A macro lens is a camera lens designed to capture small subjects at close distances. It has a magnification ratio of 1:1 or greater, meaning the subject appears the exact same size as it is in real life. Macro lenses have very short minimum focus distances (MFDs) that allow you to get close to your subject and capture small details. They are used for magnifying subjects, capturing smallest details, creating shallow depth of field to make the subject pop, and maintaining focus at close distances. Macro lenses are great for macro and close-up photography, but they also make for fantastic all-around photographic lenses for snapshots. They can be used for any type of photography that requires close-ups, from nature to portraiture and food photography. Macro lenses come in a variety of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto, and the lens focal length will determine your field of view, working distance available, and background blur capable when photographing your subject.