Is it recommended to use a MACRO lens for non-MACRO subjects?

Question

I'm looking at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro lens.
Will this lens still deliver sharp images as a regular walk around lens? Or is only good for Macro?

Here is the info of the lens:

Filter Size 82mm
f/Stop Range 2.8-32
Minimum Focus Distance 1.3' (40 cm)
Magnification 1:3.8
Zoom/Focus Control Two-touch
Angle of View 84.1 to 34.3 Degrees
Groups/Elements 13/14
Length 4.5" (115mm)
Maximum Diameter 3.5" (89mm)
Weight 1.6 lb (715 g)

Answer 1

Of course.



Didn't you notice that the lens can focus to infinity?



You do know that a zoom lens is NOT a real macro lens.



A true macro lens is a prime, flat field lens and can resolve to subject to image ratios of 1:1 (NOT 1:3.8 on the outside of the macro range, 1:4)



If you goal is to buy a 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens, fine. But if your goal is to shoot macro shots up to the 1:1 image ratio, you will need a different lens like a 60 mm f/2.8 macro or 105 mm f/2.8 macro

Answer 2

That is not a true macro lens. True macro lenses focus down to 1:1.



This lens is meant to be a cheaper option to the Canon 24-70.



For a true macro lens look at the EF-S 60mm Macro or 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro.



FYI, the 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a discontinued model from Sigma. The current 24-70 is the 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM