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Want to capture life’s smallest details with utmost clarity? Macro photographer Ross Hoddinott explains how to identify a macro lens, what focal lengths are right for specific subjects and the purpose of other commonly found features that could make a significant difference your images.

Want the perfect Macro lens? Here are our recommendations

True macro lenses are always prime (fixed-focal length) lenses, with a 1:1 reproduction ratio, rather than zooms claiming to have macro capabilities. Focal lengths range from 30-200mm; longer lenses are better when you need to keep a distance, such as when shooting a live subject. Look out for models with internal focusing, such as the Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro EX DG OS HSM, as these keep the barrel at the same length while they are used and mean they won't disturb subjects or affect lighting.

Select your fit

Canon

Good

Canon EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro LensCanon EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro Lens

Better

Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM LensCanon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

Best

Canon EF 180mm f3.5 L USM Macro LensCanon EF 180mm f3.5 L USM Macro Lens

Nikon

Good

Nikon 85mm f3.5 G ED AF-S VR DX Micro Nikkor LensNikon 85mm f3.5 G ED AF-S VR DX Micro Nikkor Lens

Better

Nikon 105mm f2.8 G AF-S VR IF ED Micro Nikkor LensNikon 105mm f2.8 G AF-S VR IF ED Micro Nikkor Lens

Best

Nikon 200mm f4 AF Micro Nikkor LensNikon 200mm f4 AF Micro Nikkor Lens

Sony A

Good

Sony DT 30mm f2.8 SAM Macro LensSony DT 30mm f2.8 SAM Macro Lens

Better

Sony 50mm f2.8 D Macro AF LensSony 50mm f2.8 D Macro AF Lens

Best

Sony 100mm f2.8 D Macro LensSony 100mm f2.8 D Macro Lens

Sony E

Good

Sony E30mm f3.5 Macro Lens Sony E30mm f3.5 Macro Lens

Better

Samyang 100mm f2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens - Sony FE MountSamyang 100mm f2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens - Sony FE Mount

Best

Sony FE 90mm f2.8 Macro G OSS LensSony FE 90mm f2.8 Macro G OSS Lens

Fuji

Good

Samyang 100mm f2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens - Fuji XSamyang 100mm f2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens - Fuji X

Better

Fuji 60mm f2.4 R Macro Fujinon Black LensFuji 60mm f2.4 R Macro Fujinon Black Lens

Best

Fuji 16mm f1.4 R WR XF LensFuji 16mm f1.4 R WR XF Lens

Pentax

Good

Pentax 50mm f2.8 SMC D FA Macro LensPentax 50mm f2.8 SMC D FA Macro Lens

Better

Pentax 35mm f2.8 Macro DA Limited Lens - BlackPentax 35mm f2.8 Macro DA Limited Lens - Black

Best

Pentax 100mm f2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro LensPentax 100mm f2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro Lens

Micro Four Thirds

Good

Samyang 100mm f2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens - Micro Four ThirdsSamyang 100mm f2.8 ED UMC Macro Lens - Micro Four Thirds

Better

Olympus 60mm f2.8 Macro M.ZUIKO Digital ED Micro Four Thirds Lens Olympus 60mm f2.8 Macro M.ZUIKO Digital ED Micro Four Thirds Lens

Best

Panasonic 45mm f2.8 Macro Leica D Vario- Elmar Micro Four Thirds lensPanasonic 45mm f2.8 Macro Leica D Vario- Elmar Micro Four Thirds lens

Sigma

Good

Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro EX DG OS HSM - Canon FitSigma 105mm f2.8 Macro EX DG OS HSM - Canon Fit

Better

Sigma 150mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens - Canon FitSigma 150mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens - Canon Fit

Best

Sigma 180mm f2.8 EX APO DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens - Canon FitSigma 180mm f2.8 EX APO DG OS HSM APO Macro Lens - Canon Fit

Tamron

Good

Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP Di Macro Lens - Nikon FitTamron 90mm f2.8 SP Di Macro Lens - Nikon Fit

Better

Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Lens - Nikon FitTamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Lens - Nikon Fit

Best

Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP Di USD VC Macro Lens - Nikon FitTamron 90mm f2.8 SP Di USD VC Macro Lens - Nikon Fit