Best Budget Macro Lenses: Our Top 10 Picks for Every Macro Shooter

If you want to learn macro photography, you need a specialist macro lens; these offer special features, such as a closer minimum focusing distance.

Fortunately, there are plenty of low-cost options perfect for the beginner macro photographer! In this article, we’ve listed 10 of the best budget macro lenses for your consideration, including lenses from Canon, Nikon, and Sony. Enjoy!

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1. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

Canon RF Pick
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM
Great for still life shots

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM offers great quality for stationary macro shots, assuming you can get close to your subject.

Pros
Compact and lightweight
1:2 magnification
Minimum focusing distance of 0.56 ft/0.17 m
Cons
May not be ideal for moving subjects

Currently, Canon EOS R camera system owners do not have a huge choice of lenses. As a result, one of the best budget macro lenses for EOS R cameras is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM.

This is a midrange lens and one of the cheaper options in the RF series. At 35mm, you will have to get very close to your subject; as a result, it’s better suited for still life or abstract macro shots as opposed to moving subjects like insects. However, it also has a magnification ratio of 1:2, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.56 ft/0.17 m.

Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black
Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black (Image from Amazon)

When working at shallow depths of field and a larger aperture, the built-in image stabilization will help, as will the fast and accurate STM autofocus system. We also like that this lens has a control ring that you can set for different functions like aperture or exposure compensation.

2. Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
Great for insect macro shots

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM has is suitable for capturing moving subjects in great detail.

Pros
Large maximum aperture for beautiful bokeh effect
Hybrid IS corrects for up to 5 stops of shake correction
Durable and stylish exterior design
Cons
Minimum focusing distance not as small

While the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is great for stationary shots, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a quality lens for moving subjects like insects.

This is thanks to the 85mm telephoto focal length, which lets you work from a distance without disturbing the subject. Though it still has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 ft/0.35 m, so you can get close if you wish!

To ensure maximum detail from your macro shots, this lens has a magnification ratio of 1:2. And your photos will be pin-sharp with virtually no distortion. The aperture blades are also rounded, and at the maximum aperture of f/2, you can create beautiful bokeh effects.

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002)
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Black Lens (4234C002) (Image from Amazon)

Like other RF lenses, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM also has a programmable control ring. This is highly useful and can make your macro photography much easier and quicker.

3. Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM

Canon EF-M Pick
Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM
Great for low-light macro shots

The Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM is a versatile macro lens with a built-in macro light.

Pros
Has a built-in light to illuminate subjects
Great minimum focusing distance of 0.318 ft/0.097 m
Lightweight and small body
Cons
Not as sharp as other macro lenses

If you have a compact mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, you’ll benefit from the specialist Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens. This compact lens has some unique features that make it a great choice for macro photography.

Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro is STM Lens, Black - 1362C005
Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro is STM Lens, Black – 1362C005 (Image from Amazon)

It features a built-in macro light, which can easily be switched on or off, and offers soft lighting for your subject. As a result, you can reduce your reliance on external flashes while still capturing beautiful, bright macro shots with minimum effort.

The 28mm focal length is better suited for stationary subjects than those on the move, like insects. The lens is also capable of focusing to infinity, which gives you greater flexibility, and it has a decent magnification ratio of 1.2X.

We also like the small size of this lens; it is one of the smallest budget macro lenses available and is great for travel.

4. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro for Canon

Canon EF Pick
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro for Canon
Great for moving macro subjects

The 105mm telephoto focal length makes this an ideal option for shooting insects, small animals, and other moving subjects.

Pros
Sharp images
A versatile 105mm focal length
Fast and accurate autofocus motor
Cons
This lens is heavy and bulky

Next up we have a Canon EF lens and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro for Canon. This is one of the best macro lenses for Canon thanks to the 105mm focal length, solid build quality, and powerful features.

For example, this macro lens has a closest focusing distance of 12.3 inches and a magnification ratio of 1:1. As a result, you can expect superb detail from your macro photos.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Image from Amazon)

100mm (or longer) macro lenses are often considered the best option for shooting subjects like small creatures. This is because you can shoot from a distance so you don’t have to worry about scaring away your subject by getting too close with your lens.

This is a great third-party option that many EF users will love for shooting macro photos.

5. Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8

Nikon Z Pick
Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8
Great for any type of macro shot

The versatility of the Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 makes it suitable for any type of macro shot, regardless of subject or distance.

Pros
Stylish and compact design
Excellent 1:1 reproduction ratio
Improved optical design for sharper images
Cons
Not the fastest AF system

Like the Canon RF lens series, the Nikon Z series of lenses is still developing. However, Nikon already offers some excellent macro lenses for Z-mount cameras, such as the Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8.

With a 50mm focal length, this macro lens offers a middle ground between telephoto and wide-angle. As a result, it can be used comfortably for various types of macro photos.

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 | Compact macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 | Compact macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model (Image from Amazon)

For stationary shots, the 1:1 magnification ratio means you can capture beautiful detail. This lens also has an improved optical design to boost image quality and sharpness. We also like the fluorine coating on the front glass, which will help reduce dust collection and fingerprint marks. Overall, this is a great macro lens for Nikon Z cameras, offering a versatile set of features.

6. Nikon AF-S FX Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon FX Pick
Nikon AF-S FX Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED
Great for general macro shots

The Nikon AF-S FX Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED is a solid choice for FX cameras with its midrange focal length and excellent optical quality.

Pros
1:1 magnification ratio
High-quality lens construction for sharp images
Great maximum aperture of f/2.8
Cons
Not be the lightest of lenses

One of the best budget macro lenses for Nikon full-frame DSLRs is the Nikon AF-S FX Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED.

Nikon AF-S FX Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm f/2.8G ED Standard Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S FX Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm f/2.8G ED Standard Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Image from Amazon)

This macro lens is compatible with both full-frame FX cameras and APS-C DX cameras. When used on DX cameras, it has an effective focal length of 90mm, which makes it a telephoto macro lens. If you use it on a full-frame camera though, the 60mm focal length is still versatile.

In terms of basic quality, this model has a great lens construction and advanced Nikkor optics. As a result, your macro shots will be sharp and have great contrast and colors. It also has a 1:1 magnification ratio and a minimum focusing distance of just 0.66 ft/0.20 m.

The maximum aperture of f/2.8 also means that you can achieve excellent background separation and create amazing bokeh effects to make your macro shots stand out.

7. Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR
Great for long-distance macro

The Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G benefits from the 105mm focal length and a superior lens construction.

Pros
Great macro focal length of 105mm
1:1 reproduction ratio for greater detail
Minimum focusing distance of just 1.03 ft/0.314 m
Cons
This lens is quite heavy and bulky

Next, we have the Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR, one of the best macro lenses for Nikon FX cameras. At 105mm, this telephoto macro lens allows you to capture amazing detail from a relatively safe distance.

The basic specs of the Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G are also spot on. For example, it has a reproduction ratio of 1:1, which means you can capture outstanding detail.

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For superior macro quality, the lens also has nano-crystal coatings and ED elements. This enhances image quality and reduces problematic effects like chromatic aberration and lens flare.

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens (Image from Amazon)

This may not be the smallest or lightest of macro lenses, but the focal length, optical quality, and top-notch features still make it one of the best budget macro lenses available.

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

Nikon DX Pick
Nikon AF-S DX Micro 40mm f/2.8G
Great for outdoor macro shots

The Nikon AF-S DX Micro 40mm f/2.8G is a lightweight, durable macro lens great for outdoor use.

Pros
Dust and waterproof body
Fast and silent SWM autofocus motor
1:1 magnification ratio
Cons
AF system may not be great in low-contrast situations

The Nikon AF-S DX Micro 40mm f/2.8G is one of the best budget macro lenses for APS-C DX cameras. When used on APS-C cropped sensor cameras, it has an effective focal length of 60mm.

At this focal length, it offers a balance between close-ups and non-disturbing macro shots. It also features a 1:1 magnification ratio for excellent macro detail.

This lens also features a CRC (Close-Range Correction) system, which should improve the overall quality of your macro photos. The lens construction is also advanced, with 9 elements in 7 groups (including a series of special elements to reduce aberrations).

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Image from Amazon)

We also like that this compact lens is both dust and waterproof; as a result, it can comfortably be used outdoors.

9. Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro

Sony FE Pick
Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro
Great for professional macro shots

The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro offers premium quality at an affordable price.

Pros
Superior optical quality
Great minimum focusing distance
Dust- and moisture-proof body
Cons
May not be the lightest of lenses

The Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro is one of the best Sony macro lenses and a top choice for E-mount cameras like the Sony A6100.

This lens is bursting with excellent macro features, including a magnification ratio of 1:1, a large maximum aperture of f/2.8, and a close-focusing distance of just 0.16 m/0.53 ft. As a result, you can capture various types of macro shots with consistent results.

Sony SEL50M28 FE 50mm F2.8 Full Frame E-mount Lens (Black)
Sony SEL50M28 FE 50mm F2.8 Full Frame E-mount Lens (Black) (Image from Amazon)

The build quality and optics of the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro are also excellent. It has ED lens elements to reduce distortions and the exterior is dust and moisture-resistant. We also like that it has a focus range limiter and a focus-hold switch, both of which can be useful for macro photography.

10. Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro

Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro
Great for fine detail shots

The Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro allows for great close-ups due to it’s 1:1 magnification ratio.

Pros
Lightweight and compact design
Has a great minimum focusing distance
Stylish silver body casing
Cons
May not have the best AF motor

Our last pick is the Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro. This is an older lens for Sony E-mount cameras; it’s one of the smallest macro lenses on this list and weighs just 0.30 lb/136 g. Therefore, it could make for a suitable travel macro lens.

Sony SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 e-mount Macro Fixed Lens
Sony SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 e-mount Macro Fixed Lens (Image from Amazon)

This lens has a solid set of macro features, though, at 30mm, it is better suited for stationary subjects and artistic macro shots. The magnification ratio is 1:1. As a result, you can get incredibly close and capture exceptional detail in your photos.

Which Budget Macro Lens Is Right for You?

You don’t have to spend a fortune to take epic macro shots. Instead, you can invest in one of the best budget macro lenses listed above. Any of these lenses is a great place to start!

But which is a suitable choice for you? First, look at the type of camera you own (Canon, Nikon, or Sony).

You also want to consider the lens mount. For example, if you have a newer mirrorless camera, something like the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM or Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 could be a viable option.

Alternatively, if you have an older full-frame or cropped sensor camera, a lens such as the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro for Canon or Nikon AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR is a great choice. Whatever lens you choose, make sure you have fun, experiment, and take some brilliant close-up photos!


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About the Author
Paul Skidmore

A seasoned content creator at PhotoWorkout, Paul merges his love for traveling and photography to craft insightful articles. With a solid grasp of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, he enjoys testing new photo software, apps, and gear. His background in web development further enriches his photography endeavors.
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