Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Viltrox Air AF 15mm f/1.7 15mm

77.1 Macro Score
15mm 16 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With a bright f/1.7 aperture and an ultra-wide 22.5mm equivalent field of view, this compact 180g lens features a metal mount and weather-resistant front element. It also includes a USB-C port for firmware updates and a standard 58mm filter thread, making it easy to adapt with affordable filters. It is best suited for vloggers and Nikon Z30/Z50/Zfc users who need a bright ultra-wide for dramatic close-ups using its 23mm minimum focus and expansive video perspectives.

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Great Alternatives

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7Artisans 60mmF2.8 Macro 2X Manual Focus Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

70.3 Macro Score
f/2.8 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

A full-frame 2x macro magnification at f/2.8 with a 0.17m minimum focusing distance captures extreme detail, aided by 2 ED and 2 high-refractive elements that suppress chromatic aberration. Its all-metal construction provides durability, while the wide aperture enables the lens to double as a portrait option with smooth bokeh. This manual-focus lens is ideal for Nikon Z-mount macro photographers needing 2x life-size reproduction for insects, flowers, and still life, accepting the lack of autofocus for precise close-up work.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) 28mm

69.4 Macro Score
28mm 16 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

At just 153g, this 28mm f/2.8 prime is a lightweight walkaround lens for Nikon Z cameras, with a custom control ring and near-silent STM autofocus suited for video. Its 0.63-foot minimum focus distance adds versatility for close-up detail shots. This lens is best for street photographers and portrait shooters who prioritize compactness and everyday snapshot convenience over wide-aperture bokeh or weather sealing.

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Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 16mm

62.2 Macro Score
16mm 16 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

The f/1.2 aperture and 16mm wide-angle perspective on APS-C sensors excel in low light and deliver expansive depth-of-field control, with STM autofocus enabling silent, precise eye-detection tracking. A sturdy aluminum barrel houses a 14-element optical design that includes two aspherical and three ED elements to suppress distortion, while the 13-blade diaphragm produces exceptionally smooth bokeh. This lens is best for Nikon Z APS-C photographers focused on environmental portraiture and close-up macro work who can manage its 1043g weight.

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7Artisans Photoelectric 10mm f/2.8 Mark II 10mm

64.2 Macro Score
10mm 16 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

A 10mm f/2.8 constant aperture delivers a 185° fisheye view on full-frame L-Mount, with 2 ED and 1 aspherical element to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion. Its 602g build and 0.15m close focus enable handheld creative shots like exaggerated perspectives, while the 10-blade diaphragm aids smooth defocus. Best for photographers prioritizing ultra-wide astroscape and macro-style still life over portability (travel score: 26.1) or autofocus speed.

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Viltrox 85mm f1.4 Pro Z 85mm

63.9 Macro Score
85mm 16 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

With its bright f/2.0 aperture, in-lens stabilization, and a 0.74m minimum focus distance—closer than most 85mm primes—this lens captures sharp low-light portraits and detailed close-ups while weighing just 332g. The de-clickable aperture ring, customizable Fn button, and weather-resistant seals make it equally adept for video work and outdoor shooting. It’s best suited for portrait photographers and hybrid shooters who demand precise close focusing and robust build quality in a portable package.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR 50-250mm

62 Macro Score
50-250mm 16 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

The NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR offers a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop optical stabilization and an assignable control ring, all in a 51g body. Often sold refurbished, it becomes one of the most affordable stabilized telephotos for the Z mount, and the featherweight build with a customizable ring enhances handling. This lens is ideal for Nikon Z DX users who need a portable, budget-friendly option for travel, street, and everyday telephoto shooting.

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TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4 17mm

60.4 Macro Score
17mm 16 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

The f/1.4 constant aperture and 17mm focal length (25mm equivalent) deliver an 81-degree angle of view and strong low-light gathering. Its 248g all-metal barrel, smooth damped manual focus, and 10-blade diaphragm provide precise tactile control and smooth bokeh without bulk. This lens suits portrait and street photographers on Nikon Z APS-C cameras who prioritize shallow depth of field and compact portability over autofocus.

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Yongnuo YN 35mm f/2 35mm

55.4 Macro Score
35mm 22 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Offering a bright f/2 maximum aperture in a 155g lens with autofocus for Canon EF full-frame cameras, this Yongnuo 35mm provides an entry-level wide-angle option. The multi-coated optics and seven-blade diaphragm help control flare and produce smooth out-of-focus areas, while the AF/MF switch enables quick focus mode changes. This lens suits budget-minded photographers wanting a lightweight walk-around prime for everyday shooting, though its softness at wider apertures limits portrait work.

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7Artisans Lite Series 50mm f/1.8 AF 50mm

55.2 Macro Score
50mm 16 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

The 50mm f/1.8 lens combines an STM stepping motor for quiet autofocus with two aspherical and one ED element to deliver sharp, contrast-rich images on full-frame L-Mount bodies. An 11-blade diaphragm renders smooth bokeh, and the USB port for firmware updates adds flexibility uncommon at this price. This lens is ideal for street and everyday photographers needing a lightweight, affordable full-frame prime with dependable AF performance on L-Mount systems.

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Meike SE Series MK-3520FFSTM-Z 35mm

54.5 Macro Score
35mm 22 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

With STM autofocus, eye detection, and a featherlight 297g polymer build, this 35mm F2.0 L-mount prime delivers responsive, silent focusing. Its Type-C firmware upgrade port and full EXIF transmission provide modern flexibility rarely found at this price. It’s ideal for macro and portrait shooters needing accurate AF and a sharp 84.3-point macro score without the weight of faster glass.

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Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO 33mm

52.8 Macro Score
33mm 11 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

An f/0.95 maximum aperture combined with apochromatic optics gives this 33mm prime exceptionally shallow depth of field and color-accurate rendering on Fujifilm X-mount cameras. Its 35cm minimum focus delivers a 1:2 half-life-size reproduction ratio, turning a manual-focus lens into a capable close-up tool for portraits and details. This lens suits portrait photographers who value extreme bokeh and precise manual focusing over autofocus.

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Meike 55mm f/1.4 AF 55mm

46.5 Macro Score
55mm 16 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

With a bright f/1.4 aperture and an 8-element, 11-group optical stack using ED and HR glass, this 55mm prime (82.5mm equivalent) delivers smooth bokeh and suppressed aberrations. Its built-in stabilization and USB-C firmware update port add uncommon flexibility at a third-party price point. This lens is best for Fujifilm X-mount portrait photographers needing an affordable, stabilized prime with reliable STM autofocus and strong subject isolation.

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Meike 85mm f/1.8 SE Mark II 85mm

44.2 Macro Score
85mm 22 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 201g, this 85mm f/1.8 prime for Nikon Z full-frame cameras pairs a bright aperture with built-in stabilization in an exceptionally portable design. Its STM motor and NanoDrive system deliver near-silent autofocus and zero focus breathing, enabling reliable 8K video with effective eye tracking and strong flare suppression. It’s ideal for portrait and hybrid shooters who want a travel-friendly lens with smooth background blur and capable video features without the bulk.

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Meike 55mm f/1.8 AF 55mm

38.8 Macro Score
55mm f/1.8 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.8 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm produce soft, flattering bokeh, while a built-in USB-C port allows easy firmware updates. The optical design includes two ED and two HR elements in an 11-element construction that reduce aberrations and flare, and the lens weighs just 363g for a portable full-frame prime. Portrait photographers using Nikon Z cameras will find it a solid budget-friendly choice for natural-looking images with smooth background blur.

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Nikon Original Retropia Repurposed Disposable Camera Mirrorless 32mm

18 Macro Score
32mm f/11 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out by repurposing a disposable camera optic into a Nikon Z-mount pancake with a fixed 32mm f/11 aperture, delivering a guaranteed soft-focus, nostalgic aesthetic straight out of camera. Its ultra-compact, pocketable build and sustainable construction from recycled parts make it a unique, no-edit solution for spontaneous shooting. This lens is best for street photographers and content creators who prioritize a distinct, lo-fi film look over technical sharpness.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S 105mm

81.3 Macro Score
105mm 32 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This 105mm f/2.8 macro lens delivers true 1:1 magnification with edge-to-edge sharpness, aided by a dual-motor multi-focus system and Nano Crystal/ARNEO coatings that suppress flare and chromatic aberration. Its 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction enables steady handheld close-ups, while weather sealing and a fluorine coating handle dust and moisture. Best for macro photographers capturing fine details of insects, products, or flowers who need reliable sharpness and stabilization without a tripod.

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Great Alternatives

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Tamron Di III 90mm f/2.8 VXD Macro 90mm

80.3 Macro Score
90mm 16 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification at a 9.1-inch minimum focus distance pairs with a fast f/2.8 aperture and a 12-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. The 600g body, weather-sealed construction, and BBAR-G2 coatings make it practical for outdoor macro work. This lens is best for macro photographers who need a sharp, lightweight prime for detailed close-ups and portraits on Nikon Z bodies.

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Viltrox 13mm f1.4 13mm

63.4 Macro Score
13mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

With a 13mm focal length, f/1.4 maximum aperture, and built-in stabilization, this lens captures bright, stable ultra-wide shots in low light, while the stepless STM motor and manual aperture ring ensure smooth video focus pulls. The 22cm minimum focus distance enables creative, dramatic close-ups without weighing down gimbals at just 454g. It’s best for Nikon Z APS-C vloggers and street photographers who need a fast prime with reliable eye-tracking autofocus and flicker-free aperture control.

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AstrHori Macro Probe 28mm f/13 2x Macro Probe 28mm

62.8 Macro Score
28mm 40 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 2:1 magnification and f/13 aperture on this 28mm probe lens enables extreme close-up detail, with a 360-degree rotating barrel, built-in adjustable LED ring light, and 20cm waterproof front section. The kit's included straight and 90° tubes combined with manual focus and sapphire glass optics offer versatile composition for narrow or angled spaces. This lens suits macro photographers and filmmakers capturing insects, miniature sets, or underwater scenes where direct illumination and 0.3-inch working distances are critical.

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Tamron Di III-A B061 18-300mm

73.9 Macro Score
18-300mm 22 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 16.6x all-in-one 18-300mm zoom range, VXD linear autofocus motor, and VC image stabilization, all in a weather-sealed 635g body, eliminate the need for multiple lenses. The lens focuses as close as 5.9 inches for a 1:2 maximum magnification, offering genuine macro capability rare in a superzoom. This lens is best for travel and hiking photographers who want to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife and detailed close-ups without changing lenses.

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Zeiss Otus ML Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 50mm

56.7 Macro Score
50mm 16 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining one aspherical and four ED elements with ZEISS T* coating, this 50mm f/1.4 renders images with high micro-contrast and the distinctive three-dimensional "3D pop." Its full-metal, weather-sealed barrel and de-clickable aperture ring extend usability to video work, while the nine-blade diaphragm yields smooth, harmonious bokeh. Portrait photographers seeking a tactile manual-focus experience and classic image character will find it ideal, though its 676g weight and manual-only operation make it less suited for travel.

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Laowa Zero-D 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D 9mm

53.8 Macro Score
9mm f/2.8 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 15-element optical design with two aspherical and three ED elements eliminates distortion, delivering a 113° field of view on Nikon Z APS-C bodies at just 215g. A bright f/2.8 aperture and 12cm close focus enable creative low-light wide-angle perspectives while Frog Eye Coating and weather sealing protect the manual‑focus lens. This lens suits landscape and architecture photographers seeking a compact ultrawide prime with precise manual control for Nikon Z mirrorless systems.

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Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF 85mm

47.3 Macro Score
85mm 16 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

A bright f/1.4 aperture paired with a 12-blade diaphragm and STM autofocus produces smooth background blur, while the 13-element optical layout with 4 ED elements and multi-coating controls aberrations. Firmware updates via USB-C offer uncommon adaptability at this price, and its full-frame Nikon Z coverage ensures solid performance on all Z bodies. It’s best for budget-conscious portrait photographers who need a fast 85mm lens for shallow depth of field, not for travel due to its 735g weight.

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Sirui 20mm T1.8 1.33X Anamorphic 20mm

42.7 Macro Score
20mm 22 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Featuring an integrated STM autofocus motor and a T1.8 aperture, this 20mm lens delivers a 1.33x anamorphic squeeze for a 2.35:1 widescreen image on APS-C sensors without cropping. At just 480g with an AF/MF switch and eye-tracking, it uniquely pairs cinematic character with gimbal-friendly, run-and-gun practicality. This lens is ideal for independent filmmakers and handheld shooters on Nikon Z-mount cameras who demand anamorphic aesthetics with reliable, quiet autofocus.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S 14-30mm

70.8 Macro Score
14-30mm 22 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This ultra-wide zoom covers 14-30mm with a constant f/4 aperture and weighs just 485g, making it one of the lightest weather-sealed options for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. Four ED and four aspherical elements, plus Nano Crystal coatings, deliver sharp, flare-resistant images across the frame. Best for landscape and architecture photographers who need a compact, travel-friendly wide zoom without sacrificing optical quality.

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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Tamron Di III A057 500mm

62 Macro Score
150-500mm 22-32 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 150-500mm range on full-frame Nikon Z bodies, backed by VXD linear autofocus and VC stabilization, makes hand-held super-telephoto shooting possible in a relatively compact 1720g build. The 600mm close focus distance delivers a useful 1:3.1 magnification ratio, and the moisture-resistant construction ensures reliability in the field. This lens fits wildlife and landscape enthusiasts seeking an affordable, travel-friendly zoom with solid optical performance.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 17-28mm

75.5 Macro Score
17-28mm 22 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture across a 17-28mm range, paired with a lightweight 450g, weather-sealed build, makes this an unobtrusive, all-day lens for cramped interiors and wide exteriors. Its stepping motor drives near-silent autofocus that's ideal for gimbal video, while 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements maintain corner-to-corner sharpness even wide open. This lens is best for real estate photographers and videographers who need one workhorse wide-angle to handle both detailed stills and continuous walkthrough footage.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 400mm

61.5 Macro Score
100-400mm 40 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Featuring an f/4.5-5.6 aperture across its 100-400mm zoom range, 5-stop Vibration Reduction, and optics with six Super ED and two ED elements, this lens delivers sharp handheld telephoto performance. Inner Balance technology stabilizes the center of gravity for smooth gimbal tracking, while a 0.38x maximum magnification ratio enables near-macro detail. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need flexible handheld reach and for landscape shooters valuing edge-to-edge sharpness.

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