Best Lenses under €500 for macro

Best Pick

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

79.9 Macro Score
50mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

A 2:1 maximum magnification—twice the typical macro ratio—and an APO optical design that eliminates chromatic aberrations deliver tack-sharp clarity in this Micro Four Thirds lens. Weighing just 240g and featuring a built-in CPU chip for camera-controlled aperture, it combines portability with precise manual focus and f/2.8 bokeh for subject isolation. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds macro photographers needing extreme close-up detail in a compact package.

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7Artisans 12mm F2.8 Mark Ⅱ Ultra Wide Angle APS-C Manual Focus Prime 12mm

69.5 Macro Score
12mm f/2.8 Olympus/Panasonic MTF 4/3 Mount IS
Why we recommend this

With a 100-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture, this 12mm manual focus prime uses a 12-element optical design, focusing as close as 5.9 inches for dramatic wide-angle close-ups. Its all-metal barrel and smooth focus ring provide precise control at an affordable price, though the 608g weight limits travel portability. The lens is ideal for budget-minded Nikon Z APS-C shooters wanting to experiment with ultra-wide landscapes and close-up photography without autofocus.

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

63.1 Macro Score
14-42mm 22 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

The 14-42mm focal range combines with an electric zoom mechanism and wireless OI. Share control for smooth video operation, all packed into a collapsible 91g lens. Its fully rotating focus ring adds tactile manual precision, keeping the ultra-thin design practical for quick adjustments. This lens suits travel vloggers and street photographers who need a lightweight, motorized zoom on Micro Four Thirds bodies.

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Meike 12mm f/2.8 12mm

61.1 Macro Score
12mm 22 Micro-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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Rokinon Cine DS DS100M-MFT 100mm

57.1 Macro Score
100mm 32 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Offering 1:1 macro magnification with a 100mm focal length and T3.1 aperture, this lens captures detailed close-ups with smooth, de-clicked aperture control and a 9-blade diaphragm for circular bokeh. The Cine DS version adds unified focus and aperture gear positions, color-matched barrels, and dual-sided distance scales for quick lens swaps on set. It’s best for Micro Four Thirds video shooters needing a dedicated macro cine lens for product shots, nature details, and dramatic close-ups with follow-focus rigs.

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Panasonic MK-3.5mm F2.8 4mm

56.3 Macro Score
4mm 16 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

The 220° diagonal field of view and compact 190g build create a dramatic circular fisheye perspective on Micro Four Thirds bodies. Its f/2.8 aperture and close 95mm minimum focus distance allow creative wide-angle macro shots with a 10-element optical construction. This lens is best for M4/3 photographers who need a lightweight circular fisheye for panoramic and extreme wide-angle close-up work.

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Olympus OM SYSTEM 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 Zuiko 18-180mm

42.2 Macro Score
18-180mm f/3.5 Micro 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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TTArtisan APS-C 25mm f/2 25mm

42.1 Macro Score
25mm 16 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

With a bright f/2 aperture and a 7-blade diaphragm, this 25mm manual-focus lens (37.5mm equivalent) offers pronounced bokeh and strong low-light performance for Micro Four Thirds. Its compact 315g metal build and seven-element optical formula deliver edge-to-edge sharpness even at f/2, with a damped focus ring for precise manual adjustments. The lens is ideal for street photographers and MFT users on a budget who enjoy creative manual focus and shallow depth-of-field without the need for autofocus.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R 40-150mm

37.4 Macro Score
40-150mm f/4.0 Micro 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 OM SYSTEM Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital ED SWD 50-200mm

35.2 Macro Score
50-200mm f/2.8 Four Thirds IS
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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Best Lenses under €900 for macro

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II 140mm

74 Macro Score
14-140mm 22 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 10x 14-140mm zoom (28-280mm equivalent) with weather sealing and Power O.I.S. makes this a rugged one-lens solution for outdoor shooting. Its stepping motor delivers silent, smooth autofocus that pairs well with Micro Four Thirds cameras for video and high-speed burst capture. Best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, versatile zoom without swapping lenses in the field.

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

64.7 Macro Score
14-42mm 22 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

The motorized 3x electronic zoom, retractable pancake body just 0.9 inches thick, and 91-gram weight make this a uniquely portable Micro Four Thirds standard zoom. Its near-silent MSC autofocus and two-speed power zoom enable smooth, interruption-free video, a rare pairing in such a compact lens. Best for street and travel shooters needing a featherlight, discreet kit with serious close-up ability, reaching 1:4.35 magnification at a 200mm minimum focus.

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Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R 14-42mm

45.4 Macro Score
14-42mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 113 grams, the 14-42mm zoom (28-84mm equivalent) delivers sharp, silent autofocus in a compact Micro Four Thirds design. Its smooth, near-silent MSC focusing suits video capture, while the 7-blade diaphragm and three aspherical elements produce cleaner images than expected at this price. This lens is best for budget-minded travelers and everyday photographers who value extreme portability and quiet operation over weather-sealing or fast apertures.

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Panasonic Leica DG Summilux H-X015K 15mm

71.2 Macro Score
15mm 16 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

The 15mm f/1.7 lens features Leica optics with three aspherical elements and Nano Surface Coating, delivering sharpness and low-light performance in a 115g body. Its 30mm equivalent field of view and 7-blade aperture produce natural perspectives with smooth bokeh, ideal for compact carry. Best for street photographers and portrait shooters who want a fast, lightweight prime for Micro Four Thirds systems.

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

56 Macro Score
17mm 22 Micro Four Thirds Weather 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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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 12mm

39.7 Macro Score
12mm 22 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

The f/2 aperture and Dual Super Aspherical/Super HR optics deliver sharp 24mm equivalent shots with low distortion and flare resistance from ZERO Coating. Its 130g all-metal body and silent autofocus make it discreet for street work, while the snap ring focuses quickly for moving subjects. This lens is best for street and travel photographers needing a compact, fast prime with reliable low-light performance.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS PRO 12-100mm

95.5 Macro Score
12-100mm f/4.0 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining a 24-200mm equivalent focal range with a constant f/4.0 aperture, this lens eliminates the need to swap optics in the field. Its in-lens stabilization syncs with compatible bodies for up to 5-axis compensation, while the weather-sealed, all-metal build withstands harsh conditions. This is the ideal single-lens solution for travel and nature photographers who demand pro-grade sharpness and refuse to compromise on durability.

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

64.5 Macro Score
8-25mm 22 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across an ultra-wide 16-50mm full-frame equivalent zoom range and a fully weather-sealed build make this lens a reliable field companion. The manual focus clutch and silent MSC autofocus enable fluid transitions between stills and video, while the 411g weight keeps the kit portable. It’s best for landscape and travel photographers seeking an all-in-one wide-angle zoom that can withstand inclement conditions.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for macro

Best Pick

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

100 Macro Score
90mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Achieving 2:1 native magnification (4× equivalent on Micro Four Thirds) with the option to reach 4× using an MC-20 teleconverter, this lens captures extreme detail at a minimum 0.224m working distance. Omnidirectional 7-stop image stabilization and IP53 weather sealing provide reliable handheld shooting in rain or dusty environments. It’s ideal for field macro photographers who need fast autofocus and robust, portable build quality for close-up work in adverse conditions.

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Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES50200 50-200mm

67.5 Macro Score
50-200mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A bright f/2.8-4 aperture and 50-200mm range, backed by two aspherical and two ED elements with Nano Surface Coating, deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, while weather sealing and POWER O.I.S. ensure reliable handheld shooting in tough conditions. The lens also offers a useful 0.5x magnification for close-ups and fast, silent autofocus that keeps pace with fast-moving subjects. It's best for professional Micro Four Thirds photographers capturing wildlife, landscapes, and portraits who need a durable, versatile telephoto zoom.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED V313020BU000 14mm

49.2 Macro Score
7-14mm 22 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro combines a constant f/2.8 aperture with a weather-sealed, dustproof build and advanced optics including 4 ED elements and Z.E.R.O. coating. Its fast autofocus and exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness make it a top-tier ultra-wide zoom for Micro Four Thirds. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers who demand rugged reliability and consistent low-light performance.

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OM System M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2 PRO 45mm

51.2 Macro Score
45mm 16 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining a 90mm equivalent focal length with an f/1.2 maximum aperture and weather-sealed build, this 410g lens delivers sharp optics via 14 elements including ED and aspherical glass. The MSC autofocus system and manual focus clutch offer fast, tactile control, while the nine-blade diaphragm produces smooth background blur. It’s ideal for portrait photographers on Micro Four Thirds systems who need shallow depth of field and consistent performance in low light.

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Olympus M.Zuiko V316020BU000 28-300mm

37.8 Macro Score
14-150mm 22 Micro Four Thirds Weather 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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Premium Lenses for macro

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