Best Lenses under €500 for macro

Best Pick

Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO 50mm

80.5 Macro Score
50mmf/2.8Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Offering a rare 2:1 maximum magnification, this manual focus lens doubles the reproduction ratio of typical macro lenses for extreme close-up detail on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Its apochromatic design with 14 elements minimizes chromatic aberration, while the compact 240g build and built-in CPU for EXIF data transfer add practical precision. This lens is best for macro photographers who need beyond-life-size reproduction and prioritize manual control over autofocus convenience.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ 42mm

64.4 Macro Score
14-42mmf/22Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 113g, this Micro Four Thirds zoom uses a 14-42mm focal range and MSC autofocus for near-silent, smooth focusing in stills and video. Its collapsible barrel and 37mm filter thread deliver no-compromise portability, making it a budget-friendly everyday lens with consistent sharpness. It’s best for street photographers who need a discreet, grab-and-go zoom that handles quick, quiet captures without bulk.

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Yongnuo YN 17mm f/1.7M 17mm

63.9 Macro Score
17mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A bright f/1.7 aperture and 17mm wide-angle field of view are packed into a mere 180g body, using 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements with nano multi-layer coating to suppress aberrations. The lens features a weather-sealed metal mount, full-time manual focus override, and an included lens hood for durable, precise control. It suits Micro Four Thirds travel and landscape shooters who need a lightweight, weather-resistant prime for unpredictable conditions.

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Meike Fisheye 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 8mm

62.4 Macro Score
8mmf/16Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

The Meike 7.5mm F/2.8 is a fully manual, all-metal fisheye lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture and 9 elements in 11 groups, built for Canon EF-M mount cameras. Its compact, lightweight construction and sharp color contrast make it a practical choice for astrophotography and street shooting, though it requires enabling "M mode" or "Release without lens" in camera settings. This lens suits Canon EOS M-series owners who want an affordable, durable circular fisheye for creative portraits and night sky shots, not landscape work.

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Rokinon Cine DS14M-MFT 14mm

62.1 Macro Score
14mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its unified focus and aperture gear positions across the XEEN lineup, combined with a long 200-degree focus throw, make it a practical tool for rig-swapping on set. The durable aluminum body, tripod mount, and X-Coating for controlled flares add professional reliability that specs alone don't convey. This lens is best for video shooters needing an affordable, manual-focus wide-angle prime for full-frame Canon EF systems.

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Meike 12mm f/2.8 12mm

59.1 Macro Score
12mmf/22Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

The fast f/2.8 aperture and 12-element optical design deliver sharp, bright images with a 99-degree field of view on Micro Four Thirds bodies. Its compact 360g build and fully manual focus operation offer precise creative control at an accessible price point. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers wanting an affordable, durable ultra-wide prime for deliberate, tripod-based compositions.

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Olympus Zuiko Digital 261054 18-180mm

48.5 Macro Score
18-180mmf/3.5Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

The 10x zoom reaches a 36–360mm equivalent focal range in a lightweight 434g body, using ED glass to deliver distortion-free sharpness across the frame. It ships as a complete carrying kit with a dedicated case and lens hood, enhancing its grab-and-go portability for day trips. Best for budget-conscious photographers seeking an all-in-one walkaround lens for casual portraits and everyday snapshots.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R 80-300mm

44.2 Macro Score
40-150mmf/22Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40-150mm f/4-5.6 offers an 80-300mm equivalent reach in a 190g body, with a Movie & Still Compatible AF system for swift, silent focusing. Its Micro Four Thirds design and budget pricing make it a remarkably portable telephoto option for travel and everyday use. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers on Micro Four Thirds cameras who want a lightweight zoom without spending heavily.

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Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f:4.0-5.6 R

42 Macro Score
40-150mmf/5.6Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

At just 190 grams, the 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 zoom (80-300mm equivalent) delivers portable reach with nearly silent MSC autofocus. Its affordable price and compact size make it an unobtrusive second lens that pairs easily with standard kits for extended shooting. Budget-conscious Micro Four Thirds photographers capturing travel, portraits, and outdoor sports will appreciate its 3.75x range without added bulk.

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Olympus Zuiko 261015 50-200mm

37.7 Macro Score
50-200mmf/2.8Four ThirdsIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus delivers near-silent, ultra-fast focusing that is roughly twice the speed of its predecessor, paired with a bright f/2.8-3.5 aperture across a versatile 100-400mm equivalent zoom range. Extensive ED glass elements and a digital-dedicated design ensure sharp, high-contrast images from edge to edge, with a consistent 1.2-meter minimum focus distance throughout the zoom range for close-up work. This lens is best for Four Thirds sports and wildlife photographers who need rapid subject tracking and telephoto reach without the bulk of a constant-aperture pro zoom.

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AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 6.5mm f/2 Fisheye 7mm

36.7 Macro Score
6mmf/22Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

A 192° circular field of view and f/2.0 aperture define this lens, enabling a full spherical projection and strong low-light performance for exaggerated barrel distortion effects. Its 0.2m minimum focus distance creates a distinct crystal ball perspective, while the 268g full-metal body with a de-clicked 9-blade aperture offers durable, precise manual control. This lens is best for Fujifilm X-mount shooters wanting to craft surreal, sci-fi portraits or unique astrophotography with a circular fisheye look.

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Best Lenses under €900 for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED Pro V335050BW000 20mm

71.9 Macro Score
20mmf/16Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 aperture and eleven-element optical design deliver soft bokeh and high resolution, while ZERO coating suppresses ghosting and chromatic aberration for authentic color. Its weather-sealed, dustproof construction with fluorine coating ensures durability in adverse conditions, and the 247g body maintains portability across Micro Four Thirds systems. This lens is best for street and portrait photographers who need a rugged, fast prime that mimics natural human-eye perspective.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 II 17mm

57.3 Macro Score
17mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 112-gram body, weather-sealed construction, and f/1.8 aperture make this 17mm (34mm equivalent) lens a low-light and bokeh standout for Micro Four Thirds. The fast, precise autofocus and ultra-compact design enhance its discreet, travel-friendly handling without sacrificing image quality. This lens is best for street and travel photographers who need a rugged, fast prime that reliably performs in rain or dust.

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OM System M.Zuiko V335040BW000 40-150mm

49.2 Macro Score
40-150mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/4 aperture across the 40-150mm zoom range (80-300mm equivalent) in a 382g weather-sealed body makes this a compact telephoto for outdoor shooting. The ZERO and Fluorine coatings repel dust and moisture, while the MF clutch allows quick manual focus override. Best for Micro Four Thirds photographers who need a durable, lightweight telephoto zoom for travel and nature photography.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II 150-600mm

39.5 Macro Score
75-300mmf/22Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering a 600mm equivalent field of view in a 423g body, this lens stands out for its extreme portability in a super-telephoto range. The ZERO coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting in backlit scenes, while the near-silent MSC autofocus system supports smooth video capture. It’s best for Micro Four Thirds shooters who prioritize a lightweight, affordable setup for wildlife and outdoor sports.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO 90mm

100 Macro Score
90mmf/3.5Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Achieving an unmatched 2:1 magnification with a 180mm full-frame equivalent reach, this lens enables extreme close-up detail without disturbing subjects. Its IP53 weather sealing and 7-stop stabilization make it a uniquely durable tool for handheld field macro work in harsh conditions. This is best for nature photographers who need to capture insects and flora at greater-than-life-size scale in unpredictable outdoor environments.

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Olympus M.Zuiko V316020BU000 28-300mm

44 Macro Score
14-150mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 10.7x zoom range (28-300mm equivalent) combined with weather sealing, Extra-Low Dispersion glass, and a compact 286g build makes it a versatile all-in-one. The dust, freeze, and splashproof construction with ZERO lens coating ensures reliable performance in harsh outdoor conditions. It’s best for travel photographers needing a single, weather-resistant lens that handles wide landscapes at 14mm and distant subjects at 150mm without frequent changes.

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OM System M.Zuiko V335940BW000 9-18mm

63.1 Macro Score
9-18mmf/22Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 154g with a 52mm filter thread, this lens stands out as an ultralight 18-36mm equivalent zoom for Micro Four Thirds, ideal for all-day carry. Its redesigned body features modernized focus and zoom rings with a uniform black finish, enhancing handling and aesthetics. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who prioritize a compact, unobtrusive kit over maximum aperture speed.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO

75.8 Macro Score
12-100mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across an 8.3x zoom range paired with Sync IS delivering up to 7.5 stops of compensation makes this lens uniquely versatile. Its IP53-rated weather sealing and robust 561g build ensure reliable performance in harsh conditions without weighing down a kit. This is the ideal single-lens solution for landscape and travel photographers who need uncompromised sharpness from wide-angle to telephoto.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED V313020BU000 7-14mm

50.3 Macro Score
7-14mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 7-14mm zoom range and a complex 14-element optical design with ZERO coating deliver sharp, flare-resistant images in a weather-sealed, 534g body. Its fast, silent Movie & Still Compatible autofocus and programmable L-Fn button make it equally adept for smooth video pulls and quick stills adjustments. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds landscape and travel photographers who need a rugged, bright ultra-wide zoom for challenging outdoor conditions.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital 8-25mm f/4 PRO

70.5 Macro Score
8-25mmf/4Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 16-50mm full-frame equivalent range in a single, weather-sealed lens weighing just 411g makes this a uniquely versatile tool for Micro Four Thirds shooters. The sophisticated optical design with 16 elements suppresses aberrations for sharp results, while the manual focus clutch and programmable L-Fn button enhance handling. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need a single, durable wide-to-standard zoom to minimize kit weight in harsh conditions.

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Olympus M.Zuiko V311100BU000 17mm

42 Macro Score
17mmf/1.2Micro Four ThirdsWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.2 aperture combined with Z Coating Nano delivers exceptional subject isolation and flare resistance on a 34mm equivalent field of view. Its weather-sealed, freeze-proof build and manual focus clutch provide a tactile, reliable shooting experience in harsh conditions. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Micro Four Thirds who need shallow depth of field and robust construction.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 300-1200mm

68 Macro Score
150-600mmf/6.3Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Delivering a 1200mm equivalent field of view in a weather-sealed body, this lens provides extreme reach with 7-stop Sync IS for hand-held shooting. Its 0.56m minimum focus distance enables 0.7x tele-macro magnification, doubling as a close-up tool for detailed subjects. This is best for wildlife photographers and birders who need maximum focal length without a tripod.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO

58.3 Macro Score
50-200mmf/22Micro Four ThirdsISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/2.8 aperture across a 100-400mm equivalent range in a 1,075g, IP53 weather-sealed body makes this lens uniquely portable for super-telephoto work. Its 7-stop synchronized 5-axis image stabilization enables sharp handheld shooting at extreme focal lengths, complemented by a 0.5x maximum magnification for close-up detail. This is the ideal lens for wildlife and sports photographers who need a rugged, lightweight setup for all-day outdoor use without a tripod.

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