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Best Macro Lenses for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 29th, 2024

🔍Love capturing tiny worlds up close? Whether you're snapping shots of tiny insects or intricate textures, a good macro lens can make a huge difference. We've sifted through tons of professional reviews and considered feedback from experienced photographers to bring you the top macro lenses for 2024. No matter if you're new to this or a seasoned pro, there's a lens here that'll fit your needs perfectly.

Here are our top choices:

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Overall Best: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, Lens Only

Our top pick for macro photography in 2024 is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens. Renowned for its exceptional optical quality and versatility, it is a favorite among hobbyists and professionals alike. This lens features image stabilization, essential for reducing blurriness caused by camera shake when shooting close-ups. With its 1:1 life-size magnification, you can capture stunning details in subjects ranging from nature to portraits. Moreover, the fast and silent autofocus ensures you won’t miss a moment, allowing you to focus on perfecting your shot.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$1,099.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro Lens? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Can the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens be used for portrait photography?

Yep, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens can definitely be used for portrait photography. While it's initially designed as a macro lens, its Hybrid Image Stabilization is a game changer. This feature helps cut down on camera shake, which is handy not just for close-ups but also for portraits. The stabilization means you can shoot handheld or in lower light without worrying too much about blur, even at slower shutter speeds. It gives you the freedom to move around when you're taking portraits, which is great if you're aiming for some candid shots without lugging around a tripod. Plus, the 100mm focal length is pretty popular for portraits because it provides nice subject isolation and you don’t have to be right up in someone’s face. With an f/2.8 aperture, you also get that lovely blurry background effect, which makes your subject pop. From what we've gathered, folks really like the lens for its quality optics, which produce sharp images with amazing colors. The autofocus is another plus—it's quick and quiet, so it won't interrupt the flow when you're shooting portraits. Just keep in mind that while IS is great, it's not a magic fix for every situation, especially for macro shots where the distance between you and the subject changes. Overall, it’s a versatile lens that doesn’t just stick to macros but does a great job in portrait photography too. It seems like a solid choice if you're looking to cover both types of photography with one lens.

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How effective is the image stabilization on the Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens?

The Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens comes with Hybrid Image Stabilization that really boosts its versatility for both taking photos and shooting videos. Even though it's not specifically designed for video, it can hold its own pretty well there too. The manufacturer mentions that the lens has nearly silent ultrasonic focusing, which reduces noise during video capture—a big plus if you're filming in a quiet setting. The hybrid stabilization combats both angular and shift shakes, so it's particularly handy for handheld shots. This means you can expect stable and sharp footage, even when you're doing close-up work like shooting flowers or insects. From our research, folks using it have generally been pretty impressed with the image quality—highlighting the sharpness and color reproduction. Plus, it's got that smooth bokeh everyone loves for detailed video close-ups. On the downside, some say the Image Stabilization can make a bit of noise that might be heard if you're in a super quiet environment and using a microphone nearby. Something to keep in mind if you're all about perfect audio. For still photography, especially macro and portrait shots, this lens really shines. It's praised for its ability to capture sharp details across various distances. While it's not mainly sold as a video lens, it definitely adds a lot to video projects. If you're interested in blending high-quality macro photos with some solid video performance, this lens could be worth considering. So, if you're on the hunt for a lens that does a great job with stills and can handle some video too, the Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens is a solid choice. It's great for detailed macro work and could be a valuable tool for anyone looking to venture into creative fields beyond just photos.

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What is the image quality like with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens?

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens is well-loved for its image quality, especially when it comes to macro photography. The manufacturer describes it as having a 100mm focal length, and it's specifically tailored for capturing those tiny details up close. If you're into photographing flowers, insects, or any small subjects, this lens is a solid choice since it lets you focus super close at 0.99 feet and offers a 1:1 magnification ratio. From our research, the lens does a great job of delivering really sharp and clear images. Its f/2.8 aperture is handy for getting a nice shallow depth of field, which makes your subject pop against a beautifully blurred backdrop—something that's really valued in both macro and portrait shots. This means it's not just for nature lovers; portrait photographers might find it useful too, especially when they want that soft background blur. While it's mainly a macro lens, folks also like using it for portraits because it captures crisp details and smooth background blur. Its hybrid image stabilization helps you shoot handheld in low light, making it easier to get sharp macro shots without always needing a tripod. However, if you're thinking about using it for more than just macros and portraits, keep in mind that it’s not really built for traditional telephoto use. It doesn't have the reach for things like wildlife or sports photography. If you're frequently shooting distant subjects, you might want to consider other lenses, like the [Canon EF 70-200mm series](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcanon%2BEF%2B70-200mm%2Bseries%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which are better suited for those tasks. So, if you're mainly interested in detailed macro shots or dreamy portraits, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens is a fantastic option. It combines sharpness, versatility, and stabilization, making it a great addition to your gear, as long as you're using it for purposes that align with what it's best at.

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Runner-up: Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras Black

A fantastic runner-up, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G is a compact and lightweight option for macro enthusiasts. Known for rendering sharp images with vibrant colors, this lens is versatile enough for everyday use, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. While it lacks image stabilization, its close-range correctional system compensates for this by enabling crisp and detailed captures, particularly in controlled environments.

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Budget Pick: Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro

If budget is a concern, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro offers outstanding value without compromising on quality. This lens provides excellent optical performance and includes vibration compensation to help reduce blur in handheld shots. Its compatibility with both full-frame and APS-C cameras adds to its versatility, making it a popular choice among beginner and intermediate photographers. Despite its lower price point, the Tamron 90mm delivers robust performance, ensuring sharp and detailed macro images.

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Best for Portraits: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro

For those focused on portrait photography, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is a top choice. It excels in capturing portraits with exquisite detail and beautiful bokeh, thanks to its sharpness and high-contrast imaging. Additionally, its impressive focusing distance allows for versatile shooting, not just limiting you to portraits but also making it suitable for various types of close-up photography. This lens stands out for those looking to enhance their portrait sessions with remarkable clarity and depth.

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Best for Extreme Close-ups: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO SLR Black Macro Lens – Camera Lenses and Filters (SLR, 12/10, Macro Lens, 0.247 m, Sony E, Full Frame)

Dedicated to the lovers of extreme close-ups, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro lens is unmatched in its class. Offering a unique 2:1 magnification ratio, this lens allows you to delve into the minute details of your subjects, capturing them with extraordinary clarity. Its stellar optical performance ensures that your images are sharp and high-quality, making it a favored choice among macro photography enthusiasts and experts alike who seek to explore the microscopic world.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$499.00 at Amazon

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