Best Macro Lenses Under £400 in 2026
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Sony YZ0308
Why we recommend this ▼
The 0.43x magnification factor expands your field of view with multicoated glass optics that keep contrast decent for a screw-on adapter. A detachable macro element delivers an 81.6 close-up score, letting you capture tiny details without swapping lenses. This accessory fits hobbyists using 55mm-threaded kit lenses who want to explore wide-angle and macro photography on a budget.
FotoZ KZ-03 24mm
Why we recommend this ▼
This conversion lens expands the field of view on Sony kit lenses to an ultra-wide 16mm equivalent while weighing just 119g. Its 2-in-1 design quickly detaches to reveal a 10X macro lens, and multi-coated dual-element optics control glare for high-resolution, true-to-life color. This accessory is best for Sony APS-C vloggers and hobbyists who need an affordable, pocketable way to shoot wide-angle scenes and extreme close-ups without investing in dedicated glass.
Altura Photo UM2267
Why we recommend this ▼
Screwing onto 49mm filter threads, this converter adds a 0.43x wide-angle field of view and a detachable macro lens that scores 81.1 for close-ups, using multicoated glass for clarity. Broad compatibility across Canon EF-M, Sony E, and Fujifilm X lenses makes it a versatile, single add-on for multiple systems. It’s best for macro hobbyists and vloggers seeking an affordable way to capture detailed close-ups and wider perspectives without buying dedicated glass.
Viltrox Air AF 9mm F2.8 E 9mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Combining a 13.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view with a mere 175g build, this lens stands out as an ultra-portable wide-angle prime for APS-C systems. Its STM motor delivers smooth, quiet autofocus, while the HD nano coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting for cleaner images. This lens is best for street photographers and landscape shooters who prioritize a lightweight, fast f/2.8 setup for discreet, on-the-go shooting.
Tamron Di III 35mm f/2.8 OSD M 1:2 35mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the 1:2 half-life-size macro capability with a 5.9-inch minimum focus distance, combined with a weather-sealed build and an OSD stepping motor for silent autofocus. The optical design, incorporating one LD and one molded glass aspherical element with BBAR coating, delivers sharp, high-contrast images while maintaining a compact, 812g form factor. This lens is best for close-up product and detail photographers who need a versatile 35mm prime with true macro functionality on a full-frame Sony E-mount system.
Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO 50mm
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.
Ulanzi 2229 18mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The German Schott low-dispersion glass and 30-layer nano-coating deliver HD images free of vignetting and glare, expanding the Sony ZV1’s built-in lens to an 18mm wide-angle. Its 10X macro conversion lens, which requires removing the wide-angle attachment, provides a sharp minimum focus distance for extreme close-up detail in a compact, aluminum alloy frame. This 2-in-1 adapter is best for ZV1 vloggers and hobbyists who need a quick-swap solution for both expansive scenes and intricate macro shots without carrying multiple heavy lenses.
Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
Why we recommend this ▼
The 15-45mm (24-72mm equivalent) power zoom with a stepping motor enables silent, smooth focus and focal length changes, while 3-stop OIS steadies handheld video. Its 135g collapsible body and 5cm near-macro capability add travel-friendly versatility without impacting a budget kit. This lens suits street photographers and vloggers needing a lightweight, stabilized wide-to-standard zoom for hybrid shooting.
Sony E SEL30M35 30mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Achieving true 1:1 magnification with a 95mm minimum focus distance, this 138g lens uses one ED and three aspherical elements to control aberrations in a compact package. Its featherweight build and internal focusing make it a discreet, easy-to-handle option for field work on APS-C bodies. This lens is best for hobbyist macro photographers who need a lightweight, affordable prime for detailed close-ups of flowers, products, and textures.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 20119 24mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The bright f/1.7 maximum aperture and 24mm focal length (36mm full-frame equivalent) make this lens a standout for low-light shooting and creating distinct subject separation from backgrounds. Its compact, 136g build combined with weather sealing offers exceptional portability and durability that belies its affordable positioning. This lens is best for APS-C Z-mount photographers wanting a lightweight, everyday walk-around prime for street scenes and environmental portraits.
7Artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II 60mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Offering a rare 2:1 magnification ratio and a 6.7-inch minimum focus distance, this manual focus lens captures extreme detail beyond typical 1:1 macros. Its optical design incorporates two ED and two high-refractive elements for sharpness, while the weather-sealed build and clicked aperture ring add tactile, durable control. This lens is best for macro specialists using Sony E-mount cameras who need super-macro reproduction for subjects like insects or textures.
Yongnuo YN16MM F1.8S DA DSM 16mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The f/1.8 maximum aperture and 24mm full-frame equivalent field of view make this a fast, wide-angle option for APS-C Sony shooters, with a quiet DSM motor and weather sealing at a lightweight 273g. A customizable control ring and built-in USB-C port for firmware updates add operational flexibility rarely found at this price point. This lens is best for vloggers and street photographers who need a bright, compact wide-angle prime with quiet autofocus.
NEEWER LS-30 18mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The 18mm converter provides an 84-degree field of view equivalent to a 16mm APS-C focal length, housed in a lightweight 70g anodized aluminum frame. Its 2-in-1 design allows a quick rotation to detach the wide element and convert it into a 10x macro attachment for tight close-ups. This accessory is best for Sony ZV-1F and ZV-E10 vloggers who need a compact, affordable solution for both wide establishing shots and detailed product close-ups using the 40.5mm thread.
TTArtisan 14mm f/2.8 ASPH 14mm
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 13-element optical design with aspherical elements delivers exceptional sharpness across the full frame, paired with a bright f/2.8 aperture for strong low-light performance. The expansive 114-degree field of view and broad multi-mount compatibility make it a versatile, affordable option for mirrorless systems. This manual focus prime is best for landscape and architecture photographers who prioritize edge-to-edge clarity and don't require autofocus.
Viltrox EVO 35mm F1.8II EVO(Full-Frame) 35mm
Why we recommend this ▼
The APO design with 13 elements in 10 groups, including 2 ED and 3 HR elements, delivers sharp detail and pure color with minimal chromatic aberration. A bright f/1.8 aperture and 0.34m minimum focus distance enable clean low-light shots and intimate close-ups, while physical controls like the CLICK switch and AF/MF button provide direct handling. This lens is best for Sony E-mount portrait shooters seeking a budget-friendly 35mm prime with fast STM autofocus for capturing fleeting expressions.