It probably means the minimum distance from the end of the lens that can be focused on is "close", or rather closer than usual. Not that that means much without knowing the actual distance.
Its benefit is as you get the end of the lens closer to your subject more of it fills the frame. This might mean it gets towards macro style images (macro = the image falling on the sensor is the actual size (or more) of the subject - 1 to 1 magnification).
Of course a longer focal length has the same effect.
Its benefit is as you get the end of the lens closer to your subject more of it fills the frame. This might mean it gets towards macro style images (macro = the image falling on the sensor is the actual size (or more) of the subject - 1 to 1 magnification).
Of course a longer focal length has the same effect.
