Best Lenses under $500 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm

88.3 Macro Score
60mm f/2.8 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

A 1:1 magnification ratio and close focusing to 22cm make this 60mm f/2.8 macro lens a sharp tool for life-size reproduction. Its compact 440g build and 9-blade aperture also suit it for portraits, while Nikon's Super Integrated Coating controls flare. This lens is best for macro photographers who need a lightweight, all-purpose prime for detailed close-ups and flattering headshots.

View Details & Prices
Price $299
Check Price at Amazon
Also available open box & refurbished:
Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm lens

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon QZ0016

84.1 Macro Score
Screw-on lens fits camera lenses with a 52mm front filter thread IS
Why we recommend this

A screw-on 52mm design with multicoated glass optics and a 0.43x conversion factor instantly expands your lens’s field of view for wide-angle photography. The detachable macro attachment excels, scoring 77.7/100 for close-ups and adding high-resolution macro capability to any compatible lens. This attachment suits hobbyist photographers with 52mm-thread DSLR or mirrorless lenses seeking an affordable, all-in-one wide-angle and macro solution.

View Details & Prices

Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR 18-55mm

83.9 Macro Score
18-55mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Weighing 196g with a retractable barrel, this compact standard zoom uses a Pulse Stepping Motor for fast, near-silent autofocus and 4-stop vibration reduction for handheld sharpness. Its two aspherical elements effectively control distortion and spherical aberration, making it a strong budget-friendly kit lens upgrade for APS-C Nikon DSLRs. Best for beginners and travel photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile 27-82.5mm equivalent zoom with solid macro performance (73.1/100).

View Details & Prices
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR 18-55mm lens
Price $114
Check Price at Amazon
Also available at:
Also available open box & refurbished:

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20119 24mm

77.8 Macro Score
24mm 11 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The f/1.7 aperture and 4.7-inch minimum focus distance set it apart, with weather sealing adding durability. Silent autofocus and suppressed focus breathing suit video work, while the 281g weight keeps it portable. Best for Nikon Z APS-C portrait and close-up shooters who want a fast 35mm-equivalent prime and can sacrifice landscape sharpness.

View Details & Prices

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

62.1 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.

View Details & Prices

Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX 18mm

54.8 Macro Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Nikon F (DX)
Why we recommend this

The lens stands out with a 7.5x zoom spanning 18-135mm, an ED glass element that controls chromatic aberrations, and an AF-S motor delivering fast, quiet autofocus. A seven-blade rounded diaphragm renders pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, and the 67mm filter thread accepts common accessories, while the renewed option offers tested reliability at a lower cost. This lens is best for DSLR beginners and travel photographers needing a single, affordable cover-all zoom for everyday shooting.

View Details & Prices
Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX 18mm lens
Price $389
Check Price at Amazon
Also available open box & refurbished:

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 20131 35mm

47 Macro Score
35mm 22 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 35mm f/1.7 lens for Nikon DX Z-mount provides a 52.5mm equivalent field of view, a 6.3-inch close-focus for 1:1.5 magnification, and a bright aperture in a 221-gram body. Its compact 2.8-inch length and silent STM autofocus make it a quiet, portable option for candid shots and video work. This lens is best suited for Nikon DX shooters seeking a fast prime for everyday portraits and street photography that can double as a capable close-up tool.

View Details & Prices

Nikon Speed Booster XL MB_SPNFG-M43-BM2

16.4 Macro Score
Nikon G
Why we recommend this

The Metabones Speed Booster XL 0.64x adapter concentrates full-frame Nikon G lens light onto Micro Four Thirds sensors, increasing brightness by over a stop while widening the angle of view. Its 50.9/100 portrait score reflects effective shallow depth-of-field results, despite lacking autofocus and stabilization. This adapter is best for portrait shooters adapting Nikon G glass to MFT, but its 15.3/100 macro score makes it unsuitable for close-up work.

View Details & Prices
Nikon Speed Booster XL MB_SPNFG-M43-BM2 lens
Price $479

Best Lenses under $1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR 140mm

85.9 Macro Score
18-140mm 22-40 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A lightweight 315g all-in-one zoom with a 7.8x range (27-210mm equivalent), 5-stop VR, and weather sealing makes this a practical walkaround lens for Nikon Z DX cameras. It earns high scores in landscape (91.6) and budget categories, pairing versatile reach with solid dust/moisture resistance for outdoor use. Best for travel photographers or casual shooters wanting a single lens for landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects without swapping glass.

View Details & Prices
Price $677
Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR 140mm lens

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED 85mm

72.3 Macro Score
85mm 32 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Combining 1:1 magnification at an 11.3-inch minimum focus distance with 4-stop Vibration Reduction, this 85mm macro lens captures sharp close-ups handheld, aided by ED glass and Super Integrated Coating for reduced flare. Its lightweight 355g (12.5oz) body and quiet AF-S autofocus offer portability and discreet operation, while the f/3.5 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm yield smooth, natural background blur. It’s ideal for Nikon DX-format shooters focusing on macro nature details or portraits who need a stabilized, travel-friendly prime lens.

View Details & Prices

Nikon Simmod APSARA LUMIERE 75mm T1.4 Super Speed 75mm

59.4 Macro Score
75mm Interchangeable Mount with Included Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

The 75mm T1.4’s 18-blade aperture and vintage-inspired optical design produce painterly out-of-focus rendering with natural contrast and balanced, controlled flares. Its interchangeable Nikon Z mount and 0.8 MOD gears pair with a soft, low-profile focus mark light that aids operation in dark environments without distracting talent. This lens suits cinematographers who prioritize expressive bokeh and manual focus precision for narrative close-ups and stylized portraiture.

View Details & Prices

Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 1989 AF FX Micro- 200mm f/4D IF-ED Fixed 200mm

47 Macro Score
200mm f/4 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

Combining a 200mm focal length with a constant f/4 aperture, it achieves 1:1 macro at a 19.3-inch working distance, using Extra-low Dispersion glass to control chromatic aberration. The long working distance keeps you from disturbing skittish subjects, and internal focusing ensures the lens barrel does not extend during operation. This lens suits field macro photographers who need reach to capture insects and small wildlife without intrusion.

View Details & Prices

Nikon Beetle Blazar 32mm

41.6 Macro Score
32mm T3.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

The 32mm T3.2 prime delivers a 1.33x anamorphic squeeze on full-frame Nikon Z sensors with characteristic silver flares and oval bokeh in an ultracompact 286g body. Its standout differentiator is a quick-switch mechanism for rotating the view 90°, enabling native vertical video capture without rigging. This lens is best for run-and-gun filmmakers and content creators who need cinematic widescreen and social-media-ready vertical footage from a single lightweight setup.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under $1,500 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR 400mm

94.6 Macro Score
28-400mm f/4 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 28-400mm zoom range combined with 5-stop Vibration Reduction and STM autofocus delivers sharp, blur-free shots from wide landscapes to distant wildlife in a weather-sealed body weighing just 725g. Its compact, lightweight design and 0.35x maximum magnification make it a true all-in-one travel lens, adapting seamlessly across Nikon Z full-frame and crop-sensor cameras. This lens is ideal for landscape and wildlife photographers who need versatile reach and reliable stabilization without carrying heavy gear.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 50mm

55.9 Macro Score
50mm f/2 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The 50mm f/2 optic delivers half life-size 1:2 macro magnification with ZEISS T* coating for controlled flare, all in a compact 111g manual-focus body. The all-metal Milvus build and bundled filter kit add practical value, while the smooth, long-throw focus ring excels for precise depth-of-field control. This lens suits portrait and macro shooters on Nikon F who want deliberate, tactile handling and edge-to-edge sharpness without autofocus.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under $2,500 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR 22-70mm

81.8 Macro Score
22-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Offering a constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm range, this lens pairs Nikon's Vibration Reduction (4 stops) with a 1:2 maximum magnification for unusually close focusing in a standard zoom. Its robust weather-sealed build and fluorine-coated front element resist the elements, while the electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures even during high-speed bursts. This lens is best for landscape photographers who need a single, sharp zoom, as well as macro enthusiasts looking for 0.5x magnification without switching lenses.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ 135mm

71 Macro Score
28-135mm f/4 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture combined with a powered internal zoom that shifts the center of gravity by only 2mm makes this lens ideal for gimbal-mounted video work. Its customizable rocker-style zoom with 11 speed options and precise linear focus response are enhanced by knurled, follow-focus-compatible rings and full weather sealing. This lens is best for documentary and event videographers using Nikon Z9, Z8, or Z6III bodies who need a single, balanced 28-135mm zoom for dynamic establishing shots and closeups.

View Details & Prices
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ 135mm lens
Price $2,405

Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED 24mm

53.7 Macro Score
24mm 32 Nikon F
View Details & Prices

Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D 85mm

27.2 Macro Score
85mm 32 Nikon F
View Details & Prices

Nikon Venus Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF Telephoto 200mm

13.9 Macro Score
200mm f/2 Sony E, Nikon Z
View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Nikon HEKTOR HEKTOR 18mm T2.1 18mm

36.3 Macro Score
18mm T22 Sony E
View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

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

Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 20065 19mm

35.5 Macro Score
19mm 32 Nikon F
View Details & Prices