Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Canon RF 9521B002 105mm

72.2 Macro Score
24-105mm 40 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

The STM motor delivers smooth, near-silent autofocus for video, while the 4-stop image stabilizer keeps handheld shots steady across the 24–105mm range. Weighing just 525g, it’s among the lightest full-frame zooms, with manual focus override and optimized coatings that enhance contrast. Best for budget-conscious hybrid shooters who prioritize a portable, stabilized zoom for landscapes, travel, and video, but don’t need wide-aperture isolation for portraits.

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AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 2X Macro 120mm

66.5 Macro Score
120mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 120mm focal length paired with 2:1 maximum magnification captures extreme close-ups at a bright f/2.8 aperture on full-frame Nikon Z bodies. The 13-blade diaphragm delivers smooth bokeh, and a weather-sealed build with front screw holes supports external macro lights. Macro shooters who need twice life-size reproduction and deliberate manual focus will find this lens ideally suited.

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BROLEO 58mm 0.25x Fisheye 58mm

64.2 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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Rokinon Cine DS DS16M-C 16mm

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

64.8 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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TTArtisan 11mm f/2.8 11mm

63.4 Macro Score
11mm f/2.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The 180-degree field of view and bright f/2.8 aperture give full-frame shooters a distinct fishbowl distortion and low-light capability in a compact, all-metal body. Its manual focus design and close 17cm minimum focus distance enable dramatic wide-angle perspectives at an affordable price point compared to first-party options. This lens is best for full-frame Canon photographers experimenting with stylized landscapes and creative close-ups who do not require autofocus.

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Serounder 37mm 0.39X Professional HD Wide Angle 5-50mm

60.8 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 12M-C 12mm

60.7 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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Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS 10mm

59.1 Macro Score
10mm 22 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

A bright f/2.8 aperture, 110-degree ultra-wide view, and 9.5-inch close-focusing distance deliver versatile performance for APS-C shooters with this manual-focus 10mm prime. Its inner-focusing design maintains a constant length and non-rotating 77mm front thread, allowing easy use of polarizing filters and the integrated petal hood. Landscape and architectural photographers on APS-C systems will value the fast, rectilinear wide angle and close focusing for dramatic, sharp perspectives.

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Rokinon AS IF UMC 85mm f/1.4 85mm

48.3 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 35mm

47.2 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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Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM 85mm

43.9 Macro Score
85mm 22 Canon EF
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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Rokinon Series II 14mm f/2.8 14mm

41.4 Macro Score
14mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
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 Telephoto 420-800mm

38.3 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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Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye 4mm

34.9 Macro Score
4mm f/2.8 Canon EOS M
Why we recommend this

The 4mm f/2.8 lens produces a full 210° circular fisheye image on Canon EOS M, leveraging a bright aperture for low-light capture. Weighing just 135g and focusing down to 8cm, it combines extreme portability with sharp edge-to-edge optics ideal for defishing or cropping ultra-wide frames. This lens is best for vloggers and experimental shooters who need a compact, drone-friendly tool for dramatic action POVs or 360° panoramas.

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Sigma MC-11

21.3 Macro Score
Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

The Sigma MC-11 enables Canon EF lenses to retain autofocus, image stabilization, and EXIF metadata when used on Sony E-mount cameras. Its firmware-updatable design and solid metal build ensure reliable performance with a broad selection of Sigma and Canon optics. This converter is best for portrait shooters adapting EF glass to E-mount and willing to trade macro precision for dependable autofocus at a budget-friendly price point.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF 28mm

74.6 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 10-24mm

74 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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Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO 100mm

73.9 Macro Score
100mm 22 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

The Laowa 100mm f/2.8 achieves an exceptional 2:1 magnification and apochromatic sharpness with zero chromatic aberration in an astonishingly light 77g all-manual body. Its 13-blade aperture and smooth manual focus ring produce soft, natural bokeh while doubling as a capable 100mm portrait lens. This lens suits field macro photographers who need extreme 2:1 detail without the weight of traditional macro optics.

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Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm

67.1 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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7Artisans Infinte Series 24T2.1 EF B 24mm

65.6 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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IRIX Firefly 15mm f/2.4 Firefly 15mm

65.6 Macro Score
15mm f/2.4 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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Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF 20mm

65.3 Macro Score
11-20mm 22 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a constant f/2.8 aperture, 11-20mm focal length (17.6-32mm equivalent), and 3 aspherical plus 3 ED elements, it delivers consistent brightness and sharpness in a weather-sealed body. The One-Touch Focus Clutch mechanism enables rapid AF/MF toggling, and the 570g weight makes it portable for outdoor use. It’s best suited for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography photographers needing a rugged ultra-wide zoom on Canon APS-C DSLRs.

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Canon EF EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM 16-35mm

64.2 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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Rokinon Cine DS DS24M-C 24mm

54.9 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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Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM 22mm

49.1 Macro Score
10-22mm 22-27 Canon EF-S
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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Samyang XP 85mm f/1.2 85mm

40.6 Macro Score
85mm f/1.4 Canon EF 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 24mm

63.1 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 Dragonfly 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 150mm

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

The 150mm focal length combined with a bright f/2.8 aperture and 1:1 magnification provides exceptional working distance and subject isolation for macro work. Its Dragonfly weather-sealed construction and 11-blade rounded diaphragm deliver robust build quality and smooth bokeh in challenging outdoor conditions. This manual-focus lens is best for studio portrait and macro photographers using Canon EF full-frame cameras who prioritize optical precision and handling over autofocus speed.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

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

70.3 Macro Score
24-70mm 22 Canon EF IS 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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Tamron SP A025 70-200mm

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

41.4 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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Canon Milvus Zeiss 18mm f/2.8 Milvus ZE 18mm

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

Best Pick

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

58.8 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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