Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

75.9 Macro Score
18-55mmf/3.5Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this

Bundled with a 0.45x wide-angle adapter, close-up lenses, and a three-piece filter kit, this zoom lens offers creative versatility beyond standard kit optics. Its optical 4-stop stabilization and STM autofocus enable smooth handheld video, reflected in a 60.4 video score. Best for Canon APS-C beginners seeking an affordable, all-in-one package for instant wide-angle and macro effects.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 2X Macro 120mm

69.4 Macro Score
120mmf/22Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 120mm focal length paired with 2:1 maximum magnification captures extreme close-ups at a bright f/2.8 aperture on full-frame Nikon Z bodies. The 13-blade diaphragm delivers smooth bokeh, and a weather-sealed build with front screw holes supports external macro lights. Macro shooters who need twice life-size reproduction and deliberate manual focus will find this lens ideally suited.

View Details & Prices

BROLEO BROLEOr4egxbtv8f 58mm

66.8 Macro Score
58mmCanon EOS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 0.25x fisheye converter threads onto any 58mm filter lens, using low-dispersion optical glass and a protective coating for sharp, high-definition images with minimal aberrations. The aluminum-alloy body weighs just 327g, making it portable and durable, while the removable macro insert adds close-up capability without a separate lens. This accessory is best for hobbyist DSLR shooters with 58mm-thread lenses who want an inexpensive way to experiment with fisheye distortion and macro framing on a single body.

View Details & Prices

TTArtisan 11mm f/2.8 11mm

66.5 Macro Score
11mmf/2.8Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The 180-degree field of view and bright f/2.8 aperture give full-frame shooters a distinct fishbowl distortion and low-light capability in a compact, all-metal body. Its manual focus design and close 17cm minimum focus distance enable dramatic wide-angle perspectives at an affordable price point compared to first-party options. This lens is best for full-frame Canon photographers experimenting with stylized landscapes and creative close-ups who do not require autofocus.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon Cine DS16M-C 16mm

64.4 Macro Score
16mmT22Canon EF-S
Why we recommend this ▼

Offering a T2.2 constant aperture and a 13-element optical design with 2 aspherical and 1 ED element, the 16mm wide-angle prime’s unified Cine DS gear system requires no follow focus re-adjustment when swapping lenses. Ultra Multi-Coating reduces flare, while the included petal hood and a 7.9-inch minimum focus distance enable dramatic close-up wide shots. This lens suits APS-C Canon filmmakers who need an affordable, color-matched manual cine lens with close-focusing capability and consistent gearing for video rigs.

View Details & Prices

Serounder 01 5-50mm

64.3 Macro Score
5-50mmCanon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The 0.39x magnification and HD coating provide close-up detail within a 100mm minimum focus distance, while the wide-angle element extends spatial depth in a 213g package. Its bundled phone clip and macro lens add versatility across DSLRs, camcorders, and mobile devices, aided by a common 72mm filter thread. This lens is best for casual videographers and vloggers seeking an affordable, lightweight wide-angle option for product close-ups and establishing shots.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon 12M-C 12mm

61.5 Macro Score
12mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The 12mm full-frame fisheye captures a 180° diagonal view with a bright f/2.8 aperture and 12-element optics including 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements. Its fully manual focus and nanocrystal/UMC coatings suppress flare, making it a dependable, affordable option for architectural and creative landscape work. This lens is best for macro and portrait photographers who want extreme visual distortion but should avoid travel due to its specialized, bulky build.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon Series II 85mm f/1.4 85mm

54 Macro Score
85mmf/1.4Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.4 aperture and one hybrid aspherical element deliver sharp subject isolation with controlled chromatic aberrations, making it a strong portrait lens. Its weather-sealed, lightweight 485g build and Ultra Multi-Coating provide practical durability and contrast in varied conditions. This manual focus prime is best for portrait photographers on a budget who prioritize a smooth bokeh quality over autofocus speed.

View Details & Prices

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm

46.3 Macro Score
50mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.8 maximum aperture and optimized lens coatings deliver strong subject separation and a 60.5 portrait score, making it a classic full-frame portrait lens. Its STM stepping motor supports near-silent Movie Servo AF with manual focus override, paired with a durable metal lens mount. This lens is best for portrait photographers and video creators on Canon EF systems who prioritize shallow depth of field over travel portability.

View Details & Prices

IRIX Dragonfly 45mm f/1.4 45mm

45.3 Macro Score
45mmf/22Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A fast f/1.4 aperture combined with one aspherical and four HR elements delivers sharp, low-light imagery with controlled aberrations on full-frame Nikon F bodies. Its Dragonfly weather-sealed construction and focus lock mechanism provide a robust, tactile shooting experience in harsh conditions. This lens is best for portrait photographers who prioritize deliberate manual focus and shallow depth of field over autofocus speed.

View Details & Prices

Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC 50mm

44.7 Macro Score
50mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.4 maximum aperture combined with hybrid aspherical and ED elements delivers sharp, color-accurate images with strong low-light performance and shallow depth of field control. Its Ultra Multi-Coating effectively suppresses ghosting and flare, while the internal focusing design keeps the 77mm filter thread from rotating during use. This manual-focus lens is best for portrait and macro photographers on Pentax KAF systems who prioritize optical quality and smooth bokeh over autofocus convenience.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon Cine 135M-FX 135mm

41.2 Macro Score
135mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/2.0 aperture and one extra-low dispersion element deliver sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration for low-light portraiture and astrophotography. Its smooth, well-damped manual focus ring and Ultra Multi-Coated optics provide precise control and flare resistance at a budget-friendly price. This lens is best for portrait and astrophotography enthusiasts using Canon EF DSLRs who prioritize optical quality over autofocus.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO 100mm

74.8 Macro Score
100mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The apochromatic design with two extra-low dispersion elements eliminates color fringing for exceptional clarity at its unique 2:1 maximum magnification, far exceeding typical 1:1 macro lenses. Its all-metal, manual-focus-only build provides a precise, dampened focus throw that is essential for critical close-up work, though it lacks any electronic communication or stabilization. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers shooting extreme close-ups of insects or textures who prioritize optical purity and magnification over autofocus convenience.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 18mm

71.1 Macro Score
18mmf/28Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its waterproof, 0.9-inch diameter probe barrel with a built-in LED ring light and 2:1 magnification captures detailed close-ups in tight spaces that standard macro lenses cannot reach. The 18mm focal length provides a wide-angle perspective with a broad depth of field, rendering both subject and environment in focus for context-rich shots. This lens is best for product videographers and nature documentarians needing to film inside small cavities or capture immersive macro scenes.

View Details & Prices

7Artisans Infinte Series 24T2.1 EF B 24mm

67.4 Macro Score
24mmCanon EFIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The T2.1 aperture and advanced floating lens structure deliver strong low-light transmission while effectively eliminating focus breathing for stable, immersive shots. Its nano multi-layer coatings and full-frame coverage ensure edge-to-edge sharpness for 6K resolution with high contrast and minimal flare. This manual-focus cine lens is best for documentary filmmakers and commercial production crews needing consistent, calibrated focus gears across multi-camera setups.

View Details & Prices

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

67.1 Macro Score
16-35mmf/22Canon EFISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining L-series build quality with a constant f/4 aperture and a 4-stop image stabilizer, this 16-35mm zoom delivers sharp results from its 16-element optical design that includes three aspherical and two ED elements. The weather-sealed, 615g body accepts 77mm filters and offers a useful 0.23x maximum magnification for close-up wide-angle shots. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need a rugged, stabilized ultra-wide zoom for full-frame Canon EF bodies.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon Cine DS24M-C 24mm

67.1 Macro Score
24mmf/1.5Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

Its fast T1.5 aperture and multi-layer coated optics deliver strong low-light performance and controlled flaring for a 24mm full-frame cine lens. The manual focus and de-clicked aperture ring provide smooth, precise control for rack focusing, housed in a lightweight 55g body with a common 77mm filter thread. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and videographers needing an affordable, wide-angle prime for narrative work on Canon EF mount cameras.

View Details & Prices

Tokina atx-i TO1-ATXI1120N 20mm

66.9 Macro Score
11-20mmf/22Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 11-20mm zoom range, combined with a weather-sealed build and water-repellent coating, makes this lens a reliable tool for challenging light and conditions. Its optical formula, incorporating three aspherical and three ED elements, delivers sharp, high-contrast images while the One-Touch Focus Clutch mechanism allows for instant switching between autofocus and manual focus. This lens is best for APS-C landscape and astrophotography shooters who need a bright, ultra-wide zoom with rugged, all-weather durability.

View Details & Prices

AstrHori Macro Probe 28mm f/13 2x

63.9 Macro Score
28mmf/40Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 2:1 magnification and f/13 aperture on this 28mm probe lens enables extreme close-up detail, with a 360-degree rotating barrel, built-in adjustable LED ring light, and 20cm waterproof front section. The kit's included straight and 90° tubes combined with manual focus and sapphire glass optics offer versatile composition for narrow or angled spaces. This lens suits macro photographers and filmmakers capturing insects, miniature sets, or underwater scenes where direct illumination and 0.3-inch working distances are critical.

View Details & Prices

Tokina opera 16-28mm f/2.8 FF 28mm

63.8 Macro Score
16-28mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 15-element optical design prioritize high contrast and rich color gradation, making it particularly suited for landscape and black-and-white work on full-frame DSLRs. The focus ring’s rotation direction matches proprietary Canon and Nikon lenses, while the 939g build features a balanced, slim housing for confident handling. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers using Canon or Nikon full-frame DSLRs who need high contrast and precise control, but not for travel due to its weight.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm

63.5 Macro Score
20mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture combined with two aspherical and three ED elements delivers strong sharpness and contrast for full-frame Nikon F-mount DSLRs. Its manual focus design and Ultra Multi-Coating provide a tactile, flare-resistant shooting experience at a budget-friendly price point. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography enthusiasts who prioritize a fast wide-angle prime and don't require autofocus.

View Details & Prices

Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 14mm

62.3 Macro Score
14mmf/22Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14mm f/2.8 ultra-wide prime delivers sharp astrophotography images with its fast aperture, two aspherical and two ED elements, and weather-sealed 641g body. A de-clickable aperture ring and smooth manual focus with a lock ring make it equally suited for silent video work and precise night-sky shooting. This lens is ideal for landscape astrophotographers needing a durable, wide-angle manual-focus prime.

View Details & Prices

Elite Brands Inc DS100M-C

54.9 Macro Score
100mmT32Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering true 1:1 magnification at a 305mm minimum focus distance, this 100mm T3.1 prime captures life-size macro details on full-frame sensors while its cine-centric design features unified focus and aperture gears for consistent follow-focus swaps. The 9-blade diaphragm and Ultra Multi-Coated ED glass render smooth bokeh and suppress flare, with de-clicked aperture and dual-sided scales reinforcing its video-first ergonomics. This lens is best for macro videographers and filmmakers who need precise manual focus and accurate T-stop exposure for product cinematography or detailed nature footage.

View Details & Prices

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

54 Macro Score
10-22mmf/4.5Canon EF-S
Why we recommend this ▼

With an ultra-wide 10-22mm zoom (16-35mm equivalent) and a fast, quiet ring-type USM autofocus, this lens weighs just 385g, making it ideal for travel. Its 3 aspherical elements and 1 Super-UD element deliver sharp, detailed images across the frame, though the f/3.5-4.5 aperture limits low-light performance. Best for landscape and travel photographers seeking a compact, high-optics wide-angle zoom for Canon APS-C bodies.

View Details & Prices

Canon Extender 4409B002 1mm

32.9 Macro Score
1mmf/1.4Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 7-element optical design with Super Spectra and Fluorine coatings maintains sharpness and contrast while extending reach by 1.4x with minimal ghosting. The built-in microcomputer ensures seamless autofocus and exposure communication, housed in a rugged, weather-sealed body weighing just 225g. This extender is best for street and portrait photographers using compatible Canon L-series telephotos who need extra focal length without sacrificing optical quality.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Rokinon Tilt-Shift TSL24M-N 24mm

63.9 Macro Score
24mmf/22Canon EF
Why we recommend this

With a 24mm focal length and ±8.5° tilt, ±12mm shift, this full-frame Canon EF lens delivers precise perspective control for architecture and product shots. Its optical design packs two aspherical and two ED elements with UMC coating to cut flare, housed in a portable 680g body. This manual-focus lens best serves architectural and macro photographers who need to correct converging lines and extend depth of field at close range.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

IRIX Dragonfly IL-150DF-EF 150mm

60 Macro Score
150mmf/2.8Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 150mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture combine with an 11-blade diaphragm to render exceptionally smooth bokeh and subject isolation for a macro lens. Its Dragonfly weather-sealed construction and Neutrino coating ensure reliable, high-contrast results in harsh outdoor conditions where other lenses might falter. This lens is best for studio portrait and macro photographers who prioritize deliberate, manual-focus control and robust build quality over autofocus speed.

View Details & Prices

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

59.3 Macro Score
17-55mmf/22Canon EF-SIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 17-55mm range, combined with a 3-stop Image Stabilizer, delivers reliable low-light performance and sharpness for APS-C DSLRs. Its optical design incorporates two UD and three aspherical elements to suppress aberrations, while the ring-type USM motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. This lens is best for event and portrait photographers using Canon EF-S bodies who need a versatile, stabilized zoom with a bright aperture.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Tamron SP A001-N 70-200mm

81.7 Macro Score
70-200mmf/2.8Canon EFISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture and redesigned optics with XLD/LD glass deliver sharp, high-contrast images with controlled flare, while the 3-mode VC system offers a 5-stop stabilization advantage for low-light work. Customizable firmware via the optional TAMRON TAP-in Console and a closer 0.95m minimum focus distance add flexibility not typically found at this price point, where it costs far less than Canon's first-party equivalent. This lens is a practical choice for enthusiast and budget-conscious portrait photographers who need reliable stabilization and solid center-frame sharpness without the premium brand markup.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Canon L 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

69.8 Macro Score
24-70mmf/22Canon EFISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm zoom range, paired with one Super UD and two UD elements, delivers sharp, color-accurate images with minimal chromatic aberration. Its weather-sealed, 805g build and fluorine coating provide reliable durability for field use, while the 5-stop image stabilization enables sharper handheld shooting. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers needing a rugged, versatile workhorse with a 92.5/100 landscape score.

View Details & Prices

Zeiss Milvus 18mm f/2.8 ZE 18mm

62 Macro Score
18mmf/22Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14-element optical design with two aspherical lenses and ZEISS T* coating delivers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast control for a full-frame 18mm prime. Its all-metal barrel and smooth, long-throw manual focus ring provide precise control that autofocus systems cannot replicate. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who prioritize optical precision and deliberate, tripod-based composition over speed or portability.

View Details & Prices

Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L 17mm

46.1 Macro Score
17mmf/22Canon EFWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 17mm ultra-wide perspective combined with +/- 12mm shift and +/- 6.5° tilt movements provides precise control over converging lines and focal plane, aided by 4 UD elements and a Subwavelength Coating to suppress flare. The independent rotation of tilt and shift functions through +/- 90° allows for flexible orientation adjustments without re-mounting the lens. This manual-focus prime is best for architectural photographers requiring full-frame perspective correction on Canon EF bodies.

View Details & Prices

No Lenses found in this category. See our top picks under £2,000