Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

81.7 Macro Score
85mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a true 1:1 macro magnification paired with VR II stabilization, enabling sharp, life-size close-ups even at slower shutter speeds. The lens is also relatively lightweight at 355g and features a near-silent Silent Wave Motor for smooth autofocus, making it suitable for video work. This lens is best for Nikon DX-format photographers specializing in detailed macro subjects like insects or jewelry, where working distance and handheld stability are key.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Tamron SP SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

71.7 Macro Score
35mm f/1.4 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and inclusion of four LD and three aspherical elements deliver exceptional sharpness and bokeh, making it a standout for its optical performance. The lens is built with a robust construction and features Tamron's USD motor for fast, quiet autofocus, though it lacks weather sealing. This prime is best for portrait photographers and Nikon shooters prioritizing optical quality over portability in a standard focal length.

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Tamron SP SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD lens
Price CA$950

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD Large Aperture Standard Zoom

71.7 Macro Score
17-50mm f/2.8 Nikon F (DX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and optical stabilization provide excellent low-light performance for a standard zoom lens. The inclusion of FLD glass elements ensures high sharpness and color correction comparable to fluorite. This lens is best for professional photographers and videographers working with Nikon DX cameras who need a versatile, fast zoom for events or controlled shoots.

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Laowa Zero-D 12mm f/2.8

71.2 Macro Score
12mm f/2.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This 12mm f/2.8 prime lens stands out with its ultra-wide field of view and a bright maximum aperture, supported by three extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements for sharp, low-distortion images. Its robust, all-metal build quality is a notable highlight that ensures durability for demanding use. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers who require extreme wide-angle perspectives with minimal optical distortion.

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Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM

70.5 Macro Score
35mm f/1.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a constant f/1.8 aperture across its 18-35mm zoom range, delivering exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The Art-series build and optics, including five SLD and four aspherical elements, ensure professional-grade sharpness and color rendition. This lens is best for APS-C Nikon shooters who need a versatile, fast prime-like zoom for portraits and controlled-environment work.

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Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens
Price CA$972

Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5

69.5 Macro Score
28mm f/2.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its unique soft-focus glow at wide apertures, paired with a versatile 1:2 macro magnification, makes it a creative tool rather than a standard prime. The 12-blade aperture contributes to smooth bokeh, enhancing its portrait capabilities despite lacking autofocus or stabilization. This lens is best for photographers seeking an artistic, dreamy look in their close-up and portrait work, where manual control and optical character are prioritized over technical perfection.

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Voigtländer Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II S AI-S

69.4 Macro Score
58mm f/1.4 Nikon FX IS
Why we recommend this

Its manual-focus f/1.4 aperture and CPU-integrated Ai-S mount deliver outstanding performance and beautiful bokeh for both modern DSLRs and classic film SLRs. The lens offers a nostalgic barrel design reminiscent of vintage Nikkor optics while providing chipped metering compatibility. This lens is best for portrait photographers and Nikon enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, character-rich normal prime for both digital and film systems.

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Tamron Di II Auto Focus 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP LD Aspherical

68.7 Macro Score
10-24mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its versatile 10-24mm focal range provides an ultra-wide 15-36mm equivalent on APS-C cameras, paired with built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens accepts standard 77mm filters and uses a micromotor autofocus system, though it lacks full-time manual override. This lens is best for APS-C Nikon and Canon photographers needing a stabilized, wide-angle zoom for landscapes or interior photography on a budget.

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Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC

65.5 Macro Score
24mm f/3.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its +/- 8.5º tilt and shift capabilities provide extensive perspective and focus control for architectural and product photography. The 24mm focal length and full-frame coverage offer a versatile wide-angle perspective for creative compositions. This lens is best for photographers specializing in architectural, real estate, or tabletop product photography requiring precise perspective correction.

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Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC lens
Price CA$781

AstrHori 28mm f/13 Macro Probe

63.7 Macro Score
28mm f/13 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its unique probe design and 480mm minimum focus distance allow for extreme close-up work with a 2:1 magnification ratio, ideal for detailed macro subjects. The lens offers a very deep depth of field with its f/13 to f/40 aperture range, beneficial for maintaining sharpness throughout intricate scenes. This specialized tool is best for macro photographers and videographers needing to capture minute details in tight spaces, like insect behavior or product textures.

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Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8

62.8 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

This lens offers a bright f/2.8 aperture and a 14mm focal length, making it a capable and affordable option for wide-angle photography on Nikon F-mount cameras. Its optical design includes specialized elements to control distortion and chromatic aberration, improving image sharpness. It is best for landscape and architectural photographers who need a wide field of view without a high price premium.

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Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 lens
Price CA$703

Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro

59.3 Macro Score
50mm f/2 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 1:2 magnification ratio and Planar optical design deliver exceptional sharpness for a macro lens, while the ZEISS T* coating minimizes flare. The robust all-metal construction and smooth manual focus ring provide a premium tactile experience for precise control. This lens is best for portrait photographers who also need close-focusing capability for detailed product shots.

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Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro

58.1 Macro Score
100mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification and 300mm minimum focus distance deliver true macro capabilities for detailed close-up work. The f/2.8 maximum aperture provides useful subject isolation for portrait photography as well. This lens is best for Nikon F-mount photographers specializing in macro subjects like insects or product details, who also want a versatile 100mm prime for portraits.

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Yongnuo YN 14mm f/2.8N

55.4 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture provide an ultra-wide field of view with good low-light capability for a full-frame Nikon F-mount camera. The optical design incorporates UD aspherical and anomalous dispersion elements to help control distortion and chromatic aberration. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing an affordable, wide-angle prime.

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