Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

SG-image AF35F2.2LBLACK

64.9 Macro Score
35mmf/2.2L-MountIS
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.2 aperture and built-in stabilization on a full-frame Sony E-mount offer a rare combination for low-light shooting in such a compact, all-metal body. The classic 35mm focal length and premium build quality deliver a tactile, durable experience at an aggressive price point. This lens is best for street and documentary photographers who prioritize a lightweight, agile setup with natural perspective and background separation.

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7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8

62.8 Macro Score
24mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14-element optical design with 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements delivers sharp full-frame images, while the f/1.8 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm create smooth bokeh for subject separation. Its quiet STM motor supports face and eye detection autofocus, making it a lightweight 424g option for L-Mount systems without weather sealing. This lens is best for street and environmental portrait photographers who prioritize a fast, wide-angle prime with strong close-up rendering.

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TTArtisan AF 75mm f/2 75mm

45.6 Macro Score
75mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/2 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm on this 329g full-frame prime deliver strong subject separation with smooth bokeh for portraiture. Its all-metal build and clickable aperture ring provide tactile, durable handling at a budget-friendly price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a lightweight autofocus 75mm with classic focal length rendering.

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7Artisans Spectrum series Sigma, Panasonic, Leica 85mm

51.2 Macro Score
85mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The 85mm T2.0 full-frame cine lens offers near-zero focus breathing and a 270-degree focus throw, enabling precise manual pulls and stable framing. Its ED glass with MC coating delivers high-res detail and reduced flare, while the stepless 11-blade aperture creates smooth, natural bokeh. This lens is best for independent filmmakers on L-mount systems who need a dedicated portrait lens for interviews and narrative close-ups where breathing control is critical.

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TTArtisan APS-C 50mm f/1.2 50mm

35.7 Macro Score
50mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.2 maximum aperture on this 50mm prime for APS-C sensors blurs busy backgrounds and isolates subjects clearly, while the 10 circular aperture blades enhance bokeh quality. Its aluminum body weighs only 330 grams, making it light for a lens with such a wide aperture, and the 7-element, 5-group optical design promotes sharpness and low distortion. This manual-focus lens suits portrait photographers who want a bright, compact prime for controlled shooting, though it is not ideal for macro work.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX S S-R1840 18-40mm

66.1 Macro Score
18-40mm22-32L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 155g and measuring 1.6 inches long, this full-frame zoom uses three aspherical, two ED, and one ultra-high refractive element for corner-to-corner sharpness. Weather sealing and fluorine coating resist dust and splashes, while suppressed focus breathing and the 120mm Hybrid Zoom with an S9 body cater to video. Best for travel photographers needing an ultra-light wide-to-normal lens, with capable macro and landscape performance.

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Sigma Contemporary 50mm f/2 DG 50mm

30 Macro Score
50mmf/22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering sharp images from an 11-element optical design with three aspherical elements, this 350g lens stands out for its all-metal build quality in a remarkably compact package. Its bright f/2 aperture and fast stepping motor autofocus provide strong performance for a premium feel at a mid-range price. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers using Sony E-mount who prioritize a lightweight, durable prime with a classic 50mm field of view.

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No Lenses under £1,000 yet. See our top picks under £2,000

Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Rokinon AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

66.9 Macro Score
35-150mm16-22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A bright f/2-2.8 maximum aperture across the entire 35-150mm zoom range effectively isolates subjects with a 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. The weather-sealed, all-in-one design eliminates lens swaps during fast-paced events, supported by a responsive linear stepping motor and three custom mode switches. This lens is best for event and portrait photographers needing a single, rugged solution to cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 11189 24-70mm

71.5 Macro Score
24-70mmf/22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining a constant f/2.8 aperture with a robust, weather-sealed metal body, this 856g zoom delivers consistent sharpness across its 24-70mm range via 3 aspherical and 9 ED elements. Its internal focus and non-rotating 82mm filter ring make it a practical choice for video work, while the omission of optical stabilization helps reduce weight. This lens is best for photographers and videographers needing a durable, all-purpose L-mount workhorse that prioritizes optical clarity and build quality for field work.

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Leica APO-Summicron-SL 11637 75mm

41.4 Macro Score
75mmf/2L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Apochromatic correction and a floating element deliver outstanding clarity and contrast from its 0.7m close focus to infinity, with virtually zero distortion. Its compact 431g build, integrated lens hood, and f/2.0 aperture produce natural, three-dimensional portraits with beautiful subject isolation. This lens is best for portrait photographers using the Leica M system who demand precise manual focus and true-to-life rendering.

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