Macro lens used as telephoto?

[asturias105]

Hi, sorry guys.. my question may seem stupid 4 some of u, but I'm really trying to learn a lot more before jumping to dslr.. need to know the stuff well first..

So, anyone can tell me if a macro lens (say, 200mm) can be doubled as a telephoto lens? Thanks!

[eric69]

Originally Posted by asturias105 Hi, sorry guys.. my question may seem stupid 4 some of u, but I'm really trying to learn a lot more before jumping to dslr.. need to know the stuff well first.. So, anyone can tell me if a macro lens (say, 200mm) can be doubled as a telephoto lens? Thanks!

Yes, you can. A very good example is Nikkor 105mm f2.8D Macro lens. It is an excellent marco lens, and equally mind-blowing for use as a telephoto lens (portraiture). Usually Macro lens have a switch/button to switch between "full focus" or "limited focus". The former is used for macro shots while the latter, telephoto. And at 105mm, it makes an excellent portraiture lens too. I believethe same configuration can work for canon and other makes too.

However, note, if you are using closeup filter, that filter is merely a magnification glass, thus not able to use for telephoto's.

[user111]

of course why not

[jopel]

Originally Posted by asturias105 So, anyone can tell me if a macro lens (say, 200mm) can be doubled as a telephoto lens? Thanks!

A 200mm len is already a moderate telephoto len. It can double as a macro len if it comes with the macro function.

[ST_sg]

if i'm not wrong,... generally yes. you can use it as telephoto, however, the auto focusing speed may not as fast as dedicated portrait lens. eg. EF 100mm f/2.8 macro or Tamron 90mm f/1.8 Macro vs EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Please correct me... if my assumption is wrong

[holeinone]

There is a USM version for the Canon 100mm f2.8, so I am sure the focusing will be quite fast too.

There is no Tamron 90mm f1.8... it's f2.8

[ST_sg]

Originally Posted by holeinone There is a USM version for the Canon 100mm f2.8, so I am sure the focusing will be quite fast too. There is no Tamron 90mm f1.8... it's f2.8

ya.. my mistake.. should be Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro

as for the USM feature... both EF 100mm and 85mm are USM ...