For most of photographic life I have used extension tubes or very long lenses for closeup and macro work. The concept of having a dedicated macro lens was foreign to me. It seemed an unnecessary luxury.
When I transitioned to OM Sytems the lenses included not just one, but two, macro lenses, a 30mm and a 60mm. I dream of possibly adding the new 90mm some day. I have found that these lenses have great value and add flexibity.
The above images are from my 300f4 with a 1.4 extender and the 60mm macro. The longer lens required me to be further back from the frog which necessitated a higher angle of view (to keep leaves out of the image). The macro lens allowed me to get up close and personal which meant I could drop down to my preferred position of “eye level.” I was able to move into a position that makes it appear the frog is looking in my direction which I also favor. However, the long lens, higher angle, produced less reflection of the sky and the resultant hot spots. The greater depth of field rendered the leaves more recognizable / identifiable.
My preferance is probably for the macro image. Susan says she likes the long lens image. It’s all a matter of preferance. Which one do you like?