Choosing the best macro lens can be a bit daunting. On one hand, macro photography produces some of the most stunning images imaginable. On the other hand, prime macro lenses can be expensive, and the choice can be a little confusing.
The good news is we’ve chosen a range of lenses for a variety of lens mounts and sensor formats. And they all produce stunning close-up photos.
Our top pick is the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM for full-frame Canon R-series users. It delivers incredible sharpness, true 1.4x macro magnification, and industry-leading image stabilization.
What Is the Best Macro Lens?
If you want to take eye-catching photos like this, you’ll need a macro lens. Before we look at each lens more in-depth, here’s a quick summary of our top picks for macro lenses.
f/8, 1/160 s, ISO 800
8 Best Macro Lenses
Now let’s look at the lenses we’ve chosen in more detail.
1. Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Prime Lens
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
100mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
Yes
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1.4x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
10.2 inches / 26 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Weather-sealed, Spherical Aberration control ring, 5-stop image stabilization
|
| Best For |
Best For
Canon R-series shooters wanting the sharpest true macro lens available
|
The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is Canon's current flagship macro lens for full-frame R-series mirrorless cameras, and the direct successor to the older EF-mount version. It isn't cheap at around $1,349, but it earns that price with true 1.4x magnification, beyond the 1:1 ratio most macro lenses top out at, so subjects render larger than life-size.
Build quality matches the L-series badge: it's weather- and dust-sealed, weighs 730g, and takes a 67mm filter. Autofocus is accurate but can hunt if it misses the subject on the first attempt, which shows up most when working at close range.
The image stabilization is rated for up to 5 stops, genuinely useful for handheld macro work where a tripod isn't practical. A dedicated Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring, unique to this lens, lets you dial bokeh rendering softer or crisper on the fly.
That SA ring is also the lens's biggest gotcha: leave it in the wrong position by accident and image quality visibly suffers, so it's worth checking before every session. And it's strictly an RF-mount lens, so EF shooters need an adapter to use it. For anyone shooting a Canon R-series body, though, it's the sharpest macro lens Canon currently makes.
2. Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR Prime Lens
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
105mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
Yes
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
11.4 inches / 29 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Customizable function button, control ring, OLED display
|
| Best For |
Best For
Full-frame Nikon users looking for an exceptional pro-level lens
|
There’s no doubt that the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR is a fine lens. And that’s partly because it will serve you well as a macro lens. But it is also an ideal focal length for portraits on a full-frame camera.
Nikon has used the possibilities of the Z-mount and its mirrorless cameras to good effect here. There is a small OLED screen on the lens that provides status feedback.
You also get a customizable control ring and function button. So you can set the ring to control the aperture or ISO according to your needs and preferences.
This Nikon lens produces beautifully sharp images. There is almost no barrel distortion, and the images are pin-sharp.
Bokeh is fairly neutral at wide apertures and slightly less impressive when stopped down. This is a big consideration if you want a macro lens that also shoots portraits.
The autofocus on the Z 105mm f/2.8 VR is reasonably fast and accurate. And manual focus is always available via the focus ring.
With its sharp optics and very effective IS system, it’s an attractive choice of a macro lens for a Nikon Z-mount camera.
3. Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8R LM OIS WR Prime Lens
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fujifilm X
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
80mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
Yes
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
9.8 inches / 25 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and 1 Super ED elements, aperture ring
|
| Best For |
Best For
X-mount photographers looking for a great macro lens
|
The Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8R offers very quick autofocus and especially good optical quality. There’s no distortion and the Fujifilm camera’s presets deal with any color fringing or fall-off.
The autofocus covers the range from macro to distance with surprising speed. And that focus reveals just how sharp this lens is, even at f/2.8.
The nine-bladed diaphragm gives pleasant sun stars when stopped down. And the bokeh is smooth and creamy.
As a macro lens, its performance is very rewarding. It’s pin-sharp and provides a nice contrast.
On an APS-C sensor, 80mm gives you enough distance not to get in the way of your own photo. And an 80mm focal length also gives you a great general-purpose and portrait lens.
Anyone with an X-mount camera who wants a macro lens will be very impressed with the Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8.
One trade-off worth knowing before you buy: at around $1,400 and 750g, it’s both pricier and heavier than most of the other lenses on this list. If you want the lightest or cheapest X-mount option, this isn’t it.
4. Olympus ED 60mm f/2.8 Prime Lens for Micro 4/3
| Brand |
Brand
Olympus
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
60mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
No
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
7.5 inches / 19 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Effectively a 2x magnification on Micro Four Thirds sensors, AF limiter, weather-sealed construction
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for a mid-telephoto with excellent macro capabilities
|
The Olympus ED 60mm f/2.8 is a great choice for a Micro Four Thirds camera user. The crop factor means that you get up to 2x magnification.
With an effective focal length of 120mm, you can maintain some distance from your subject and still achieve true macro reproduction.
Old-school photographers will like the focus scale, which gives distance and magnification values. But it’s thoroughly modern, with a near-silent stepping motor providing the AF.
You can also limit the AF range. This makes it easier to focus on close or far objects according to your needs.
Another bonus in this price range is the weather-sealed body. It’s definitely something we look for in pro-level lenses.
Optical quality is good in most circumstances, with a possible question mark over absolute sharpness when stopped down. This is a bit of a surprise, given the Extra-low Dispersion glass and specialist coatings to cut down on flare and ghosts.
The ED 60mm f/2.8 performs well as a lightweight, compact lens. It is ideally suited to the compact Micro Four Thirds system.
5. Panasonic LUMIX G 30mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic LUMIX
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
30mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
No
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
3.9 inches / 10 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Very impressive minimum focus distance
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for a standard general-purpose lens with capable macro performance
|
With an effective focal length of 60mm, the LUMIX G 30mm f/2.8 is a useful standard lens. It’s similar to a nifty-fifty. In that sense, it’s a bonus that it’s also a capable macro lens.
Some users will appreciate the extra width you get compared with the Olympus above. And the additional depth of field can be a bonus as well.
The lens is very compact. It is barely 2.75 inches long (5.8 cm). This makes it ideal for an everyday go-to lens with a Micro Four Thirds camera.
Getting close to your subject can sometimes cause problems with lighting. But this lens at least offers you that chance.
The 3.9-inch (10 cm) minimum focus distance is exceptional. Images are sharp and clear, and autofocus is swift and accurate.
All of these features on the Panasonic LUMIX G 30mm f/2.8 come at an impressively affordable price. It’s definitely a macro lens to take a closer look at.
That short 3.9-inch working distance is the catch, though. It’s less than half the Olympus’s 7.5 inches above, so if you shoot skittish subjects like insects, you’ll spook them before you get close enough to fill the frame.
6. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Art DG Prime Lens for Sony E-Mount
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony E
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
105mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
No
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
11.6 inches / 29.5 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Clicking aperture ring, programmable function button
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for super-sharp images on a Sony E-Mount
|
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Art DG is a completely redesigned version of Sigma’s Art 105mm lens for the Sony E-mount.
Art lenses divide opinions a little, but everyone agrees they are well-made. They have a deserved reputation for optical sharpness and good build quality. And this lens is no exception.
The image quality is consistently impressive. As a portrait lens, the 105mm delivers smooth bokeh. At macro distances, backgrounds are beautifully smooth.
The focus is sharp, even wide open at f/2.8. As you’d expect, the image softens at the narrow end of the aperture range. But it doesn’t detract from the overall result. Any distortion can be dealt with automatically in-camera or with presets in post.
Perhaps because the lens is naturally fast, Sigma hasn’t included image stabilization. This is partly compensated in most Sony cameras by the excellent in-body IS system, but it seems like a bold choice.
Focus is smooth and fast. And it can be limited to ignore far or macro distances to suit your needs.
There is a programmable button. It is an AF lock button by default, but you can program it from the camera according to your preferences.
Finally, many photographers will appreciate the aperture ring. This can be set at “A” for automatic control or manually adjusted.
The magic of haptic engines allows it to click every one-third of a stop or be smooth, depending on how you program it.
There is much to love about the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Art DG if you’re looking for a portrait or macro lens for your Sony E-mount camera.
7. Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 SSM ED G OSS Prime Lens
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony E
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
90mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
Yes
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
11 inches / 28 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Push-pull manual focus, whole-frame AF
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for the best Sony macro lens for their E-mount camera
|
The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 SSM ED G OSS takes super-sharp images. Even wide open at f/2.8, the clarity impresses.
It has simple automatic and manual focusing. There’s no fiddling around for a switch. You simply push or pull the focus ring to switch between the two modes.
And if manual focus is important to you, you will undoubtedly appreciate the focus scale and magnification ratio printed on the lens.
AF can be limited to 0.5 m or less, between 0.5 m and infinity, or unlimited. Below that switch on the lens is the IS switch. Plus, there is a focus lock button.
The FE 90mm f/2.8-22 SSM ED is a superb lens. The IS makes low-light shooting a breeze (especially since it is already fast at f/2.8).
Used as a portrait lens, it has smooth and creamy bokeh. This superb detail is also great for macro photography. This should definitely be on the shortlist for Sony E-mount users.
Keep in mind it doesn’t offer the customizable control ring or function button you get with the Nikon Z 105mm above. If in-lens customization matters to you, that’s the one to check out instead.
8. Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens for Canon EF-Mount
| Brand |
Brand
Tokina
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
|
| Focal Range |
Focal Range
100mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
No
|
| Maximum Magnification |
Maximum Magnification
1x
|
| Minimum Focus |
Minimum Focus
11.8 inches / 30 cm
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Push-pull manual focus, magnification scale, aperture ring
|
| Best For |
Best For
Top-notch sharpness at an excellent price
|
The Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 macro lens is a superb-value macro lens. It offers images as sharp as lenses costing twice as much.
It has a simple push-pull arrangement for switching between AF and manual focus. And the lens’s performance matches excellent sharpness with swift and accurate focus.
One slight drawback to the lens’s design is how the front extends during close focusing. You need to keep this in mind, especially for macro work. Otherwise, the ergonomics are highly regarded.
There is a focus-limit switch, which is a rotating knob rather than an actual switch. The aperture ring provides easy manual control with one-stop clicks.
The bokeh is a real bonus for both macro work and portraits. It is smooth and pleasant, and macro subjects lift naturally from their backgrounds. Likewise, portraits will benefit from this.
The Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 is a great lens that delivers sharp, eye-catching images at a great price.
Best Macro Lens Buyer’s Guide (FAQs)
These are frequently asked questions we get about the best macro lenses. Continue reading for all the information you need to make an informed purchase.
How Do You Choose the Best Macro Lens?
There’s a common question asked of macro photographers skilled in macro photography. And that is, “What is the best macro photography lens?”
The fastest way to narrow the list is your camera’s mount. Canon R-series shooters should start with the Canon RF 100mm (#1), Nikon Z users with the Nikon Z 105mm (#2), and Fujifilm X-mount owners with the Fujifilm XF 80mm (#3). Micro Four Thirds shooters have two options: the weather-sealed Olympus ED 60mm (#4) or the more compact, budget-friendly Panasonic LUMIX G 30mm (#5). Sony shooters also have two picks: the newer Sigma 105mm Art (#6) or Sony’s own FE 90mm G OSS (#7). And if you’re still shooting a Canon EF DSLR, the Tokina atx-i 100mm (#8) is the value option.
It’s not only the lens that makes a picture, though. Many more factors play a huge role in taking an eye-catching macro shot. Image composition or lighting is also important.
Choosing a macro lens is also very much an individual choice where many factors come into play.
It all depends on what you want to photograph. For example, insect macro photography requires different equipment than studio macro photography.
f/6.3, 1/100 s, ISO 100
What Subject Will You Be Shooting?
When choosing a macro photography lens, it all depends on how close you want to get.
Some photographers prefer the usual 1:1 “true macro” magnification. Others have a fascination for higher magnifications and extreme macro photography.
If you are completely new to macro photography, I recommend shooting with a regular macro lens rather than one that offers extreme magnifications.
Give yourself time to get used to a new photography world. It takes time and practice to get macro photography right. Think big, but start small and grow bigger over time.
f/8, 1/160 s, ISO 800
Should You Use Image Stabilization With a Macro Lens?
Nowadays, most macro lenses come with image stabilization, but that doesn’t automatically mean you should use it. It’s only recommended when you are shooting handheld.
If your camera is on a macro photography tripod, you will absolutely not need the image stabilizer function. The tripod already stabilizes your camera.
Having the image stabilizer turned on while your camera is on a tripod creates a feedback loop. And it causes more blurriness than sharpness. It will also decrease the battery life of your camera.
f/9, 1/200 s, ISO 250
Conclusion: The Best Macro Lens
The best macro lenses can be expensive. The good news is that most of them also work as portrait lenses. This means that your expensive prime lens has at least two distinct functions. And, let’s face it, you can’t beat a prime lens for low-light performance and portrait work.
For quality, reliability, and amazing optics, our top pick is the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. If you shoot a different system, though, start with the mount you own. Every option above is a genuine, current pick for its own camera, so match it to your gear and you won’t be disappointed.
