A Different Approach to Macro

We all know that macro photography is taking photos of small things. Usually the aim is to have a lens that allows you to focus much closer to your subject than a normal lens.

Getting Close
On a 50mm Macro, this can mean that you can end up a few centimeters away from your subject at its closest point. Fine if it is a flower or a crystal (except if your shadow gets in the way), but what if it is a butterfly or a dangerous creature. Get a longer macro lens you say. Yes, that helps. a 100 or 150mm macro gives you quite a bit more space.

Subject Flew Away!
But what if it is a dragonfly on a pond or it is a very flighty creature?
Use a telephoto lens with close focus!

Frustration!
Recently I was very frustrated trying to photograph Blue banded Bees. They are small and very fast. I had a little success by setting up and waiting at flowers I knew they would come to, but I had much better luck by standing back with a very long lens. The auto focus was able to cope as I was able to choose a better angle with less background.
I was even able to photograph dragonflies on the wing!

Which Lens
I still use my 90mm macro lens in preference as the quality is outstanding, but for certain subjects like butterflies, bees, wasps, dragonflies or close ups of a snake's head, I will use my 150 - 600 mm zoom (225 - 900mm on a crop sensor camera). It is the difference between no photo and a pretty good photo of a very difficult subject.
Many of the latest telephoto zooms have been designed with the ability to focus closer than older ones used to. This is a big plus for me.