Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Yongnuo YN12-35mm F2.8-4M Standard

87.3 Macro Score
12-35mm f/2.8 Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture across a 24-70mm equivalent zoom range provides reliable low-light performance and a versatile field of view for Micro Four Thirds shooters. The lens features a metal mount with a dust-proof seal and uses an STM motor for quiet, smooth autofocus, making it a practical and well-built option. It's best for Micro Four Thirds videographers and documentary shooters who need a compact, all-purpose zoom with silent focusing.

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Meike 35mm f0.95 Large Aperture Manual Focus Prime Fixed

72.7 Macro Score
35mm f/0.95 Micro Four Thirds IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a Micro Four Thirds lens. The all-metal construction provides a notably solid and premium feel uncommon at this price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look from their Olympus or Panasonic bodies, though its manual focus and weight make it less ideal for casual travel.

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Laowa Argus 25mm F/0.95 APO

71 Macro Score
25mm f/0.95 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture enables stunning subject isolation and low-light performance for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens is an internal-focusing design, keeping its length constant and minimizing dust intrusion during operation. This prime is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look with a classic 50mm equivalent field of view.

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TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4

70.3 Macro Score
17mm f/1.4 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.4 aperture and compact 247g metal build make it a standout for its price, offering excellent low-light capability and a solid feel. The lens provides a versatile 34mm equivalent focal length and a smooth 10-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh, though it lacks autofocus and weather sealing. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters seeking a manual, affordable prime for environmental portraits and street photography where its character and speed are assets.

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7Artisans Fujinon GF 6mm F2.0 APS-C Fisheye Ultra Wide Angle 220° Manual Focus Prime

61.8 Macro Score
6mm f/2.0 Olympus/Panasonic 4/3 IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally wide 220° field of view, paired with a bright f/2.0 aperture for low-light and astrophotography. The lens is built from durable full-metal construction and offers a very close 0.1m minimum focus distance for exaggerated, creative close-ups. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters specializing in experimental astrophotography, immersive vlogging, or capturing dramatic, distorted perspectives in tight spaces.

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OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R

55.4 Macro Score
40-150mm f/4 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 80-300mm full-frame equivalent reach in a 190g body makes it exceptionally portable for its focal range. The inclusion of an extra-low dispersion element helps control chromatic aberration for clearer images. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters who need a lightweight, versatile telephoto option for street and travel photography.

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Laowa 50mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

48.1 Macro Score
50mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a 2:1 magnification ratio, doubling the standard macro capability to capture extreme detail. The apochromatic (APO) design ensures exceptional clarity by minimizing chromatic aberration for crisp images. This manual focus lens is best for Micro Four Thirds photographers specializing in scientific imaging or intricate product photography requiring extreme close-ups.

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Blackmagic Design Rokinon Cine DS 100mm T3.1 ED UMC Full Frame Telephoto Macro Cine

43.1 Macro Score
100mm Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 100mm focal length and T3.1 maximum aperture provide a classic macro perspective for Micro Four Thirds cameras, with a notably close 1.0 ft minimum focusing distance. The lens is built as part of the Cine DS line, featuring unified gearing and dual focus scales ideal for manual video use. This lens is best for filmmakers and videographers on the Micro Four Thirds platform who need a dedicated, manually-operated macro lens for controlled close-up shooting.

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Tokina SZ 500mm f/8 Reflex MF

41.5 Macro Score
500mm f/8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its 500mm focal length and catadioptric design deliver a compact 309g package, unusual for such reach. The fixed f/8 aperture and manual focus make it a specialized, budget-conscious tool for capturing distant subjects. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds shooters prioritizing extreme portability for casual wildlife or sports observation over versatility.

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Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN

29.4 Macro Score
30mm f/1.4 micro_four_thirds
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture provides a 60mm equivalent focal length, delivering superb sharpness and beautiful background blur for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This lens is a strong value proposition for its optical performance, offering a versatile, natural perspective ideal for everyday use. It is best for photographers seeking a fast prime for portraits, street scenes, and general photography where subject isolation is key.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX G X Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH POWER O.I.S.

85.7 Macro Score
35mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in POWER O.I.S. stabilization make it a versatile, fast wide-angle zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The lens offers a practical 24-70mm full-frame equivalent focal range in a compact, 306g package, balancing performance with portability. It is best for photographers needing a reliable, all-purpose zoom for everyday shooting and stabilized video work.

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Panasonic LUMIX G Vario H-F007014 G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH.

66.7 Macro Score
7-14mm f/007014 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

This ultra-wide zoom lens offers a constant f/4.0 aperture and built-in image stabilization, making it a sharp and versatile tool for Micro Four Thirds shooters. Its compact 301g design and 7-14mm focal range provide exceptional portability for expansive landscapes. It is best for travel and architectural photographers who need a lightweight, wide-angle solution without switching lenses.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro

53.3 Macro Score
7-14mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture across the 7-14mm zoom range provides excellent low-light capability and creative flexibility for wide-angle shots. The lens's robust build and ZERO coating effectively minimize flare, making it a reliable tool for demanding outdoor conditions. This lens is best for Micro Four Thirds landscape and architectural photographers who need a sharp, fast, ultra-wide zoom.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO

93.8 Macro Score
90mm f/3.5 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 2:1 maximum magnification and 180mm full-frame equivalent reach offer exceptional close-up capability for a compact 454g lens. The weather-sealed PRO build and built-in image stabilization make it reliable for field use. This lens is best for macro photographers needing high magnification and portability, especially for insects or detailed botanical work.

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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux Leica DG Vario-Summilux 25-50mm f/1.7 ASPH.

74.6 Macro Score
25-50mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.7 aperture across the 25-50mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light capability and background blur for a Micro Four Thirds lens. It meets strict Leica optical standards, ensuring professional-grade sharpness and rendering for photographers and videographers. This lens is best for Panasonic LUMIX shooters prioritizing portrait work and run-and-gun video where a fast, consistent aperture is critical.

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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS

63.8 Macro Score
100-400mm f/5 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 120g build paired with an extensive 200-800mm equivalent zoom range, making it exceptionally portable for its reach. The lens is fully weather-sealed, allowing photographers to shoot confidently in adverse conditions without worrying about moisture or dust. This lens is best for travel and wildlife photographers who need a lightweight, all-weather telephoto option for handheld shooting on the go.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO

67.9 Macro Score
50-200mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 7-stop 5-axis Sync IS provide exceptional low-light performance and handheld stability for a super-telephoto zoom. The lens offers a full-frame equivalent 100-400mm reach in a relatively compact and portable package for its class. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a long, fast zoom but prioritize a lighter kit for hiking or travel.

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