for repo work as well.

If you are only going to shoot macros once in a while you might want to think about extention tubes or close-up lenses. Both options will give acceptable results at a much lower cost than buying the 50mm macro lens.

[petiot]

thanks for the answer and the info about extension tubes. Although there is not much price difference between 50 macro and 50 f1.4. that why i asked.
also, can extension tubes and 50f1.4 provide the same magnification factor than a 50 macro?

thanks again