Other uses for macro lenses?

[enigma82]

This may be a silly question, but I am a newbie who is just about to receive my first digital SLR. I am interested in doing some macro photography so I will be chasing a macro lens at some point. I am wondering if macro lenses are generally used for macro tasks only, or if they are more "diverse" in their uses? Basically, are there uses for macro lenses that I don't know about?

[mongo]

It is a lens like any other – just that it can focus very closely. The optical quality of a dedicated macro lens is also usually very high.
The focal length of most macro lenses makes them ideal for portraits

[enigma82]

Thanks

[rwg717]

Agree with Mongo, I bought the Canon Ef100 f2.8 macro some time ago and although I don't shoot a lot of macro this lens is an absolute "cracker" at portraits
Richard

[Cage]

And a short telephoto with 150mm on a crop camera.

Kevin

[NikonNellie]

As Mongo said they are great for Portraiture. I have the Tamron 90mm and it gives a very sharp image.