Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

79.1 Macro Score
18-55mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Weighing 196g with a retractable barrel, this compact standard zoom uses a Pulse Stepping Motor for fast, near-silent autofocus and 4-stop vibration reduction for handheld sharpness. Its two aspherical elements effectively control distortion and spherical aberration, making it a strong budget-friendly kit lens upgrade for APS-C Nikon DSLRs. Best for beginners and travel photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile 27-82.5mm equivalent zoom with solid macro performance (73.1/100).

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Nikon Telephoto

31.2 Macro Score
420-800mm 16 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Offering a massive 420-800mm focal range with image stabilization in a portable 717g lens, this manual-focus telephoto stands out for reach, but its fixed f/8.3–16 aperture and lack of autofocus demand full manual control. The sturdy metal build and upgraded F-mount compatibility eliminate the need for a T adapter, making it an affordable super-telephoto entry for Nikon DSLR hobbyists. Best suited to amateur wildlife and moon photographers comfortable with manual exposure and focus, it falls short for professional or travel uses that require speed and brighter optics.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF FX 20mm f/2.8D Fixed

70.1 Macro Score
20mm f/2.8 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

The 20mm f/2.8D delivers a 94-degree ultrawide view with edge-to-edge sharpness and Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating to suppress flare, all in a lightweight 162g build. Its Close Range Correction system enables distortion-free detail shots as close as 0.85 feet, adding uncommon close-focus versatility for a wide prime. This lens best suits architecture and real estate photographers who need a compact, fast ultrawide for interiors and detailed work, though landscape-specific scoring lags notably.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

No lenses found Under £1,000 for this category.

Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

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

89.8 Macro Score
16-35mm 4 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture and 2.5-stop Vibration Reduction enable sharp handheld shooting across the 16-35mm ultrawide zoom range. Weighing just 122g, it's remarkably light for a full-frame lens, with Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppressing flare and chromatic aberration. This lens is best for landscape and interior photographers who need an ultrawide perspective with consistent exposure control.

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Nikon Fisheye-NIKKOR 1910

55.9 Macro Score
16mm 2.8 Nikon F (FX)
Why we recommend this

Its 16mm focal length and bright f/2.8 aperture capture full-frame 180-degree diagonal fisheye images, with a Close-Range Correction system maintaining sharpness from 0.25m to infinity. At just 289g, it remains exceptionally lightweight for a fisheye, and the Super Integrated Coating suppresses flare for high-contrast results even wide open. This lens suits portrait and street photographers who want exaggerated, immersive perspectives with reliable D-type autofocus.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

77.1 Macro Score
22-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Offering a constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm range, this lens pairs Nikon's Vibration Reduction (4 stops) with a 1:2 maximum magnification for unusually close focusing in a standard zoom. Its robust weather-sealed build and fluorine-coated front element resist the elements, while the electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures even during high-speed bursts. This lens is best for landscape photographers who need a single, sharp zoom, as well as macro enthusiasts looking for 0.5x magnification without switching lenses.

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Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 2175

29.5 Macro Score
85mm 32 Nikon F (FX)
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