Guide to macro photography lenses

Quality close-up shots call for a capable macro lens. While it can be tough to select a lens, we’ve highlighted essential factors to focus on along with some of our favourite macro lenses. Want a lens for non-macro needs? Check out our comprehensive guide to buying lenses for all photography genres. 

If you’re new to macro photography and want to learn the basics of the craft, see our comprehensive guide to macro photography. If not, continue reading MPB's guide to macro lenses along with some of our favourites available on the platform.

What is a macro lens?

A macro lens is a camera lens designed for photographing subjects up close. There are many ways to shoot subjects at (or smaller than) life-size, but none are as effective as equipping a macro lens. 

These versatile lenses allow for exceptionally sharp close-ups as well as perfectly cropped compositions. They can even double as portrait lenses in many cases. 

A true macro lens has a magnification ratio of at least 1:1 (or 1.0x) — meaning objects are reproduced at life size. A 1:2 magnification ratio reproduces objects at half size, while a 2:1 ratio reproduces them at twice the size. (Be cautious when browsing: many lenses are listed as macro lenses despite having a ratio below 1:1.)

Unlike other camera lenses, many macro lenses are designed with a flat-field focus rather than a curved-field focus. A dedicated flat-field focus allows images to remain in focus across the edges of the frame, whereas a curved-field focus makes images sharper in the centre.

Picking a focal length

The focal length — the distance between the centre of the lens and the image sensor — should always be considered when buying a macro lens. 

A shorter focal length results in a wider angle that captures a greater area, while a longer focal length leads to a smaller picture angle. Shorter focal length macro lenses typically are smaller, lighter and more affordable than longer lenses. They can reach the same level of magnification without weighing down your gear bag, making them great for more casual macro photographers. 

A longer focal length gives you a greater working distance — the distance between the subject and the end of the lens. This makes both lighting and composition easier to control while preventing shadows from being cast on subjects. It does, however, cause a shallower depth of field. 

The right focal length is largely dependent on whether you’re using a crop sensor or a full-frame camera. If you’re using a crop sensor camera, the lens will behave as the focal length multiplied by the camera’s crop factor. For a camera with a 1.6x crop factor paired with a 60mm lens, the focal length would be equal to 96mm. The same 60mm lens on a full-frame camera would result in a weaker crop and depth of field.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM

The EF100mm f/2.8 L IS USM features outstanding macro capabilities. It’s a prime full macro lens with a true magnification ratio of 1:1, so the object you see in person is the same size as on your camera sensor. The lens yields great results in portrait work and handheld moviemaking thanks to its shallow depth of field with beautiful bokeh, along with built-in hybrid image stabilization and lightweight design.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

Canon’s versatile RF 85mm f/2 IS STM is an impressive macro lens that doubles as a capable portrait lens. Its 1:2 maximum magnification is underwhelming to some, as subjects are captured at 50% life-size. However, its 5-stop image stabilisation offers an impressive assist. STM autofocus provides autofocusing that’s both smooth and speedy.

Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R Macro

The 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro is one of our bestsellers — and for good reason. With a 62mm filter thread and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/2.2, this lens is easily one of the best from Fuji. It may be a larger lens, but it has a sturdy grip for a great feel. Its 5-stop image stabilizer works as an excellent viewfinder for image composition. If you need a mid-telephoto macro lens that provides standout sharpness with an array of features, look no further than the XF 80mm.

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

Capable of 1:1 reproduction, the Nikkor Z MC105mm f/2.8 VR S is a short, speedy mid-telephoto macro lens. Its closest focus distance, 31cm, provides plenty of distance between the front of the lens and the subject. The lens also has a high-tech ultrasonic autofocus system, late-generation VR II optical stabilization and ED glass.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro

With impressive low-light performance due to its f/2.8 aperture, the Olympus60mm f/2.8 Macro is one of the top macro lenses on the market. Not only does it capture exceptional close-up photos, but it also does so as one of the lightest lenses you can buy. (It's also weatherproof, making its build even more solid.) The f/2.8 aperture makes it ideal in any lighting conditions.

Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro

A long focal length lens with close-focusing abilities and a high magnification ratio, the Samyang100mm f/2.8 ED UMC Macro EF is ideal for close-up, detailed images. It has 1:1 magnification and a speedy f/2.8 aperture that make it perfect for shooting nearby subjects. Its 100mm focal length makes it a premier lens for portraits and landscapes, too. The optical design incorporates one high refractive index element and one extra-low dispersion element to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions throughout the focusing range.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM yields fantastic results for faraway subjects. Its ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture helps you capture the moment with premium quality, even in low-light situations. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and one high refractive index SLD lens prevent all types of aberration and distortion. It may not be weatherproof, but it’s built solid and feels sturdy in hand.

Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro

With impeccable image quality and a weather-sealed frame, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Nikon is one of the best macro lenses for DSLRs. Its hybrid stabilizer counters X-Y shift effects and vibration. The f/2.8 aperture allows you to record without compromising quality. Even better, it works as a great portrait lens, too.

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