Macro photography is close-up photography. The classical definition is that the image projected on the "film plane" is close to the same size as the subject. Lenses designed for macro are usually at their sharpest at macro focus distances and are not quite as sharp at other focus distances. There are different categories of macro lenses, depending on the focal length: 5060mm range typically used for product photography and small objects 90105mm range the standard focal range used for insects, flowers, small objects 150200mm range gives more working distance typically used for insects and other small animals a few zooms provide a macro option, but they generally do not allow a 1:1 magnification
In recent years, the term macro has been used in marketing material to mean being able to focus on a subject close enough so that when a regular 6×4 inch (15×10 cm) print is made, the image is life-size or larger.