Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Macro

83.7 Macro Score
35mm f/1.8 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout 0.5x macro magnification and 5-stop optical image stabilization make it a versatile prime lens for a 35mm focal length. The inclusion of a control ring and compact 306g design adds direct manual control and excellent portability. This lens is best for photographers who need a lightweight, stabilized option for close-up product or nature photography, not for dedicated portrait work.

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Canon EF Meike 85mm F1.8 SE Mark II STM AF Full Frame Auto Focus Medium Telephoto High

81.6 Macro Score
85mm f/1.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an 85mm f/1.8 design with an STM motor for silent, smooth autofocus and an 11-blade diaphragm for high-quality bokeh. The lens is further distinguished by a micro Type-C port for online firmware upgrades, enhancing its longevity and feature set. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers using Canon EF-mount DSLRs who prioritize smooth focus pulls and creamy background separation.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

98.7 Macro Score
24mm f/1.8 Canon RF IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a fast f/1.8 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a wide-angle prime lens. As an affordable entry into the RF system, it offers great value for expanding a mirrorless kit without sacrificing key optical performance. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers and videographers who need a versatile wide-angle for landscapes, street photography, and low-light scenarios.

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Canon L EF 16-35mm IS USM

75.4 Macro Score
16-35mm f/4 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/4 aperture and built-in Optical Image Stabilizer provide reliable performance for handheld shooting in varied lighting. The lens features a robust L-series build with a fluorine coating for durability and easier cleaning. This lens is best for landscape photographers and videographers who need a sharp, stabilized wide-angle zoom for environmental shots and cinematic b-roll.

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Canon EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

71.6 Macro Score
18-135mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

This lens offers a versatile 18-135mm zoom range, equivalent to 28.8-216mm on APS-C cameras, making it a practical all-in-one option for travel and general photography. Its inclusion of a UD and an aspherical element helps control aberrations for improved image quality across its focal range. It is best for Canon APS-C camera owners seeking a single, lightweight walk-around lens for everyday shooting and travel.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Canon L EF 100mm Macro IS USM

85.2 Macro Score
100mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 magnification and built-in Hybrid Image Stabilization make it a top choice for capturing fine details. The inclusion of an Ultra-Low Dispersion element and Super Spectra Coating ensures sharp, color-accurate images with minimal aberrations. This lens is best for photographers specializing in close-up product shots or detailed nature macro work.

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Canon EF 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Standard

66.5 Macro Score
17-55mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical image stabilization provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for its EF-S mount. The inclusion of UD and aspherical lens elements ensures high optical quality, rivaling many full-frame zooms. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters needing a versatile, bright standard zoom for event photography or run-and-gun video work.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Canon RF IS USM

80 Macro Score
14-35mm f/4 Canon RF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/4 maximum aperture and inclusion of three UD and three aspherical elements deliver sharp, corrected images across its versatile 14-35mm zoom range. The lens is built for the Canon RF system, offering full-frame coverage with built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting. This lens is best for Canon photographers who need a compact, high-performance ultra-wide zoom for landscapes and architectural work where edge-to-edge sharpness is critical.

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Canon L IS USM

78.2 Macro Score
35mm f/2.8 Canon RF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 15-35mm focal range make it a versatile, bright wide-angle zoom for RF-mount cameras. The lens is further enhanced by Nano USM technology for fast, quiet autofocus and up to 5 stops of optical image stabilization. This lens is best for travel and landscape photographers who need a reliable, high-quality wide-angle zoom in a variety of lighting conditions.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Canon L IS STM

79 Macro Score
10-20mm f/4 Canon RF IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its fast ultrawide zoom range and high-speed STM autofocus system, paired with optical image stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens offers a constant f/4 aperture and full-frame coverage, providing consistent performance across its focal range. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers who require a reliable, stabilized ultrawide zoom for dynamic compositions.

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