Macro photography is an immersive experience, both for the photographer and the viewer. Not only does the genre showcase the unseen, exquisite beauty of nature, but also its fragility. However, unlike other genres, one needs a particular set of gear to work for it. In this regard, we look at some of the most outstanding macro photography lenses, some of which we have tested and absolutely adored. If you are someone who likes the best of the best, here are some options to choose from. They all received five out of five stars in our reviews.
Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di III VXD
Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di III VXD is ideal for Nikon and Sony users who are avid macro photographers. The lens features 15 elements in 12 groups and a maximum magnification of 1:1. It has a 0.23m minimum object distance, a 12-blade circular aperture, VXD autofocus, and a 67mm filter size. Some of the pros include weather resistance, sharpness, lightweight, fast autofocus, and great bokeh. In fact, with a flash, the performance just gets better.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art
Sigma has many fantastic lenses; the Sigma 105mm f2.8 DG DN Macro Art is an example of that. It is a true 1:1 ratio. The Sigma lens features 9 aperture blades, a 5.5-inch minimum focusing distance, and a 2.9-inch diameter. It also has a 62mm filter thread and measures 5.3 inches long. What we liked about the lens was its affordability, weather sealing, bokeh, and fast autofocus. The only issue was the lack of image stabilisation. As we said in our review, “The image quality is outstanding. It’s highly capable here, but performance-wise, it’s a very traditional lens. You need a flash or off-camera lighting with it.”
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon has always made exceptional lenses, and the Canon RF 100mm Macro showcases its years of knowledge and perfection. It features 9 aperture blades, a 0.9-foot minimum focusing distance, and a 1.4x magnification. The Canon lens works well with a camera that has image stabilisation, as the lens also has that. The 100mm is ideal for macro photography as it has character, great flare, sharpness, and stabilisation. As we said in our review, “With what feels almost like a built-in variable mist filter, this lens can add a little or a lot of softness. Of course, that softness to the bokeh as well.”
OM System 90mm F3.5 Macro IS Pro
OM System makes some rugged lenses, and the 90mm is no different. Designed with 18 elements in 13 groups, it offers 2:1 magnification, and up to 4:1 magnification with teleconverters. It has 7-rounded aperture blades, IP53 weather sealing, and a 0.22m minimum focusing distance. There is also a 7-stop image stabilisation, which is great. The lens offers exceptional colors and character, and also the ability to autofocus. As we said in our review, “his macro lens does what a full-frame camera can’t do — use autofocus at a 4x equivalent macro. The 90mm is the kind of landmark lens that may even be big enough to sway some photographers over to the Micro Four Thirds system.”
Laowa 90mm F2.8 2x Ultra Macro
Laowa has manufactured some great lenses for various mounts. The 90mm is designed using 13 elements in 10 groups, a 2:1 maximum reproduction ratio, and 2x maximum magnification. This is a fully manual lens with an 8.1-inch minimum focusing distance. In addition to macro, the lens can also double for portraits. The lens is affordable, and with it comes the perks of great bokeh, rainbow flare, and exceptional colors. However, it does not feature weather sealing and autofocus. As we said praising the lens in our review, “The 2x Ultra Macro capability can make even tiny alyssums look large. Creamy bokeh mixed with the apochromatic elements helps subjects really stand out. Sharpness is solid enough that you can see the pollen clinging to a bee’s knees.”