Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto

69.3 Macro Score
85mm f/85 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.8 aperture and ring-type USM motor deliver fast, quiet autofocus and excellent subject isolation for portraits. Weighing just 425 grams, it’s a highly portable prime that also features Super Spectra coating to minimize flare and ghosting. This lens is best for portrait photographers on a budget seeking flattering compression and shallow depth of field without the bulk of larger f/1.4 options.

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Panasonic 60mm F2.8 II 2X Macro

68.4 Macro Score
60mm f/2.8 Fujifilm X Canon EOS-M Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

The 60mm f/2.8 macro lens achieves 1:1 life-size reproduction at a 0.175m minimum distance, resolving fine detail through an 11-element optical design with 9 diaphragm blades. Its fully manual focus and aperture require a "release without lens" camera setting, providing tactile, electronic-free control that appeals to deliberate macro workflows. This lens is best for studio or field macro photographers on Micro Four Thirds systems who prioritize high magnification and can manage the 907g heft.

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Rokinon Cine DS DS16M-C

59.8 Macro Score
16mm T22 Canon 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.

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BROLEO BROLEOr4egxbtv8f

59.1 Macro Score
58mm Canon 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.

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

62.7 Macro Score
18-55mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its 4-stop optical stabilization and 204g weight make this an exceptionally portable kit lens for Canon APS-C DSLRs. The lens provides a practical 18–55mm focal range with a close 250mm minimum focus distance, delivering sharp, stabilized images at a budget-friendly price point. It's best for beginner photographers seeking a compact, all-purpose zoom for travel and everyday shooting.

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Rokinon 12M-C

59.4 Macro Score
12mm 22 Canon 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.

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Serounder 37mm 0.39X Professional HD Wide Angle

57.1 Macro Score
5-50mm Canon 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.

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Rokinon AS IF UMC 85mm f/1.4

47.6 Macro Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and a hybrid aspherical element deliver sharp 85mm portraits with shallow depth of field, while the manual focus design keeps weight to 510g. Weather sealing and an 8-blade rounded diaphragm add durability and smooth bokeh at a budget-friendly price. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Pentax K full-frame cameras seeking precise manual focus control and classic rendering.

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Meike MK-35mm F0.95

44.2 Macro Score
35mm 16 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

The f/0.95 aperture combined with a 13-blade diaphragm creates extremely shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. At just 448g with a 67mm filter thread, it’s a compact, all-manual lens that forces deliberate focus control often missing from modern systems. This lens is best for low-light street and portrait photographers who prioritize creative bokeh over autofocus convenience.

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Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC

43.4 Macro Score
35mm f/1.4 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and hybrid aspherical elements deliver sharp images with strong low-light capability and subject isolation on full-frame Canon EF bodies. The manual focus design includes an AE chip for exposure control and focus confirmation, offering a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing optical performance. This lens is best for portrait photographers who prioritize shallow depth of field and have time to manually focus during controlled shoots.

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Pentax DA DA 35mm f/2.4 AL

42.2 Macro Score
35mm 3.6 Canon EF-M IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 124g weight and weather sealing distinguish this Pentax 35mm f/2.4 APS-C prime, which uses Super Protect coating and a fast f/2.4 maximum aperture for a natural perspective. The lens provides a budget-friendly entry to prime shooting, with six elements including an aspherical lens for sharp edge-to-edge resolution and a pleasingly blurred background. It suits Pentax DSLR beginners and travel photographers seeking an ultralight, all-weather wide-angle lens for everyday snapshots.

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Rokinon SLR Lenses AE14M-C

35.8 Macro Score
14mm 22 Canon EF Mount
Why we recommend this

Covering a 115° full-frame field with a fast T3.1 aperture and full weather sealing, this 14mm cine prime captures dramatic wide-angle shots in harsh conditions. Color-matched across the DSX line, it streamlines multi-camera shoots and slashes post-production grading time. It’s best for cinematographers needing a rugged ultra-wide lens for narrative establishing shots and cramped interior work.

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Canon 420-800mm

31.6 Macro Score
420-800mm 16 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 420-800mm zoom range and full metal construction deliver extreme telephoto reach for budget shooters, with manual focus only and an f/8.3-16 aperture. Built-in optical stabilization and multi-coated low-dispersion glass help reduce shake and aberrations on long-distance subjects. This lens is ideal for hobbyist wildlife and moon photographers comfortable with manual focus and looking to spend very little.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF

70 Macro Score
16-28mm f/2.8 Canon 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.

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Tamron SP B001C700

70 Macro Score
10-24mm 22 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Covering a 10-24mm range (16-37mm equivalent) with built-in stabilization, this lens delivers versatile ultra-wide coverage in a lightweight 406g design. Its compact build and 77mm filter thread make it a cost-effective entry into wide-angle photography without sacrificing filter compatibility. Best for APS-C Canon shooters needing an affordable, stabilized lens for landscapes, architecture, and tight interior spaces.

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Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN

63.9 Macro Score
56mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN delivers exceptional sharpness with its f/1.4 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm, plus weather sealing for durability. At just 73g, it's remarkably portable while scoring 93/100 for portraits and 93.9/100 for street photography. Best for APS-C shooters needing a fast, lightweight portrait lens with reliable autofocus and low-light capability.

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Samyang SY14M-C

63.3 Macro Score
14mm 22 Canon EF IS Weather 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.

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7Artisans Infinte Series 24T2.1 EF B

60.9 Macro Score
24mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Featuring a T2.1 large aperture and full-frame 43.5mm image circle, this 24mm cine lens uses nano multi-layer coatings to suppress flare and ghosting for clean 4K/6K footage. An embedded floating lens structure controls focus breathing, while micron-level assembly and gear shock absorption provide smooth, stable manual focus operation. Best for professional cinematographers shooting documentaries, commercial ads, and narrative scenes where precise focus and cinematic depth of field are critical.

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Canon EF EF16-35mm F4L IS USM

60.6 Macro Score
16-35mm 22 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture and 4-stop Optical Image Stabilizer deliver sharp, consistent results across the 16-35mm focal range. Weather-sealed construction with fluorine coatings and a lightweight 21.7oz body make it rugged yet portable for on-the-go shooting. It's best for landscape and wildlife photographers who value a weather-resistant wide-angle zoom with fast, quiet autofocus.

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Canon EF-S EF-S10-22mm F3.5-4.5 USM

54.9 Macro Score
10-22mm 22 Canon EF-S IS
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.

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IRIX Firefly Firefly 15mm

52.1 Macro Score
15mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 15mm f/2.4 full-frame prime employs a 15-element, 11-group design with Neutrino coating to suppress flare and ghosting, plus a built-in AE chip for auto metering on Canon EF DSLRs. Weather sealing, a lightweight 599g ABS barrel, and an ergonomic focus ring with a focus lock enable precise, repeatable manual adjustments. This lens fits landscape and architectural photographers who demand flare-resistant optics and dependable manual focus in demanding light.

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Rokinon Cine DS DS24M-C

50.9 Macro Score
24mm Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its T1.5 aperture and multi-layer coating capture bright, flare-resistant wide-angle footage on full-frame Canon EF cameras. An all-metal build with geared, de-clicked focus and aperture rings enables smooth, repeatable manual control at a cine-accessible price. Ideal for indie filmmakers and documentary shooters needing a fast 24mm prime for controlled low-light scenes and interior setups.

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Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

46.1 Macro Score
12mm 22 Canon EF Mount
Why we recommend this

Its 122° field of view and Zero-D design—with 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements—yield exceptionally sharp, distortion-free images on full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. The 14-blade diaphragm creates pleasing sun stars, while the 5.5-inch close focus and lightweight 377g weather-sealed body add creative flexibility. Best for landscape, architecture, and real estate photographers who require a portable, low-distortion ultra-wide prime with the ability to focus close for detailed interiors.

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Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2

34.5 Macro Score
85mm 16 Canon EOS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, Ultrasonic Dual Linear USM autofocus, Ultra Multi-Coating, and a 9-blade diaphragm, this lens captures sharp portraits with smooth bokeh. Its lightweight 485g build and weather sealing make it a portable choice for travel and on-location shoots. Ideal for Canon EF full-frame portrait photographers needing fast, shallow depth-of-field work without heavy gear.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Rokinon Tilt-Shift TSL24M-C

60.6 Macro Score
24mm 22 Canon 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.

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IRIX 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1

55.5 Macro Score
150mm f/2.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 150mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture enable life-size 1:1 macro with a 34.5cm working distance, backed by Neutrino coating and weather-sealed Dragonfly construction. The manual-focus design includes a focus lock and depth-of-field scale, and an 11-blade rounded diaphragm delivers smooth bokeh for subject isolation. This lens is best for Canon EF full-frame shooters doing deliberate macro and portrait fieldwork who need rugged, weather-resistant gear and full manual control.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

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

61.2 Macro Score
17mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 17mm ultra-wide perspective combined with ±12mm shift and ±6.5° tilt offers precise perspective correction and deep focus control, housed in a weather-sealed L-series build. Its floating optical system with four UD elements and Subwavelength Coating delivers consistent sharpness across the frame, aided by a locking tilt-shift mechanism for stable compositions. This manual-focus lens is best for architectural and interior photographers who require exacting management of converging lines and selective focus planes.

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Tamron SP 70-200MM F/2.8 DI VC USD Telephoto Zoom

58.9 Macro Score
70-200mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
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.

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Canon L-series EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM

58.6 Macro Score
35mm 1.4 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM combines an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture with a dual focus system (Nano USM + VCM) and 7-stop stabilization, delivering silent, near-breathing-free autofocus. Its hybrid design features a manual iris ring, dual filter options (67mm front + rear gel slot), and weather sealing. Best suited for videographers and still photographers who need a fast, quiet wide-angle prime for mixed shooting environments.

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Canon L 3044C002

54.6 Macro Score
70-200mm 32 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 70-200mm range combined with 3.5-stop optical stabilization enables sharp handheld shooting in low light. Its optical design integrates one fluorite and five UD elements with Air Sphere Coating to suppress flare, while the 1479g weather-sealed body holds up to field conditions. This lens suits professional sports and wildlife photographers who need fast autofocus and reliable dust-and-moisture resistance without sacrificing image quality.

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

50.3 Macro Score
24-70mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture, USM autofocus, and 5-stop image stabilization make this a reliable zoom for varied lighting, with weather sealing adding durability. Its versatile 24-70mm range earns top marks for landscape (99.6/100) and travel (97.1/100), while the bundle includes practical extras like a filter kit and backpack. Best for landscape and travel photographers who need a rugged, all-purpose standard zoom for full-frame Canon bodies.

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Canon Milvus Milvus ZE

32.2 Macro Score
18mm 22 Canon EF
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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Canon EF EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

56.8 Macro Score
100-400mm f/100 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Integrating one fluorite and one Super UD element with Air Sphere Coating, this lens delivers sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberrations, supported by a 4-stop Image Stabilizer for handheld clarity. A rotating zoom ring with adjustable torque and comprehensive weather sealing with a fluorine coating set it apart for reliable, precise control in tough conditions. It’s best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a rugged, stabilized telephoto zoom for tracking fast-moving subjects from a distance.

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