Best Lenses under $500 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN

84.7 Macro Score
18-50mmf/22Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 18-50mm zoom range is packed into a weather-sealed body weighing just 290g, making it exceptionally portable for APS-C mirrorless systems. Its stepping motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus and the 4.8-inch minimum focus distance enables 1:2.8 magnification macro-style close-ups. This lens is best for travel photographers and hybrid shooters who need a lightweight, versatile standard zoom without sacrificing low-light capability.

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Sigma DC Macro OS HSM 17-70mm f/2.8-4

75.2 Macro Score
17-70mmf/2.8Sony EIS
Why we recommend this ▼

With a 4-stop Optical Stabilizer and an 8.7-inch close focus across its f/2.8-4 range, this 17-70mm zoom delivers 1:2.7 macro shots and low-light flexibility. The HSM autofocus and viewfinder-visible stabilization keep the 535g build steady for handheld use, aided by anti-shake technology that works independently of camera body stabilization. It’s best for Sony APS-C shooters needing a single, budget-friendly lens for both everyday scenes and detailed close-up photography.

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Sigma DC 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC HSM Macro

71.2 Macro Score
17-70mmf/22Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

The 17-70mm zoom range with a 1:2.3 maximum magnification and 200mm minimum focus distance lets you switch from wide-angle shots to close-up macro work without changing lenses. Its HSM autofocus motor and 454g weight make it a practical walk-around option for Nikon APS-C DSLRs, though it lacks stabilization and weather sealing. This lens suits budget-conscious shooters who want a single versatile zoom for travel and occasional macro photography, not portrait specialists.

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Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro

68.3 Macro Score
70-300mmf/4Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this ▼

A 1:2 macro mode at 300mm combined with three SLD glass elements and a 540g body make this telezoom a versatile, lightweight option for close-up reach. Its built-in motor ensures autofocus on all Nikon DSLRs, while the super multi-layer coating effectively cuts flare. Best for budget-minded Nikon shooters who want a single, portable lens to capture distant wildlife and detailed flower shots in daylight.

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Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro lens
Price $230

Sigma DG 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG IF Macro Aspherical

65.6 Macro Score
28-300mmf/3.5Canon SLR
Why we recommend this ▼

A 10.7x zoom ratio from 28 to 300mm with 4 aspherical and 2 ED elements delivers sharp images across the range, while the 500mm minimum focus and 1:3 macro magnification enable close-up shots at full zoom. The 490g weight and zoom lock device make it a practical travel companion, though it lacks stabilization and weather sealing. Best for portrait and street photographers who want one compact lens for varied shooting without changing lenses.

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Sigma 879956

60.5 Macro Score
1400mmSigma SAWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 1.4x teleconverter extends autofocus capability up to f/8 with compatible cameras, making it a practical tool for telephoto shooters. Its dust and splash-proof construction adds durability for outdoor use, while the compact 9.9 cm package keeps it easy to carry. Best for photographers using Sigma SA-mount lenses who need extra reach without losing autofocus in challenging conditions.

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Sigma Aspherical IF Macro 709-205 28-135mm

60.1 Macro Score
28-135mmf/3.8Konica Minolta
Why we recommend this ▼

The 28-135mm zoom range with f/3.8-5.6 aperture and a 135mm minimum focus distance delivers a 2.4x macro capability, making it a flexible all-in-one for close-up work. Its 410g weight and APS-C coverage for Konica Minolta mounts offer a lightweight, budget-friendly option without stabilization or weather sealing. Best for portrait and macro shooters on a budget who want a single lens for everyday use.

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Sigma EX DC HSM 10-20mm f/3.5

55.1 Macro Score
10-20mmf/22Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/3.5 aperture across the 10-20mm zoom range provides consistent exposure control, supported by 3 ED and 4 aspherical elements to curb distortion. The HSM autofocus motor delivers quiet, fast focusing, while the built-in stabilization aids handheld shooting in tight interiors. This lens is best for APS-C landscape photographers needing an ultra-wide perspective without the bulk, weighing just 520g.

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Sigma EX DC HSM 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM lens
Price $479
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Best Lenses under $1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN

93.5 Macro Score
28-70mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Combining a constant f/2.8 aperture with a remarkably light 470g body, this lens delivers Art-line optical quality in a portable package using 3 aspherical and 4 ED elements. Its weather-sealed construction and fast, quiet stepping motor autofocus make it a discreet and durable daily companion. This is best for Sony E-mount hybrid shooters who prioritize handheld versatility and image quality over the widest focal range.

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Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II

91.5 Macro Score
24-70mmf/22Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A redesigned HLA autofocus motor and a 7% smaller, 10% lighter body than its predecessor make this a fast-handling f/2.8 standard zoom. Its 6.7-inch minimum focusing distance delivers a strong 1:2.7 magnification ratio, offering near-macro versatility uncommon in this class. This lens is best for hybrid shooters needing a single, weather-sealed tool that excels at both detailed close-ups and general landscape work.

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Sigma DC 883101 18mm

75.5 Macro Score
18-250mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

An expansive 13.9x zoom range (27–375mm equivalent on APS‑C) with 4‑stop stabilization and a lightweight 454g body defines this all-in-one superzoom. A 1:2.9 macro capability allowing focus as close as 35cm adds close‑up versatility, while the Super Multi‑Layer Coating reduces flare for consistent contrast. This lens is ideal for travelers and hobbyists on Canon, Nikon, or Sony APS‑C DSLRs who need a single, portable optic covering everything from wide landscapes to distant details with occasional macro.

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Sigma DC 883101 18mm lens
Price $741
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS

75.1 Macro Score
70-200mmf/22Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Dual HLA motors deliver fast, quiet autofocus and the OS2 algorithm provides 7.5 stops of stabilization, making this f/2.8 telephoto zoom exceptionally steady for handheld work. Its internal zoom mechanism and weather-sealed Sports-line build resist dust and moisture while minimizing focus breathing for consistent framing. This lens is best for sports and wildlife photographers using Sony E-mount who need reliable subject tracking and sharp results in challenging outdoor conditions.

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Sigma EX DC 10-20mm f/4-5.6D

72.4 Macro Score
10-20mmf/4Sony A
Why we recommend this ▼

An ultrawide 10-20mm zoom with a constant f/4-5.6 aperture, it uses three aspherical and three SLD elements to fight distortion and color fringing, driven by a fast, quiet HSM autofocus motor with full-time manual override. Its internal focusing keeps the front element fixed, making polarizer use seamless and optical quality consistent at any distance. It suits budget-conscious landscape and architecture photographers who need a sharp, portable wide-angle lens for APS-C DSLRs.

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Sigma EX DC 10-20mm f/4-5.6D EX DC lens
Price $555

Sigma EX DG 15mm f/2.8 Diagonal Fisheye 15mm

71 Macro Score
15mmf/2.8Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 180-degree diagonal field of view on full-frame sensors and a close 150mm minimum focus distance enable dramatic, distorted perspectives with subjects nearly touching the front element. The constant f/2.8 aperture and lightweight 370g build make it a practical, creative tool without the bulk of modern ultra-wide zooms. This lens is best for wedding and underwater photographers seeking an affordable, auto-focus fisheye to produce artistic, eye-catching images.

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Sigma EX DC OS HSM 17-50mm f/2.8

57.6 Macro Score
17-50mmf/22Canon EFIS
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 17-50mm range, paired with a 4-stop optical stabilizer, makes this Sigma a solid choice for low-light shooting on APS-C Sony A-Mount bodies. Its HSM motor delivers quiet, fast autofocus, while the 7-blade diaphragm and Super Multi-Layer Coating help control bokeh and flare. Best for portrait and video work, where its stabilized aperture and 565g weight balance well on a DSLR.

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Sigma DG 634101 28-70mm

48 Macro Score
28-70mmf/2.8Canon EOS
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/2.8 maximum aperture at 28mm and 6.5x zoom range make this a compact 244g lens for Canon full-frame SLRs, with multilayer coating and an aspherical element to cut flare and maintain sharpness across the zoom. Its 500mm minimum focus distance and included lens hood add flexibility for close-up work and stray light control, though it lacks stabilization and weather sealing. This lens suits street and portrait photographers on a budget who want a fast, lightweight walk-around zoom for Canon EOS bodies.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma APO DG OS HSM 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF

60.9 Macro Score
120-400mmf/4.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Featuring a 4-stop Optical Stabilizer and HSM autofocus, this lens delivers a flexible 120-400mm zoom range on full-frame Nikon F-mount bodies. Its rear focus system and three SLD glass elements maintain sharpness, while the 150cm close-focus distance enables 1:4.2 macro-style detail shots. This lens is best for budget-conscious Nikon DSLR photographers starting out in wildlife and sports, where the stabilized 400mm reach offers practical handheld shooting.

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Great Alternatives

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Sigma 736101 50-500mm

36.2 Macro Score
50-500mmf/4Canon EF
Why we recommend this ▼

A 10x zoom ratio spanning 50-500mm provides exceptional versatility, while four SLD glass elements and super coating effectively suppress chromatic aberration and flare. The HSM motor delivers quiet, fast autofocus with full-time manual override, and the included zoom lock switch prevents lens creep during transport. This lens is best for outdoor portrait and street photographers needing a single, adaptable telephoto solution on a budget.

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