Silly question about macros lens

Something I have always wondered but was afraid to ask, if you have a macro lens how is it that you can use it for long distance shots, what is the difference. I have the 50mm 1.8 but I see they also do a 50mm macro, what is the main difference?

Is the only thing different is that the closest focus distance is better on the macro? Or is there more to it than that.

My new 17-40 can focus very close up, but of course it’s not classed as macro

The only functional differences between the 50 f/1.8 and the 50 f/2.5 macro (aside from the build quality)are that the 50 f/2.5 macro focusses to 1/2 life size and is 1 stop slower than the 50 f/1.8. Inthe range where they can both focus, pictures will be indistinguishable unless youo're a serious pixel-peeper.

The simple answer is that the macro lens has a different optical/focusing system so that it's minimum focus distance is smaller than a normal lens (if you like it just has a bigger focus range than a normal lens), hence it magnifies more than a normal lens at the minimum focus distance.
Brian V.

Macro lenses are known for great image quality. The negative side, compared to ordinary lenses, is size and max. aperture.

Thanks, it make more sense now... what is a good starter macro lens. I would like to try some closeup work. I see the Canon 100mm seems to be good, or should I got for the 60mm or should I look at maybe Sigma.

My new baby is an L and I dont see many macro in Canons range is L, would the 100 or 60 be almost as good as my new L ?

R

Get a 100-ish. Either the Canon, Sigma or Tamron. There's not a great deal to choose from among them quality-wise. They'll stand up well to your L. In macro work, the most common critical issue is working distance, how close you have to get to the subject at a given magnification. And in macro, you want to be further away generally.

Macro lenses have different design parameters. They are designed for high resolution, lower linear distortion, and flat focus field. Flat field means that if you focus on a flat subject like a page being copied the corners will be in the same plane of focus as the center. Non flat field lenses may suffer from field curvature which means the focus point on the edges may be closer or further away from center. Also, lenses are sharpest at a specific focus distance. Non-macro lenses are corrected for distances of 20x focal length and macro lenses are usually corrected for 2x focal length. All of this means that macro lenses usually have the highest optical quality possible at higher monetary cost and slower aperture.

I'll jump in with another silly question. This whole "macro thing" is also new to me. I don't know how these things work either.

Wouldn't it be better to simply buy extension rings and use your regular 50 mm lens on the end of the rings?

pros/cons
thx

Thank you, great answer. I think my next lens will be the Canon 100mm macro... just need to save first

As chtgrubbs said, a macro lens is corrected to be able to perform well all the way down to 1:1 magnifications; normal lenss, even with extension tubes, aren't. Your ultimate best quality will come with a macro lens. If you're not a "pixel peeper" and don't do a lot of macro work, your normal lens may suffice.