Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2

68.8 Macro Score
40mm f/2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its compact 170g build and bright f/2 aperture make it a highly portable prime lens for Nikon Z full-frame cameras. The inclusion of two aspherical elements and a Super Integrated Coating contributes to sharp image quality with reduced flare. This lens is best for photographers seeking a lightweight, affordable walk-around or portrait lens for everyday use.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro

89.4 Macro Score
105mm f/2.8 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This 105mm f/2.8 macro lens stands out with its true 1:1 life-size magnification and a fast f/2.8 aperture for excellent subject isolation. Its Dual-Motor STM autofocus system provides smooth, quiet operation, making it a strong choice for video work. This lens is best for photographers and videographers specializing in detailed product shots, insect photography, or anyone needing a versatile, high-quality macro prime.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED

77.8 Macro Score
20mm f/1.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of two ED and two aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-light performance with minimal aberrations. The relatively lightweight 355g build and Nano Crystal Coatings enhance handling and reduce flare for a versatile prime. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a wide, fast prime for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras.

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Nikon Meike 24mm F1.4 AF Ultra Wide Angle Large Aperture Auto Focus STM Full Frame

77.3 Macro Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and STM motor provide a bright, fast, and quiet focusing experience ideal for low-light and video work. The optical design, featuring three ED and three aspherical elements, promises high sharpness and controlled aberrations for its class. This lens is best for Nikon Z shooters prioritizing astrophotography or environmental portraits where a wide, bright prime is essential.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

80.1 Macro Score
28-400mm f/4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its 28-400mm full-frame zoom range offers exceptional versatility in a single lens, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto focal lengths. The 5.5-stop VR image stabilization is a significant strength for handheld shooting, compensating for its variable f/4-8 aperture. This lens is best for photographers who need maximum focal length flexibility without changing lenses, particularly for landscapes, events, or wildlife where carrying multiple optics is impractical.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

76.3 Macro Score
17-28mm f/2.8 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom design provide a compact, 451g build that maintains consistent performance for Nikon Z-mount full-frame cameras. The stepping motor AF system ensures quiet and smooth autofocus, which is ideal for video work. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and vloggers who need a reliable, wide-angle zoom in a portable package.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

75.9 Macro Score
22-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and Vibration Reduction system provide excellent low-light performance and sharpness for a versatile zoom. The inclusion of specialized elements like ED and HRI glass, along with Nano Crystal Coatings, effectively controls aberrations and flare. This lens is best for event photographers and videographers who need a reliable, high-performance standard zoom in varied lighting conditions.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

81.6 Macro Score
50mm f/1.2 Nikon Z Mount
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for professional-grade subject isolation. This lens excels in portrait photography, achieving a high score of 78.5 in that category. It is best suited for portrait photographers and content creators who prioritize creamy bokeh and excellent performance in challenging lighting conditions.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED

70.6 Macro Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and Nano Crystal Coating deliver exceptional sharpness and low-light performance with minimal flare. The lens construction, featuring two ED and two aspherical elements, ensures high optical quality with controlled distortion. This lens is best for portrait photographers and professionals who require a fast, wide-angle prime for environmental portraiture or indoor shoots.

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