A 'Macro' lens is not just meant to be used to take extremley close-up shots. It is also a very high optical quality prime lens which is sharp from corner to corner unlike a normal prime lens. I am using the Sigma 105mm macro lens as a 100mm prime lens for my cat photos with the 20D. With the E300, I usually like to use the ZD 50mm f/2 macro lens for this purpose but could also use the 40-150mm zoom for greater flexibility if need be... like in this shot taken in ambient light without flash with the 40-150mm lens