Originally posted by Fluegel MTF data from Zeiss show true macro lenses, meaning those with high IQ at close range are less usefull at infinity.
We are making the claim that many modern macro primes are so good, even at their "less effective" range, that they beat
many non-macro lenses of similar Focal length.
Go to DXO and compare HD DA 35mm f2.8 macro and DA 35mm f2.4, DFA 50mm macro and DA 50mm f1.8. The macros win. And I think those resolution tests are done at infinity. But
some premium lenses will beat even the macros, like DA* 55mm might be sharper than DFA 50mm in centre frame at infinity.
The problem is that lenses are so complex that making a statement "macro lenses are weak around infinity" cannot be valid. Maybe for some, maybe depends what you compare it to, but definitely many macro lenses are stunning at all focus distances
My landscape photos with DFA 100mm macro:
https://500px.com/photo/147538137/ https://500px.com/photo/238644137
How many lenses come close to this resolution? Only more expensive ones