Buyer's Guide to Macro Lens: How to Choose | 18 Recommendations

Are you looking to upgrade your kit lens for something with a bit more reach and power? If so, a macro lens is a great choice. A macro lens allows you to take close-up shots of small objects with great detail and clarity. Whether you're shooting food photography or nature photos, a macro lens can help you capture the beauty of the small things in life.

But with so many options on the market, it cannot be easy to know which lens is right for you. That's why you need a buyer's guide to macro lenses. Here, you'll learn how to choose the perfect macro lens for your needs.

What is a Macro Lens?

Before you buy a macro lens, it's important to understand what a macro lens is. A macro lens is a special lens designed to take close-up photos of small objects. It can magnify the subject to 1:1 or even greater, allowing you to fill the frame with your subject. This makes it ideal for taking detailed photos of insects, flowers, coins, and other small objects.

Macro Lens vs. Regular lens

1. Sensor

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Macro lenses use larger sensors to capture more detail in a scene. This allows them to focus on a very small area, such as a flower petal or an insect, and capture the fine details. On the other hand, regular lenses use smaller sensors and are better suited for capturing a wide area, such as a landscape or a group of people.

2. Depth of Field

Macro lenses have a greater depth of field than regular lenses, meaning that more of the scene will appear in focus. This is because macro lenses have a larger maximum aperture, allowing more light to reach the sensor and creating a shallower depth of field. Macro lenses also typically have a longer focal length, which helps to increase the DOF when shooting close-up objects. The result is a greater range of focus and more detail in the image.

3. Focus Distance

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The focus distance is the distance between the lens and the subject in focus. Macro lenses have a much shorter focus distance than regular lenses, which allows them to capture more detailed images of small subjects at close range. Regular lenses typically focus from several feet away.

4. Magnification

A macro lens is designed to allow the photographer to get very close to the subject and can achieve much higher levels of magnification than a regular lens. This means that the image produced by a macro lens will appear larger and more detailed than one taken with a regular lens.

How to Choose the Best Macro Lens?

When it comes to choosing the best macro lens, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is important in macro photography because the close-up nature of the shots makes it more difficult to hold the camera steady. A macro lens with image stabilization can help improve the sharpness of your photos by compensating for any slight movements of the camera. This can be especially useful when shooting in low light or at slower shutter speeds, which are often necessary for macro photography.

Photo by Stefan Steinbauer on Unsplash

2. Construction of the Lens

Look for a lens with good build quality and optical construction, which will improve image quality and durability. Additionally, consider whether the lens has any special features, such as weather sealing, which can be helpful in certain situations.

3. Autofocus

Autofocus is important in macro photography since it lets you quickly capture sharp images. Look for lenses that offer fast, accurate autofocus.

4. Maximum Magnification

The maximum magnification is the maximum amount of magnification the lens can achieve. Look for lenses with a higher magnification factor, allowing you to capture more detailed images.

Top Canon Macro Lens

1. Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.

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The Canon EF 100mm greater magnification, better resolution, and quicker, quieter autofocus is all provided. The 1.4x magnification improvement is always appreciated because macro work requires the greatest flexibility.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Canon RF
• Autofocus: Yes
• Maximum format size: Full frame
• Filter thread: 67mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.4x

Pros

• Weather sealing of the utmost quality.
• Image Stabilizer performs well.
• Excellent contrast and lovely color.

Cons

• Focus shifting is a significant issue.
• Expensive

2. Sigma Macro 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM

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The Sigma 105mm HSM macro lens from Sigma is a high-end lens with useful features. Choose Sigma if you want a versatile, sharp macro lens.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony A, Sigma SA
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: Full frame
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.0x

Pros

• Quick autofocus
• Robust construction.
• Hardly any chromatic aberration
• Affordable cost

Cons

• OS noise modes
• The switch on the lens is quite difficult.
• Vignetting

3. Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8

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If you only intend to use smaller sensor cameras and general photography, this 60mm macro lens is perfect. Over a wide range of aperture settings, it provides superior sharpness.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Canon EF-S
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: APS-C / DX
• Filter thread: 52mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• The body that is small, light, and closed
• Very slight chromatic aberration
• Autofocus is quick, silent, and extremely precise

Cons

• The vignetting is too wide
• Low resolution

 Top Nikon Macro Lens

4. Nikon ZM C 105mm f/2.8 VR S

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The Nikon ZM C 105mm is an optical marvel, able to focus closely to grasp objects at life-size magnification and produce images with exquisite detail. Additionally, in-lens stabilization is beneficial for handheld use and works well with camera IBIS.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Nikon Z
• Autofocus: Yes
• Maximum format size: Full frame
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.0x

Pros

• Fantastic resolution
• Extremely successful stabilization
• Protection from fluorine, splashes, and dust

Cons

• Slow autofocus is a problem
• The control ring is extremely delicate

5. Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8 G IF-ED Micro

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Nikon AF-S VR optical stabilization system, f/2.8 aperture, and ability to focus close enough to showcase life-size images onto a full-frame image sensor make low-light use possible.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Nikon F, Nikon FX
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: 35mm full frame
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.0x

Pros

• Zero distortion
• Optically steady.
• It comes with a great lens hood and a pouch for storage when it's not in use.

Cons

• Large and Heavy
• Expensive

6. Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED

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The Nikon AF-S 60mm produces sharp images that look fantastic at wider apertures. Given that it can lock focus closely enough to project subjects at life-size onto an image sensor.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Nikon FX
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: 35mm full frame
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Lightweight and small
• Magnification of 1:1
• Zero distortion

Cons

• Effective vignette
• Excludes stabilization

Top Sony Macro Lens

7. Sony FE 90mm f/ 2.8 Macro G OSS

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The Sony FE 90mm optical stabilizer makes it simple to take handheld macro photos. The clutch mechanism lets you choose between a smooth, accurate manual focus experience and the speedy autofocus provided by the DDSSM focus motor.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Sony E
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: 35mm full frame
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.0x

Pros

• Weight and size are average.
• Excellent contrast and resolution throughout the entire frame.
• Often, the bokeh and color are excellent.
• Greater resistance to flare.

Cons

• Expensive
• Aperture blade shape can be seen in the bokeh highlights because the blades don't fully retract.

8. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art

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The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art is a high-performance, full-frame macro lens for mirrorless cameras. It offers a bright, fast f/2.8 aperture and advanced optics for professional-level macro photography.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Sony FE
• Autofocus: Stepping motor
• Maximum format size: Full frame
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.0x

Pros

• The entire frame is incredibly sharp
• Fantastic contrast
• Very few aberrations
• High-quality bokeh

Cons

• Manual focus is less accurate
• The autofocus motor isn't as smooth or quiet

9. Sony FE 50 mm f/2.8

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The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is a lightweight, affordable, and highly practical prime lens with many applications. This lens' superpower is its ability to focus down to a 1:1 ratio, which significantly raises the level of fun.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Sony FE
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: APS-C
• Filter thread: 55mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Very little distortion
• Magnification of 1:1
• Weatherproof design

Cons

• Sluggish autofocus
• Excludes optical stabilization

Top Fujifilm Macro Lens

10. Samyang 100mm f/2.8 Macro

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The Samyang 100mm f/2.8 macro for Fujifilm is impressive because it provides excellent optics, the ideal focal length, and an astoundingly low price.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Fujifilm X
• Autofocus: No
• Maximum format size: Full frame
• Filter thread: 67mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Very sharp when reduced in size
• Available on a variety of platforms
• Extended focus throw
• Appealing price range

Cons

• Uses manual focus
• Optical stabilization is not included

11. Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro

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The Fujinon XF 80mm is a weather-resistant telephoto macro lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. A linear motor autofocus system provides fast, quiet performance, and the lens is also compatible with Fujifilm's 5-axis image stabilization system for improved low-light performance.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Fujifilm X
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: APS-C
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Stabilization using optics
• Fluorescent lens coating
• Compatibility with teleconverters

Cons

• Heavy and expensive
• A little too loud

12. Fujinon XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro

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The Fujinon XF 30mm has a 1:1 macro capability, so you can also use it for standard photography. Consider using it for street photography, portraits, or whatever else you want.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Fuji X
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: APS-C
• Filter thread: 43mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Amazing picture quality in the center of the frame.
• Very good frame edges in terms of image quality.
• Reasonable coma treatment.
• Autofocus is quick, silent, and precise.

Cons

• A tiny bit of excessive vignetting
• Performance in strong light ought to have been improved.

Top Third Party Macro Lens

13. Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

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The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 may be the best third-party macro lens for you if you're searching for an affordable zoom lens that can focus close.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Canon EF-S, Nikon F, Pentax KAF3, Sigma SA Bayonet
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: APS-C / DX
• Filter thread: 72mm
• Maximum magnification: 0.36x

Pros

• Stabilization of light
• Aperture is large
• Small and light
• Multiple camera systems are supported

Cons

• A little distortion

14. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD

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The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 is an excellent macro lens at an affordable price considering its sharp output and optically stabilized design.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Canon, Nikon F
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: APS-C
• Filter thread: 62mm
• Maximum magnification: 1.0x

Pros

• Exceptionally sharp.
• There is no distortion.
• Macro magnification of 1:1.
• Available for a variety of camera systems.

Cons

• Wide apertures produce dimmer corners.

15. Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D Macro

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The Tokina atx-i 100 mm sharpness is impressive throughout most of its aperture range. It provides good value for money and is an outstanding macro lens for profound photographers.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Nikon F
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: Full frame
• Filter thread: 55mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Amazing image quality
• Impressive image quality, precise manual focusing for macro photography
• Easy to use

Cons

• Slow AF constraints other applications
• Lens weighs a lot

16. Lensbaby Velvet 85 f/1.8

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The Lensbaby Velvet 85 f/1.8 is an APS-C camera that produces a unique, soft, dreamy effect. The lens is optimized for portraiture and close-up work.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Sony E, Canon EF, Fuji X
• Autofocus: No
• Maximum format size: APS-C
• Filter thread: 67mm
• Maximum magnification: 0.5x

Pros

• Soft focus design on a 1:2 macro lens
• When stopped down, the center is crisp
• Portrait photography's standard focal length

Cons

• Autofocus and stabilization are not included
• Heavy

17. 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 

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The 7artisans 60mm f/2.8's bokeh quality is also excellent. Even though shooting into the light can cause flare problems, the overall image quality is much better than you might anticipate, given the lens's high price.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Fuji X
• Autofocus: No
• Maximum format size: APS-C
• Filter thread: 60.0mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Built Excellence
• Optical efficiency
• It will be a reasonable option to purchase

Cons

• No autofocus

18. Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art DG 

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The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art DG is a versatile, high-performance prime lens designed for full-frame cameras. It features a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and is ideal for capturing various subjects, including portrait and landscape photography.

Specifications

• Compatibility: Canon EF
• Autofocus: Ultrasonic
• Maximum format size: Full-frame
• Filter thread: 49mm
• Maximum magnification: 1x

Pros

• Excellent image quality across the apertures.
• Minimal distortion
• Good resistance to flares.

Cons

• The focus motor is relatively slow.
• The image stabilizer is absent.

Conclusion

This buyer's guide to the macro lens has provided a comprehensive overview of what to look for when choosing the right macro lens for your needs. With its detailed explanation of various aspects to consider and its recommendations of the best macro lenses on the market, the article has given you a great starting point for finding the ideal macro lens for your photography. With the right research, you can now decide which macro lens is the best choice for you.

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