Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G 40mm

84.8 Macro Score
40mmf/2.8Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Delivering true 1:1 life-size magnification at a 163mm minimum focus distance, this 60mm-equivalent macro prime captures fine details with its Super Integrated Coated optics. Its featherweight 85g build and weather-sealed design make it an effortlessly portable, everyday macro tool. This lens is best for DX-format Nikon shooters needing an affordable, versatile optic for close-up product photography, delicate flora, and detailed collectables.

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Sigma Art 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM

67.5 Macro Score
24-105mmf/22Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/4 aperture across a 24-105mm range, paired with a complex 19-element optical design using FLD and SLD glass, delivers sharp, aberration-free images for high-resolution Nikon F bodies. Its Hyper Sonic Motor and Optical Stabilizer provide fast, quiet autofocus and effective shake compensation, while the bundled filter kit adds immediate shooting value. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers needing a single, durable full-frame zoom that balances optical performance with everyday versatility.

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Rokinon 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS 10mm

61.4 Macro Score
10mmf/22Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 10mm f/2.8 focal length combined with Nano Crystal Coating, ED and two aspherical elements delivers 110-degree edge-to-edge coverage on APS-C Nikon bodies, aided by an AE chip for auto metering. The manual-focus lens includes built-in stabilization and an inner focusing system that maintains a constant length while enabling a 9.5-inch close-focus distance for near-macro shots. This lens is best for architectural and landscape photographers who need dramatic ultra-wide perspectives, as well as journalists working in confined spaces.

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Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 11mm

54.6 Macro Score
35mmf/22Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 155g, this 35mm f/2 prime offers full-frame coverage for Nikon F mount with a multi-coated 7-element optical design. Its ultra-quiet digital stepping motor and compact build make it a discreet, lightweight option for everyday shooting. This lens is best for budget-conscious Nikon DSLR users wanting a standard walkaround prime for general photography and travel.

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BENOISON 420-Nikon--F 420-800mm

35.4 Macro Score
420-800mmf/16Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 420-800mm zoom range on a full-frame F-mount body provides extreme reach for distant subjects, though the manual focus and variable f/8.3-16 aperture demand careful technique and ample light. Its lightweight 717g build and direct F-mount compatibility eliminate the need for adapters, making it a portable option for Nikon DSLR users. This lens is best for hobbyist wildlife observers and moon photographers on a strict budget who are comfortable working entirely in manual mode.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Art 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM

81.1 Macro Score
28mmf/1.4Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and an optical design with three aspherical and five SLD/FLD elements deliver exceptional sharpness and contrast control for low-light scenes. Its weather-sealed, robust build and Super Multi-Layer Coating ensure reliable, flare-resistant performance in demanding conditions. This lens is best for professional landscape and street photographers needing a fast, wide-angle prime with uncompromising optical clarity.

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Tamron SP A032 24-70mm

80.8 Macro Score
24-70mmf/2.8Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture combined with 5-stop Vibration Compensation and a sophisticated 17-element optical design with eBAND coatings delivers sharp, high-contrast images in challenging light. Its weather-sealed, moisture-resistant construction and fluorine-coated front element provide durability for field use without a premium price tag. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers who need a reliable, stabilized standard zoom with full-frame coverage.

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Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

74.7 Macro Score
16-85mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Covering a versatile 16–85mm focal range (5.3x zoom) with Vibration Reduction that compensates for up to four shutter-speed stops, this AF-S DX lens handles wide-angle to short-telephoto shots on Nikon DX DSLRs. Its Super Integrated Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and the compact 794g build, often available renewed, offers an affordable all-in-one walkaround solution. It’s best suited for Nikon DX hobbyists and travelers who prioritize a single lens for everyday photography, though landscape sharpness rates low at 29/100.

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Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro 15mm

72.2 Macro Score
15mmf/32Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

Offering true 1:1 macro at an ultra-wide 15mm focal length, this manual lens eliminates extension tubes with a 4.7-inch minimum focus and internal focusing that avoids disturbing subjects. Its near-circular 14-blade aperture and Multi-Layer Low-Reflective Coating produce smooth bokeh and controlled flares, suiting deliberate, tripod-based compositions. It’s ideal for Pentax K-mount photographers capturing close-up subjects like insects or flowers where the wide perspective preserves environmental context.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

67.6 Macro Score
14-24mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 14-24mm zoom range combines with ED and aspherical elements to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness, while ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings suppress flare in backlit scenes. Its weather-sealed, 1000g magnesium-alloy body includes a programmable control ring and an OLED information panel for quick setting checks in the field. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need a rugged, ultra-wide zoom with consistent low-light performance.

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Rokinon Cine DS135M-N 135mm

59.7 Macro Score
135mmf/22Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

The Rokinon Cine DS 135mm T2.2 delivers full-frame telephoto reach with a fast T2.2 aperture and ED glass for controlled aberrations. Its unified gear positions and de-clicked aperture are tightly color-matched across the DS line, enabling quick lens swaps on a follow-focus rig. This lens is best for budget-conscious cinematographers needing a dedicated portrait or interview lens with smooth bokeh from its 9-blade diaphragm.

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Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 50mm

57.9 Macro Score
50mmf/16Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its Distagon optical design with 14 elements, including 4 ED and 1 aspherical lens, delivers exceptional sharpness and aberration control for a manual-focus 50mm f/1.4 prime. The modernized, weather-sealed build is notably compact and portable, paired with a smooth 260° focus throw for precise control. This lens is best for deliberate stills photographers and filmmakers who prioritize optical rendering over autofocus speed.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM 50mm

72.1 Macro Score
50mmf/1.4Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 14-element optical design with three ED and one aspherical element delivers exceptional sharpness and suppresses aberrations even at its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture. Its robust, weather-sealed metal build and smooth, ring-type HSM autofocus system offer a premium handling experience that belies its price point. This lens is best for portrait and studio photographers using Nikon F-mount DSLRs who demand critical image quality and shallow depth of field control without the cost of first-party optics.

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Zeiss Milvus 000000-1365-659 35mm

46.6 Macro Score
35mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its Distagon optical design with one anomalous partial dispersion element and ZEISS T* coating delivers sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration. The all-metal, weather-sealed barrel and de-clickable aperture ring provide a precise, tactile shooting experience built for demanding conditions. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers who prioritize manual focus control and robust build quality over autofocus convenience.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

80.9 Macro Score
16-35mmf/4Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture and Vibration Reduction offering up to 4 stops of compensation make this a versatile ultra-wide zoom for handheld shooting. Its Nano Crystal Coat and two ED glass elements effectively suppress flare and chromatic aberration, delivering sharp, clear images in a relatively lightweight 680g body. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers using Nikon full-frame DSLRs who need a flexible wide-angle zoom with a practical 77mm filter thread.

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Sigma Art 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM 100mm

56.8 Macro Score
50-100mmf/16Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/1.8 aperture across the 50-100mm zoom range delivers full-frame equivalent depth of field control on APS-C sensors, paired with 7 ED elements for high clarity. The internal zoom and Hyper Sonic Motor provide fast, quiet autofocus without extending the barrel, maintaining balance on a gimbal. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a fast telephoto zoom but don't require stabilization.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Nikon 20052

63.8 Macro Score
24-70mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.

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Sigma 185955

42.8 Macro Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/4 aperture combined with two FLD and one SLD element delivers exceptional clarity and chromatic aberration correction, while the magnesium alloy body provides a dust- and splash-proof build at 3310g. Its optical stabilization offers a 4-stop advantage, and the Hyper Sonic Motor provides fast, accurate autofocus that excels in challenging low-light conditions. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, hand-holdable 500mm prime with full-frame coverage and reliable weather sealing for extended outdoor shoots.

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Nikon NIKKOR 20082 500mm

52.9 Macro Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A Phase Fresnel element and magnesium alloy build shrink this 500mm prime to just 3.2 lbs, enabling handheld shooting with 4-stop Vibration Reduction. Its Nano Crystal Coat and three ED elements deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/5.6. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, full-frame super-telephoto for extended field use.

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Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D 85mm

31.9 Macro Score
85mmf/32Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

The 85mm focal length combined with +/- 8.5° tilt and +/- 11.5mm shift provides precise perspective and focus plane control for full-frame F-mount bodies. Its Nano Crystal Coating suppresses flare while the 1:2 macro capability and 390mm minimum focus distance enable detailed close-up work without distortion. This manual focus lens is best for product and tabletop photographers who need to correct converging lines and control depth of field in-camera.

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