We all know that macro lenses can capture exquisite close-ups. However, they’re also high-performance, superbly corrected lenses that create crisp, compelling, detailed images at “normal” shooting distances. Indeed, their dual personality and versatility make these masterful macro lenses ideal choices for everyone from emerging enthusiasts to pros.
Moreover, for dealers they represent a dependable, high-margin niche in the rapidly expanding lens market. Over the past few years, many macro lenses in DSLR mounts were discontinued, while the number of new macro lenses for mirrorless systems surged. This reflects the decline of the DSLR and the triumph of the mirrorless camera, which now dominates the interchangeable-lens-camera market.
A true macro lens takes photographs at reproduction ratios in the 1:2–1:1 range, that is 1/2 life-size to life-size, respectively—without requiring any additional accessories. A picture is described as life-size when the image size on the sensor or film is the same size as the actual subject.
Conversely, at their closest focusing distances, most standard, general-purpose lenses capture images that are 1/3–1/5 of life-size. That’s hardly big enough to fill the frame when shooting tiny subjects like insects or small birds.
Macro lenses are also popular because they offer tremendous versatility, high reproduction ratios, ease of use and, in many cases, outstanding value. By far the most popular macros are prime (single focal length) lenses, as opposed to the many so-called “macro zooms,” most of which only get down to a “near-macro” 1:4 or 1:3.
Yes, there are a few exceptions, like the Panasonic Lumix S 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 Macro OIS zoom lens that gets down to 1:2 at 300mm. However, the lenses presented here all fall into the most popular class—namely, high-performance macro primes.
True Macro Lenses
What’s more, many of the best true macro lenses are moderate telephoto primes in the 90–105mm range. That’s because they provide a longer working distance (the distance between the front of the lens to the subject) when shooting at close distances.
A longer working distance makes it easier to arrange lighting and less likely that you’ll spook skittish critters like butterflies and birds. “Macro” literally means larger than life. Thus, technically a true macro lens is defined as one that can focus continuously down to 1:1 or an even greater magnification. However, in accordance with popular usage, we’ve also included some fine examples that “only” get down to 1:2 without optional accessories.
Acquiring a high-quality macro lens can reveal exciting new worlds of picture-taking possibilities for your customers. Furthermore, because the lenses are so sharp and well corrected, moderate and longer telephoto macros are used by many serious enthusiasts and top pros for shooting portraits, architecture and a variety of nature subjects.
Featuring, displaying and promoting macro lenses in your store is a great way to establish enduring relationships with your customers. It also conveys a strong subliminal message that your establishment is a knowledgeable source of the expertise savvy consumers rely on—and that will keep them coming back.
While we cover just 12 macros lenses here, there are literally dozens of other worthy choices, and more coming every day.
Canon RF100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
We start with Canon’s cutting-edge, L-class, RF-mount macro lens for full-frame EOS R cameras. The medium-tele lens autofocuses down to 10.2 inches, providing an impressive 1.4x maximum magnification. It employs an advanced 17-element, 13-group optical formula that captures crisp images over its entire focusing range. Further, a 9-blade diaphragm enhances its smooth, natural bokeh.
Canon also integrated built-in optical image stabilization (IS) along with a hybrid IS system. It’s a combo that delivers up to 5 stops of shake-effect correction. And up to an amazing 8 stops when combined with the camera’s in-body image stabilizer. Plus, a dual nano USM AF motor ensures swift, quiet, decisive autofocus. Super Spectra coating on all elements minimizes ghosting as well as flare.
Notably, the lens has a unique spherical aberration control ring to adjust the shape and character of foreground and background bokeh for artistic effects. Additionally, a separate control ring enables direct settings. With comprehensive weather sealing for working in harsh outdoor conditions, the macro lens measures 3.2×5.8 inches and weighs in at 25.8 ounces. $1,299.
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro
Nikon’s S-line tele macro in the full-frame Z mount focuses down to 11.5 inches. Consequently, it provides a 1:1 (life-size) magnification ratio. Its 16-element, 11-group optical formula includes one aspheric element and three extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to deliver excellent correction and impressive image quality over its entire focusing and aperture ranges.
Furthermore, ARNEO antireflective coating is used in combination with Nano Crystal coating to strengthen light transmission and clarity as well as minimize flare and ghosting. In addition, a rounded 9-blade diaphragm enhances its beautiful bokeh. The lens also employs a dual-motor multi-focus STM AF system with full-time manual focus (MF) override for fast, responsive autofocus. The multi-focus system also reduces the chromatic aberrations and color fringing often seen in macro lenses.
An electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism in the barrel ensures accurate aperture blade control when shooting at high framing rates. And built-in VR (vibration reduction) IS provides a 4.5-stop advantage in minimizing the effects of shake. Other specs include an integrated OLED info panel displaying settings in any light; a customizable control ring; a limiter switch; focus shift mode; a 157.5mm focal length on DX-format cameras; and fluorine coated external elements to repel contamination and facilitate cleaning. Dimensions: 3.4×5.6 inches; weight, 22.3 ounces. $1,049.95.
HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 ED AW
Introduced in late 2022, this new full-frame, moderate-tele K-mount lens is the first Pentax macro lens to feature an AW (all weather), dustproof, moisture-resistant design. That’s a boon for nature photographers shooting in harsh environments. It also uses an advanced 10-element, 8-group optical design incorporating one ED element and two anomalous dispersion (AD) elements. As a result, the lens delivers crisp, high-resolution images across the field and virtually eliminates color fringing.
The prime macro focuses down to a life-size 1:1 magnification at a working distance of 5.1 inches from the front of the lens (12 inches from the subject to the image plane). In addition, a rounded 8-blade diaphragm augments its inherently beautiful bokeh at the widest apertures. Pentax SP (super protect) coating on the front element repels contaminants as well as facilitates cleaning. Further, HD multilayer coating throughout allows superior light transmission and minimizes flare and ghosting.
Other features include a body-based FREE (fixed rear element extension) autofocus system; a rugged aluminum barrel; and an effective focal length of 135mm when used on APS-C-format K-mount cameras. Compact for its class, the lens measures 2.6×3.2 inches and weighs a portable 12.3 ounces. $549.95.
Fujifilm XF80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro
For Fujifilm X-mount APS-C-format cameras, this is an advanced high-spec tele macro lens. It provides a 122mm-equivalent focal length and focuses down to 9.8 inches, equivalent to 1:1 or life-size magnification.
The lens also employs a cutting-edge 16-element, 12-group optical design with one aspheric, one super ED lens and three ED lenses. Its innovative floating focus system uses two distinct focusing groups to achieve exceptional image quality and impressive detail over its entire focusing and aperture ranges. Moreover, a linear motor ensures quick, quiet, decisive AF. The lens also employs a built-in optical image stabilization (OIS) that provides a 5-stop anti-shake-effect advantage in handheld shooting.
Other specs are Super EBC coating throughout to enhance clarity and suppress flare and ghosting; and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm for smooth, natural bokeh. Comprehensive weather sealing enables shooting in harsh conditions, and it’s freezeproof down to 14°F. There’s also a focus range limiter with two settings: from 9.8 inches to 1.6 feet, and from 1.6 feet to infinity. This outstanding lens measures 3.1×5.1 inches and weighs in at a hefty 26.5 ounces. $1,199.95.
Tokina atx-100mm f/2.8 Macro FF
Tokina’s classic full-frame, short-telephoto DSLR lens focuses continuously down to 11.8 inches. The macro lens provides a 1:1 (life-size) maximum magnification image on sensor and 4.5-inch working distance to the subject. Further, it employs a flat-field optical design to minimize field curvature and deliver a natural lifelike rendition.
Employing a 9-element, 8-group design, it has multilayer coating throughout to control chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting. Moreover, a 9-blade diaphragm contributes to artistic, soft bokeh for portraits. And with apertures to f/32 for extended depth-of-field control, the lens delivers low falloff and sharp, clear, high-res, flare-free images over the entire focusing range.
A one-touch focus clutch mechanism also makes it easy to change between MF and AF settings. Plus, the barrel does not rotate when the lens is extended, facilitating the use of polarizing and graduated filters. In addition, a two-step focus range limiter provides a macro range for faster AF when shooting close-up subjects. With a 160mm-equivalent focal length on APS-C-format cameras, the Tokina atx-100mm f/2.8 Macro FF measures 2.9×3.9 inches and weighs a moderate 17.6 ounces. In Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, $459.
Note: Tokina also offers the Tokina Firin 100mm f/2.8 FE Macro. It’s a very similar lens configured for Sony full-frame, E-mount cameras. $599.
Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2
This is a true macro lens based on its 1:2 maximum magnification at the minimum focus distance of 5.9 inches. This fascinating Tamron full-frame, wide-angle lens combines street photography creds along with true macro capability. Consequently, the compact lens is a versatile (and affordable) choice for general shooting.
It employs an advanced 9-element, 8-group optical formula. The design incorporates one molded glass aspheric (GM) element and one LD (low dispersion) element. They achieve impressive sharpness, clarity, as well as color correction across the image field. Further, BBAR (broad-band anti-reflection) coating is applied to all elements to increase light transmission and suppress flare and ghosting. In addition, an OSD stepping motor enables fast, quiet, precise AF. The system also provides convenient full-time manual focus override.
The lens features a rounded 7-blade diaphragm that contributes to its pleasing bokeh; well-sealed, moisture-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions; and a fluorine coating on the front element to protect against dust and smearing and facilitate cleaning. Though primarily intended for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, it’s also suitable for APS-C-format models, providing a 52.5mm-equivalent coverage. This little beauty measures 2.5×2.9 inches and weighs a mere 7.4 ounces. $249.
Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
This compact, manual-focusing, full-frame, short-tele lens from Venus Optics has a minimum focusing distance of only 8 inches. This corresponds to an impressive 2:1 (two times life-size!) magnification ratio. Designed specifically for mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors, the macro lens is usable on APS-C-format models where it provides a 135mm-equivalent focal length.
It also employs an innovative 13-element, 19-group optical formula. It includes three extra-low dispersion glass elements to suppress chromatic aberrations and minimize color fringing. Furthermore, the lens is claimed to deliver APO-level correction over the entire aperture range.
Designed for optimum performance with cameras having short flange focal distances, it features an internal focusing design. As a result, it maintains a constant length at all focusing distances, enhancing handheld balance. What’s more, a 13-blade diaphragm creates creamy, soft bokeh in out-of-focus areas of the image.
The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 measures 2.9×4.7 inches and weighs in at a portable 22 ounces. In Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and L mounts, $499.
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro | Art
The original Sigma 70mm f/2.8 lens was renowned for its outstanding sharpness and superb image quality. This latest Art macro version of the iconic full-frame, short-telephoto lens focuses down to 1:1 (life-size on sensor) at its minimum focusing distance of 10.2 inches.
In addition, it features two FLD (fluorite equivalent), two SLD (special-low dispersion), two aspheric elements and one anomalous high-dispersion/high-refractive index element. As a result, the lens delivers impressive clarity and an exemplary degree of optical correction at all apertures. Add to that Super Multilayer coating throughout that achieves optimum light transmission and flare control. Further, the lens’s rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to beautiful, artistic bokeh.
Sigma also incorporated a coreless DC AF motor for fast, quiet, accurate autofocus, along with full-time manual focus override. Moreover, the barrel is made of thermally stable composite (TSC) material to maintain high performance over a wide temperature range. The lens also boasts weather-sealed construction and a durable solid brass bayonet mount. The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro | Art measures 2.8×4.2 inches and weighs 18.2 ounces (DSLR version). In Sigma SA, Canon EF, Sony E and L mounts, $569.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro
This is a fine-performing, ultracompact macro prime from OM Digital Solutions. It provides a 120mm-equivalent, short-telephoto focal length on the OM System OM-1 and other Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless cameras.
This outstanding prime lens provides weather-resistant construction and has a rounded 7-blade diaphragm that enriches its artistic bokeh. It also features a 7.5-inch minimum focusing distance. This corresponds to a maximum magnification of 1:1 (life-size on sensor).
The lens also employs a sophisticated 13-element, 10-group design. It contains one extra-low dispersion element, two high-refractive index elements and one extra-HR element. Together, they minimize chromatic aberrations and achieve exceptional image quality at all apertures. ZERO (Zuiko extra-low reflection optical) coating throughout also maximizes light transmission and suppresses flare and ghosting.
In addition, its movie & still compatible (MSC) AF system delivers rapid, precise, quiet AF when shooting stills or video. Plus, a focus limit switch provides faster AF when working at close distances, and internal focusing permits the lens’s length to remain constant when focusing. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro measures 2.2×3.2 inches and weighs a scant 6.5 ounces. $499.99.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
This superb, medium-telephoto Sony macro lens has a minimum focus distance of 11 inches. The full-frame mirrorless lens features two ED elements, including one super ED element, plus an aspheric element. They effectively reduce chromatic aberrations to a minimum. They also provide excellent correction for astigmatism, field curvature and coma. Further, because of its advanced optical design and Nano AR coating, the moisture-resistant lens captures crisp, flare-free, high-resolution, high-contrast images at up to 1:1 magnification.
Additionally, an advanced direct drive SSM autofocus system and an internal focus design contribute to swift, silent, decisive AF. What’s more, built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization can combine with the in-body stabilization in select Sony cameras to provide a remarkable degree of shake-effect correction during handheld shooting.
The prime lens also features a focus range limiter for faster AF at close distances; a sliding focusing ring for quick shifting from AF to manual focus; a focus hold button; and a rounded 9-blade diaphragm for beautiful, natural bokeh. The Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS measures 3.1×5.3 inches and weighs 21.3 ounces. E mount, $1,099.99.
Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro
This outstanding Zeiss macro prime lens for Fujifilm and Sony APS-C-format mirrorless cameras provides 75mm-equivalent short-telephoto coverage. The Zeiss lens also achieves 1:1 image magnification at its minimum focus distance of 6 inches.
In addition, its 14-element, 11-group Planar optical construction boasts two aspheric and two anomalous partial dispersion elements. They are positioned in a unique floating element design to achieve impressive image quality at all apertures. Further, optical elements of the lens boast T* antireflective coating on all surfaces for superior brilliance, even in unfavorable lighting conditions.
The lens also features a nearly circular 9-blade diaphragm to help capture smooth transitions and pleasing natural bokeh. In addition, it supports the full range of each camera’s functions. It also has a robust black metal barrel and ergonomic, rubberized control rings.
The compact Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro measures 3.6×3.6 inches and weighs in at a portable 10.2 ounces. In Fujifilm X mount and Sony E mount, $999.
Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 Asph
This Micro Four Thirds system lens provides 60mm-equivalent focal length coverage on Panasonic Lumix and other MFT-format cameras. Furthermore, the prime lens focuses down to 4.1 inches, which corresponds to a 1:1 (life-size) magnification ratio.
In addition, the Lumix lens employs a unique, multicoated 9-element, 9-group optical design. The design uses one aspheric element to reduce spherical aberrations and distortion, yielding sharp accurate rendering across the image field. What’s more, its 240-fps drive autofocus system with a stepping motor combines with an internal focus design. As a result, the lens provides smooth, quiet, precise autofocus in both still and video applications.
Moreover, a rounded 7-blade diaphragm enhances its inherently smooth, natural bokeh. Notably, a built-in MEGA OIS optical stabilization system compensates for the effects of camera shake in handheld shooting. The ultracompact Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 Asph measures 2.3×2.5 inches and weighs in at only 6.4 ounces. $299.99.
