Best Macro Lenses Under £800 in 2026
Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Tamron SP SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Why we recommend this ▼
A constant f/2.8 across 24-70mm and VC stabilization deliver sharp handheld images, while eBAND and fluorine coatings reduce flare and moisture. Moisture-resistant construction and fast USD autofocus come at a cost below first-party rivals. Best suited for budget-minded Nikon F shooters focused on portraiture or video where stabilization and constant aperture are critical.
Nikon NIKKOR AF FX 20mm f/2.8D Fixed
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.
Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC
Why we recommend this ▼
The bright f/1.8 aperture and 20mm focal length, combined with two aspherical and three ED elements, produce sharp, aberration-controlled images on full-frame Nikon F cameras. Its 485g manual focus design focuses down to 7.9 inches, and the 7-blade rounded diaphragm with Ultra Multi-Coating creates smooth bokeh while resisting flare. This lens suits astrophotographers and portrait shooters who prioritize a fast wide-angle perspective and hands-on control without needing autofocus.
Rokinon Cine DS DS135M-N
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.
Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM
Why we recommend this ▼
The f/1.4 maximum aperture and 13-element optical design with aspherical and ED glass deliver edge-to-edge sharpness and excellent low-light performance. Its 9-blade diaphragm produces smooth, natural bokeh, and the robust build ensures lasting reliability without weather sealing. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who need dependable autofocus and creative background blur in challenging light.
Zeiss Planar Classic ZF.2 T* 50mm f/1.4 Standard Camera
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-element optical design with 1 aspherical and 4 ED elements, plus ZEISS T* coating, delivers exceptionally sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration and flare. The full-metal, 699g build provides a precise manual focus experience, and the user-declickable 10-blade aperture enables seamless iris adjustments for video. Best for portrait photographers seeking the signature “3D pop” and smooth bokeh, and for cinematographers who need stepless aperture control on Canon RF cameras.
