Instruction: Generate an answer to the question by utilizing the information contained in the document.

Input:
Question: Are the optics good enough for professional work?
Document: Meanwhile, it's not impossible to correct for CA in professional image editing softwares, but that just means more editing work.The lens is excellent for non-shiny small product shoots, such as hair accessories, cosmetic products, food, etc., although tilt shift would be useful whenever the image uses creative styling.
Small and lightweight, takes 52 mm filter, not a full macro but enough for most work. I use it for taking jewelry shots and portraits. Auto focusing is not USM but I don't use that for macro work anyway.
I bought this lens primarily for use in capturing very close-up images of rings (and other details) in my wedding photography business. It's a great, lower-cost option for those of us who just can't fit the legendary Canon EF 100mm macro into our budget, and this little lens also performs very well in other applications. Even though it has very good optics for regular people shots, I'd highly recommend the regular EF 50mm f/1.4 for serious portraiture and truly fantastic optics.
I really, really love this lens. I'm not a professional photographer, but do have an Etsy shop that requires me to take clear, accurate macro shots and my kit lens and 50mm/1.8f were not doing the trick. This lens gives very nice, clear macro shots with beautiful detail, while compensating for not-so-great lighting conditions. I read an article recommending it for food photography, and I find it's just as good for jewelry photography. Even difficult-to-photograph pearls!
V-Good for the beginner. Close up work this is a goof lense.Four stars is in the park! Thanks Canon.
But for that matter 85mm f/1.8 or TS-E90mm is better, and so this isn't a good reason to buy this lens.In short, EF50mm f/2.5 macro lens is good for simple, straight-forward macro work. If you don't do macro, buyCanon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR CamerasorCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens.
Finally, this lens may be stopped down to F32 for maximum depth of field, versus F22 or F16 for most 50 mm optics.Its nine-element design is one of the most flare resistant I've encountered, better than the EF 50 1.4 USM and EF 50 1.8. Moreover, it's supremely well corrected for distortion and is sharp and contrasty from edge to edge from macro to infinity.
i bought it as a gift, but it takes great pictures. would recommend for any starting hobbyist or professional photographer.
I love this lens, while I am not a professional photographer, I found this lens very capable of crisp pictures an photos with beautiful blurred backgrounds
Overall I'm definitely happy with the lens GIVEN THE PRICE POINT.If you're a professional photographer get the 100, if you're just looking to get into macro photography or you can't afford the 100 but want to add a macro lens to your gear bag this thing will get the job done!
Answer: I shoot weddings and started out with the original 100 macro, I then upgraded to the 100 IS macro (which is amazing) but that lens got dropped and I had to ship it out to have it repaired just before an event so I ordered the 50mm just as a place holder till I got the 100 back. I was able to make some decent images with it and it will certainly get you closer to your subjects than a non macro lens however it doesn't even come close to either of the 100 macro lenses. So short answer: if you have the money go for the 100 2.8 IS it's absolutely worth it, but if money is tight and you're simply looking to add another trick to the back then the 50 will get you by for the moment, what you will be missing is sharpness/clarity but you'll still be able to get in close and get "macro" images.