What is a macro lens?

A macro lens is a specialized camera lens that is capable of reproducing a life-sized image of an object on the recording medium; therefore, in the case of photography, this medium is the image sensor. A true macro lens offers a magnification of 1.0x or 1:1 at its closest setting.

The artistic advantage of using a macro lens is the ability of a photographer to capture extremely tiny details and preserve them even when an image is enlarged. Close-up photos of reptile scales, postage stamps and rainbow sprinkles are examples of photographs that benefit from being shot by a macro lens. The colors and details are captured in focus, and allow a true representation to be portrayed in the photograph.