Top affordable macro lenses you can get now
If you are thinking of getting a macro lens, because you are interested in starting this type of photography or advancing your learning, you need to know everything about this type of lens system.
In general, the price of lenses is usually high, especially those of some brands. In the case of macro lenses, the price is usually even higher than usual. Therefore, we are interested in knowing very well which one best suits our needs and inform ourselves well before purchasing one.
In this article we will talk about macro lenses, so you can determine which one you are interested in acquiring for your camera and some highly recommended lenses for their good value for money.
What is a macro lens?
A macro lens is an optic specially designed to have a minimum focus distance and to be able to take pictures from very close. Although the true goal of macro lenses is usually life-size (or even closer) reproduction of the subject or object being photographed.
What does the latter mean? Well, we are used to seeing large photographs of small things, like a poster-sized flower, for example. In that case, the flower on the poster is much larger than its natural size because it has been enlarged.
However, with the macro lens we managed to take a photograph reproducing the actual size of the photographed object, that is, maintaining a 1: 1 aspect ratio between the size of the camera sensor and the dimension of the photographed object. Although you will be able to find lenses capable of taking photographs with a 5: 1 aspect ratio, where the level of detail will be impressive.
When we talk about macro photography, the focal length is one of the most relevant aspects, since it determines the 'working distance' between the camera and the subject or object photographed. The greater the focal length, the greater distance between the two you can have to achieve a 1: 1 aspect ratio.
In other words, with a 100 mm lens, you can be located at a larger distance from the subject or object photographed than with a 50 mm lens. With the latter you will have to be much closer to get the same frame.
You should bear in mind that being able to be away can be very useful if your objective is to photograph insects or live subjects that you can scare away with your proximity.
Obviously, lenses from companies like Nikon, Canon and other well-known brands will give you excellent results. We have chosen these for their good value for money.
Since we already know the importance of macro focal length, we will divide the recommended lenses into three groups according to the range distance. We will also not leave out any recommendations for evil cameras. Let us begin!
Before buying a lens, make sure your camera is compatible with the macro lens. You can check it by filling up the amazonconfirmed fit bar you'll find at the top of the amazon product page.
Short Macro Focal Lenses (30-50mm)
Lenses with shorter focal lengths will require you to get closer to the subject or object being photographed. They are those that comprise from 30 to 50 mm.
#1. Nikon 40 mm f/2.8 AF-S DX Micro
This Nikon lens has a focal length of 40mm in DX format (FX format / 35mm equivalent: 60mm). It is ideal for getting close to subjects as it offers a fast maximum aperture of f / 2.8 and a 1: 1 reproduction ratio.
Despite not having an image stabilizer, it has an exclusive 'Silent Wave Motor' that guarantees silent autofocus. This way you can shoot at a short distance without driving away live subjects. On Amazon you will find it for around 300€.
Buy Nikon 40mm f/2.8 AF-S DX Micro for Nikon DSLR cameras
#2. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Macro
This macro lens is designed for DSLR cameras and is compatible with brands like Nikon, Canon or Sony. It covers a 50mm focal length with a 1: 1 aspect ratio and a maximum aperture of f / 1.4.
It has a floating internal focusing system (FIF) and a coating layer (SML). You will find it on Amazon from around 500€. Of course, make sure it is compatible with your brand and model, depending on the type of mount.
Buy Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Macro for Canon digital SLR cameras
Standard Macro Focal Lenses (60-105mm)
Macro lenses ranging from 60 to 105 mm are usually the most widely used in macro photography. An average distance can be maintained between the camera and the subject or object photographed and the prices that are shuffled are still affordable.
#1. Tamron SP 60 mm f/2 Di II Macro
This lens has a focal length of 60mm, has a 1: 1 macro capability and stands out above all for good brightness, even in low light conditions. In addition, it belongs to the Tamron SP (Super Performance) line of lenses whose optical and mechanical quality is very remarkable.
On the other hand, Tamron Di II technology is responsible for minimizing the appearance of aberrations. The minimum working distance with this lens is 100 mm and on Amazon you will find it at different prices, depending on your camera.
Buy Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II macro for Canon SLR cameras
Buy Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II macro for Nikon SLR cameras
Buy Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II macro for Sony SLR cameras
#2. Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 DG AF Macro
This is a highly recommended macro lens for its excellent value for money. It has a focal length of 70mm equivalent to 105mm in SLR cameras with APS-C sensors. It also has a special low dispersion glass (SLD) that guarantees obtaining more natural colors and correcting any aberrations that may appear.
It also includes the option to activate a focus limiter to improve autofocus precision. In Amazon you will also find it for about 400€, depending on the camera you have.
Buy Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG AF macro for Nikon DSLR cameras
Buy Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG AF macro for Sigma DSLR cameras
Buy Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG AF macro for Sony DSLR cameras
Buy Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG AF macro for Canon DSLR cameras
#3. Tamron SP 90 mm f/2.8 Di Macro
The Tamron 90mm macro lens is one of the best known among macrophotographers. The reputation of the predecessor models to this has made it a myth and has been improving with each new version.
The optical design of this model uses a high power XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) element, made of special glass and with an extremely low color dispersion index. If we compare it with other similar options, this one stands out for offering a good balance between lightness, price and performance.
Buy Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro for Nikon DSLR cameras
Buy Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro for Canon DSLR cameras
Buy Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro for Sony DSLR cameras
Buy Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro for Pentax DSLR cameras
#4. Tokina AT-X 100 mm f/2.8
This is a lens specially designed for Full-frame cameras. It has a focal length of 100 mm and a maximum aperture of f / 2.8 that gives it great light. On the other hand, it has a One Touch focus system and a focus limiter for better results when used as a telephoto or portrait.
It is easily interchangeable, very durable and highly resistant, making it great for insect or nature photography. On Amazon you will find it about 390€ for Nikon and about 385€ for Canon.
Macro Telephoto Lenses (150-200mm)
Lastly, macro telephoto lenses allow us to perform macro photography from far distances. They are capable of achieving the highest level of detail, almost microscopic. However, you also require a generous budget to access them.
#1. Sigma 150 mm f/2.8 HSM Macro
This lens is designed for both APS-C and Full-Frame cameras. It stands out for having an excellent optical stabilization that allows capturing by hand, even in low light conditions. On the other hand, it has a special splash-proof lens, so you can use it under adverse weather conditions without damaging it.
In addition, it includes an HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) focus motor that guarantees a silent and fast autofocus. The price of this macro telephoto lens is already around € 1,000 and varies by brand.
Buy Sigma 150mm f/2.8 HSM Macro for Canon
Buy Sigma 150mm f/2.8 HSM Macro for Nikon
Buy Sigma 150mm f/2.8 HSM Macro for Sigma
#2. Tamron SP 180 mm f/3.5 Di Macro
It is an SP lens with a focal length of 180 mm and a maximum aperture of f / 3.5. It offers excellent image quality, standing out in terms of sharpness, contrast and brightness. In addition, it manages to minimize the peripheral vignetting and the appearance of chromatic aberrations.
It also has a removable effect filter holder (FEC), which allows you to rotate the polarizing filter even with the hood attached. It offers benefits similar to those of the Tamron 90mm, being a extremely affordable telephoto lens in terms of budget.
Buy Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro for Canon