Best Pick

Mitakon Zhongyi 55mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro

82.7 Macro Score
55mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its exceptional 5:1 maximum magnification for extreme close-ups, paired with a versatile 55mm focal length and a bright f/2.8 aperture. Its unique strength is providing a practical 2.6 to 5.9-inch working distance across its entire magnification range, allowing for better lighting control. It is best for photographers specializing in extreme macro work, such as capturing intricate insect anatomy or detailed product shots.

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Great Alternatives

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

TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 Macro 2X Full Frame Camera Lense Compatible

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

Its 2x magnification capability and 14-element optical design deliver exceptional sharpness for extreme close-up work. The lens is notably heavy at 1152g and lacks weather sealing, prioritizing optical performance over portability. This lens is best for dedicated macro photographers who need high magnification for capturing intricate details of small subjects like insects or botanical specimens.

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Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro

79.7 Macro Score
60mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2:1 magnification ratio allows for extreme close-ups, while its 14-blade aperture contributes to smooth bokeh. The lens is a dedicated tool, offering a 90mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras for comfortable working distances. This lens is best for photographers specializing in scientific imaging or product photography requiring greater-than-life-size reproduction.

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Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro lens
Price CA$548

Nikon Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait

74.7 Macro Score
85mm f/1.8 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture with nine diaphragm blades is engineered for smooth bokeh, making it a strong portrait lens for Nikon shooters. The lens features a micro USB port for firmware updates, adding a layer of future-proofing uncommon at this price point. It's best for portrait photographers on a budget who want classic 85mm compression and soft background blur without a premium price tag.

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Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

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

Its 2:1 maximum magnification ratio and f/2.8 aperture provide exceptional close-up detail and light-gathering for a dedicated macro lens. The optical design, featuring two low-dispersion elements, ensures high sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration at such high reproduction ratios. This lens is best for macro photographers and scientists who require life-size or greater magnification for capturing extreme detail in subjects like insects or textures.

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Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8

74.3 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm f/2.8 prime design offers a wide field of view and solid low-light capability for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras. The optical construction, featuring one extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements, helps control distortion and aberrations for a sharp image. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a reliable, wide-angle prime on a budget.

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Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 lens
Price CA$685

Yongnuo YN35mm F2N

73.3 Macro Score
35mm f/2 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a bright f/2 maximum aperture paired with autofocus, which is uncommon for a budget-friendly 35mm prime lens. The metal barrel construction offers a more premium feel than its price point typically allows, and it supports useful functions like live-view focusing and firmware updates via USB. This lens is best for Nikon APS-C DSLR users seeking an affordable, fast prime for everyday photography and controlled portraits.

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Sigma 105 mm f/2.8 Macro

73.1 Macro Score
105mm f/2 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its 105mm f/2.8 design and 1:1 magnification ratio make it a dedicated tool for capturing extreme close-up detail. The lens is a specialized, full-frame optic that can also adapt to APS-C cameras for a longer effective focal length. This lens is best for photographers dedicated to macro work who need true 1:1 reproduction and can manage its fixed focal length and lack of stabilization.

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Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

72.1 Macro Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2 aperture across the 24-70mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field control. The lens offers professional-grade optics and autofocus at a notably high value score, making it a compelling alternative to first-party options. This lens is best for professional photographers and videographers who prioritize low-light versatility and a fast zoom over extreme macro capabilities.

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Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM lens
Price CA$358

Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro

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

Its 100mm focal length and bright f/2.8 aperture provide excellent magnification and subject isolation for detailed macro work, supported by built-in stabilization. The lens is a strong value option for photographers seeking a dedicated macro tool without the premium cost of first-party alternatives. It is best for photographers specializing in close-up product shots or detailed nature macro photography who use Sony E-mount cameras.

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Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens
Price CA$604

Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5

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

Its 28mm f/2.5 design delivers a distinct soft, glowing effect at wide apertures, making it unique among standard primes. The lens also offers a useful 1:2 macro magnification with a very close 2-inch working distance, adding versatility. This lens is best for photographers seeking a creative, painterly look for portraits or detailed close-up shots, not for general or travel use.

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Samyang 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS

69.5 Macro Score
16mm f/2 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture and 24mm equivalent focal length make it a strong, fast wide-angle prime for Nikon APS-C DSLRs. The lens is notably heavy at 572g, which impacts its portability despite the useful focal length. This lens is best for photographers needing a bright, wide-angle option for environmental portraits or close-up detail shots on a crop-sensor Nikon body.

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Samyang 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS lens
Price CA$510

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED

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

Its f/1.8 aperture and inclusion of both an Extra-Low Dispersion and an aspherical element deliver sharp images with pleasing bokeh and reduced aberrations. The lightweight 305g build makes it a practical, everyday prime lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. This lens is best for portrait photographers and FX-format shooters seeking a compact, high-quality normal prime for environmental portraits and general use.

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Tokina atx-i atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF

68 Macro Score
20mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and three aspherical elements deliver sharp, controlled images for a DX-format lens. The 16.6-30mm equivalent focal length provides a versatile ultra-wide to standard zoom range for Nikon F-mount cameras. This lens is best for Nikon APS-C shooters needing a bright, wide-angle zoom for landscapes or indoor event photography.

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Rokinon Series II 14mm f/2.8

66.8 Macro Score
14mm f/2.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm f/2.8 design with three HR and two ED elements delivers sharp, wide-angle images with controlled distortion. The robust, all-metal construction and nine-blade diaphragm provide a premium build and smooth bokeh. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a reliable, manual-focus ultrawide for Nikon F-mount DSLRs.

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Rokinon Series II 14mm f/2.8 lens
Price CA$520

Laowa Zero-D 14mm f/4

65.9 Macro Score
14mm f/4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

This 14mm f/4 lens stands out for its specialized optical design, featuring two aspherical and two extra-low dispersion elements to minimize distortion for architectural and landscape work. Its relatively compact 360g build and 1:3.33 maximum magnification offer surprising versatility for a wide-angle prime, allowing for close-focus detail shots. It is best for Nikon F-mount photographers needing a rectilinear, distortion-corrected ultra-wide angle for real estate interiors or detailed landscape foregrounds.

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