


The lens also features image stabilization, which is always a nice bonus. No, it’s not extremely powerful – but it can easily be the difference between a good shot and a blurry shot, and it’ll cast a nice, even glow over your subjects. The best part about this lens is the built-in ring light. The 35mm focal length does require you to get very close to your subject, but after taking Canon’s 1.6x crop factor into account, the effective focal length is actually in the area of 56mm. I highly recommend it for beginners who are looking for a way into macro photography without breaking the bank (plus, it’s designed for Canon’s less-expensive line of APS-C cameras, which are wildly popular among beginner and amateur shooters).

The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 is one of my absolute favorite macro lenses because it’s simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. It’s all a lot to take in, but don’t worry: If you start by grabbing one of the lenses on this list, you’ll set yourself up for macro photography success! All of the lenses on this list can be used without extra support, but if you can stabilize your camera and lens, you’ll be able to work with longer shutter speeds and smaller apertures to create more compelling images. One more thing: If you plan on getting into macro photography but don’t currently have a tripod, I highly recommend you buy one. Finally, while some macro lenses (especially the cheaper ones) feature wide focal lengths, most macro shooters prefer to work around the 100mm range as it lets them capture brilliant images without needing to be physically close to their subjects. Also, note that you don’t have to choose a macro lens purely for macro photography many photographers buy a macro lens for close-ups and portraits, thanks to the outstanding sharpness and contrast they provide. Now, if you’ve never done this type of photography before, I recommend you keep a few key items in mind:įor one, most macro lenses offer fixed focal lengths, but the upside is exceptional optical quality and very large apertures that let in a great deal of light. That said, no matter your skill level or budget, there is almost certainly a macro lens suited to your needs.

There are dozens of options available, all capable of transforming small objects into works of art, and each offering a slightly different set of features. Picking the best lens for macro photography is tough.
