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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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

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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Great Alternatives

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

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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No Lenses under £1,000 yet. See our top picks under £2,000

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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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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Great Alternatives

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

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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