When it comes to capturing compelling high-quality close-up images of people, animals, butterflies, insects, flowers, stamps, coins, or anything else that strikes your fancy there’s nothing quite like using a true macro lens — one that’s specifically designed to deliver exceptional image quality, especially at close focusing distances.
In most cases, this means a prime (single focal length) lens that can get town to a 1:1 magnification (life-size-on sensor) rather than one of the many lenses marketed as “macro zooms” that only get down to a near-macro 1:4 or 1:3. Many of the best and most popular true macro lenses are moderate telephotos in the 90-105mm range because they provide a longer working distance (the distance between the front of the lens to the subject) which makes it easier to arrange lighting and less likely that you’ll spook skittish creatures like insects and hummingbirds.
More from Adorama: Top 10 Macro Photography Tips
Technically a true macro lens can focus continuously down to 1:1, but to expand your options, we’ve included a one worthy zoom and one cool new wide-angle macro that “only” gets down to 1:2 in our list. Acquiring a high-quality macro lens is a wonderful way to expand your photographic opportunities and it can open up whole new worlds of picture-taking possibilities.
Macro lenses are also great for general shooting at normal distances because they’re so sharp and well corrected — and as many professional photographers can attest, they’re superb for shooting portraits. If we’ve managed to pique your interest, a good place to start is by perusing the specs of the 10 top macros below, and if that whets your appetite to explore the dozens of additional macro lenses listed on the Adorama website, so much the better!
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR ():
The latest iteration of Nikon’s classic 105mm moderate telephoto Macro for full-frame (FX-format) and DX-format Nikons has been significantly upgraded with one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) element that minimizes chromatic aberration and enhances clarity, and Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings on all elements to suppress flare and ghosting. It also incorporates built-in-VR image stabilization that provides a 3-stop anti-shake-effect advantage that’s crucial when shooting high magnification close-ups.
Other features: Silent Wave Motor AF System for fast, precise, nearly noiseless autofocusing, apertures to f/32, and a rounded 9-bladed diaphragm for smooth, natural bokeh. The Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G focuses down to 1 foot (1:1 magnification) and delivers outstanding image quality at all apertures and focusing distances.
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG ART Macro ():
Renowned for its outstanding sharpness and superb image quality, the latest Sigma Art Line Macro version of this iconic full-frame short telephoto employs 2 FLD (fluorite equivalent), 2 SLD (Special Low Dispersion), two aspheric elements, plus one anomalous high dispersion/high refractive index element to achieve excellent clarity and an exemplary degree of optical correction at all apertures. Super Multi-Layer coating throughout ensures optimum light transmission and flare control, and a rounded 9-bladed diaphragm contributes to its beautiful bokeh.
A coreless DC AF motor provides fast, quiet, accurate autofocus and features full-time manual override, and the lens focuses down to 1:1 (life-size on sensor) with a minimum focusing distance of 10.2 inches. The barrel is fabricated of thermally stable composite (TSC) to maintain high performance over a wide temperature range, and the lens features weather-sealed construction, and a high-precision solid brass bayonet mount for maximum durability.
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 AF Macro ():
This upgraded version of Tamron’s classic, long-running, full-frame-format 90mm Macro employs the latest optical and mechanical technology to achieve even better performance in the field. It incorporates one LD (Low Dispersion) and 2 XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) elements to minimize aberrations and enhance sharpness, and employs eBand, BBAR, and Fluorine coatings to optimize light transmission, minimize flare, repel dust, and facilitate cleaning.
A ring-type Ultrasonic Drive motor (USM) delivers fast, precise, quiet AF with full-time manual focus override, and built-in VC Image Stabilization provides a 3.5-stop anti-shake-effect advantage in handheld shooting. A rounded 9-bladed diaphragm enhances its natural bokeh, the lens features moisture-resistant construction, and it’s compatible with Tamron’s TAP-in console for updating its firmware and software. Tamron’s 90mm Macro focuses down to 11.8 inches, providing a maximum magnification of 1:1.
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro ():
Providing a 122mm-equivalent medium telephoto focal length on APS-C-format Fuji X-mount mirrorless cameras, this advanced high performance macro incorporates 1 Super ED (extra-low dispersion) 1 aspheric, and 3 ED elements to achieve very high chromatic correction and outstanding sharpness at all apertures. A 2-group Floating Focus System enhances close-up imaging performance and a built-in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is said to deliver a 5-stop advantage in minimizing the appearance of camera shake effects. A Linear AF motor provides fast, precise quiet AF, and the lens features weather sealed construction and has a fluorine coating on the front element to repel dust and grime and facilitate cleaning. It focuses down to 9.8 inches, which corresponds to 1:1 magnification (life-size on sensor) and has a focus range limiter with a selectable close-focus (9.8 inches to 1,6 feet) range.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro ():
This high-performance L-series short telephoto macro for Canon DSLRs covers the full-frame format and employs one Ultra-Low-Dispersion element and Super Spectra Coating to control color fringing and chromatic aberrations, and to suppress flare and enhance contrast and clarity. It provides a 160mm-equivalent focal length when used on APS-C-format Canons, uses a ring-type USM motor and internal focus (IF) for quick, quiet, accurate AF, and incorporates an optical Image Stabilizer (IS) that compensates for up to 2 stops of camera shake at 1:1, 3 stops at 1:2, and up to 4 stops at greater focusing distances. Other features: a Focus Range Limiter for quicker AF when shooting close-ups, a rounded 9-bladed diaphragm that enhances its pleasing natural bokeh, weather-sealed construction, and an optional rotating tripod collar. The Canon 100mm Macro has a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inches that corresponds to ma maximum magnification ratio of 1:1 (life-size on sensor.)
Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f2.8 Macro ():
This fine-performing ultra-compact macro prime lens provides a 120mm-equicalent short telephoto focal length on Olympus OM-D and other Micro Four Thirds format mirrorless cameras. It employs one Extra-Low Dispersion element and 3 High Refractive Index elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and achieve outstanding image quality at all apertures, and ZERO coating to maximize light transmission and suppress flare and ghosting. A Movie and Still Compatible (MSC) AF system delivers rapid, precise quiet AF when shooting stills or video, and a Focus Limit Switch provides faster AF when working at close distances. The lens features weather-resistant construction, has a rounded 7-bladed diaphragm for artistic bokeh, and has a minimum focusing distance of 7.5 inches, which corresponds to a maximum magnification of 1:1.
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS ():
This high-performance, full-frame format, E-mount moderate telephoto macro lens includes 2 extra-low dispersion elements including one Super ED element, plus one aspheric element to reduce chromatic aberrations to a minimum, and provide excellent correction for astigmatism, field curvature and coma.
As a result of its advanced optical design and Nano AR Coating, it captures crisp, flare-free, high-resolution, high-contrast images at all settings. An advanced Direct Drive SSM system and an internal focus design contribute to its swift, silent, decisive AF, and its built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization (OSS) can be combined with the in-body stabilization in select Sony cameras to provide an impressive level shake-effect correction in handheld shooting.
Other features: a focus range limiter for faster AF at close distances, a sliding focusing ring for quick shifting from AF to manual focus, and a rounded 9-bladed diaphragm for enhanced natural bokeh.
Pentax D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR ():
This value-priced, high-performance moderate telephoto macro lens in Pentax K-mount covers the full-frame format, and features enhanced weather-resistant (WR) construction with 6 seals. Its elements are treated with Pentax Super Protect multi-layer coating to minimize reflections and yield crisp, high, contrast images, and its Quick Shift focusing system allows easy switching from AF to manual focus.
Other features: robust, lightweight aluminum barrel, rounded 8-bladed diaphragm for more pleasing bokeh, continuous focusing down to 1:1 magnification (life-size on sensor).
Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M Macro ():
This exceptional macro lens for Fujifilm and Sony APS-C-format mirrorless cameras provides a 75mm-equivalent short telephoto coverage angle, and includes 2 aspheric and 2 Partial Dispersion elements in a floating element design to achieve impressive image quality at all apertures. It provides 1:1 image magnification at its minimum focus distance of 6 inches, and its nearly circular 9-rounded-blade diaphragm helps in capturing smooth transitions and pleasing natural bokeh.
Other features: robust all-black metal barrel, rubberized control rings, supports all camera functions.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM ():
The first dedicated macro lens designed specifically for Canon’s exciting new full-frame mirrorless Canon EOS R, this just released high-speed, wide-angle macro focuses down to 6.7 inches, which corresponds to 1:2 (half life-size on sensor), and its built-in image stabilization system (IS) delivers an impressive 5- stop anti-shake advantage in handheld shooting. An STM Stepping AF Motor provides very quiet, smooth, precise autofocus plus full-time manual focus override, and a Configurable Control Ring lets you adjust aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation settings via the lens.
Other features: Super Spectra Coating to minimize flare and enhance image clarity, and a rounded 9-bladed diaphragm for more pleasing bokeh.
