Best Lenses under £400 for macro

Best Pick

Sony SEL55210 Compact ILC Lenses

68 Macro Score
10mm f/4 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a versatile 55-210mm telephoto zoom range, paired with Optical SteadyShot stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens also incorporates ED glass elements to minimize color fringing and offers smooth, quiet internal autofocus. This is best for Sony APS-C mirrorless shooters needing an affordable, lightweight telephoto option for subjects like distant wildlife or sports on a budget.

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Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS

63.8 Macro Score
50mm f/1.8 Sony (E mount for NEX) IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization enable sharp, low-light shooting and smooth handheld video. The lens is remarkably compact at 206g and features a Linear Autofocus motor for quiet, precise focusing. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters prioritizing portability for street photography and run-and-gun video work.

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Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime

53.7 Macro Score
35mm f/1.8 Sony E-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its 35mm f/1.8 aperture excels in low light and creates a pleasing background blur, while its internal focus and linear motor ensure quiet, smooth operation for video. Weighing only 155g, it offers exceptional portability and a compact build for a fast prime lens. This lens is best for Sony APS-C shooters prioritizing run-and-gun video work or discreet street photography where silent autofocus is critical.

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Best Lenses under £800 for macro

Best Pick

Sony FE SEL24240 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full-frame

83.1 Macro Score
24-240mm f/3.5 Sony E (Full-Frame) IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 10x zoom range from 24-240mm makes it a uniquely versatile all-in-one travel lens for full-frame Sony cameras, backed by Optical SteadyShot stabilization. The inclusion of one ED and five aspherical elements helps control aberrations across its ambitious focal range, and it maintains a weather-sealed build. This lens is best for landscape photographers and professionals who need a single, durable lens for varied shooting conditions without changing optics.

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Sony E 11mm f/1.8

79.1 Macro Score
11mm f/1.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 11mm focal length and large f/1.8 aperture enable dynamic, low-light shooting in an exceptionally compact and lightweight design. The lens also delivers fast, precise autofocus that is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments. This prime is best for travel and street photographers using APS-C cameras who prioritize portability and a unique, ultra-wide perspective.

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Sony 20mm F1.4 Art DG HSM for E

64.3 Macro Score
20mm f/1.4 Sony E, Sony FE
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture at a 20mm focal length is a unique combination, offering exceptional light gathering for a wide-angle prime lens. As part of Sigma's Art series, it employs high-grade FLD, SLD, and aspherical glass elements for sharp, corrected image quality. This lens is best for astrophotographers and landscape shooters who require both a wide field of view and very fast aperture performance in low light.

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Sony SEL2860 Full Frame E-Mount

37.8 Macro Score
28-60mm Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its remarkably compact 167g build paired with a full-frame E-mount, delivering high-resolution image quality across its 28-60mm zoom range. The lens achieves sharp results and smooth bokeh using three aspherical elements, while its linear motor provides fast, quiet autofocus ideal for video. This lens is best for travel and everyday photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing full-frame sensor coverage.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Full-Frame Macro

86.7 Macro Score
90mm f/2.8 Sony E-Mount IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 90mm focal length and bright f/2.8 aperture, combined with 1:1 magnification and Optical SteadyShot, make it a dedicated macro tool. The lens is built with advanced spherical and Super ED glass elements for exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness and minimal flare, housed in a dust and moisture-resistant body. This lens is best for photographers specializing in handheld, close-up nature and product photography where precise, quiet autofocus is critical.

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Sony G E 15mm f/1.4

78.3 Macro Score
15mm f/1.4 Sony E
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 22.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length make it exceptionally fast and wide for an APS-C prime. The lens is remarkably compact at 218g, and its optical design uses Super ED and aspherical elements for high sharpness. This lens is best for street photographers who need a fast, lightweight prime for low-light and environmental shooting.

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Sony G Master SEL85F14GM FE 85 mm f/1.4

56.9 Macro Score
85mm f/1.4 Sony Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and XA element deliver exceptional sharpness and smooth bokeh for professional portraits. The linear SSM focus system provides fast, quiet, and precise autofocus, making it suitable for both stills and video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize ultimate subject isolation and rendering quality on full-frame Sony cameras.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for macro

Best Pick

Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G

78.7 Macro Score
16-25mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and 408g weight make it a remarkably compact and portable standard zoom lens for travel. The lens delivers outstanding G Lens image quality with high resolution across its 16-25mm range, supported by a fast and quiet dual Linear Motor AF system. This lens is best for travel and street photographers who prioritize a lightweight, high-performance zoom in their camera bag.

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Sony G Master FE 24-70mm f/2.8 II

77.1 Macro Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Sony E Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/2.8 aperture and four XD linear motors deliver exceptionally fast and quiet autofocus for a standard zoom lens. It is also 22% lighter and more compact than its predecessor, improving handling without sacrificing full-frame coverage. This lens is best for hybrid shooters and event photographers who need reliable, high-speed performance in a more portable package.

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Sony G E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 OSS Telephoto Zoom

62.6 Macro Score
70-350mm f/4.5 Sony E-Mount IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a 70-350mm super-telephoto zoom with a lightweight 626g build and XD Linear Motor for fast, quiet autofocus. The lens also offers excellent corner-to-corner G lens resolution and built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization for sharp handheld shots. This lens is best for APS-C camera users needing a portable, high-quality telephoto for travel and wildlife photography.

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Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS

58.2 Macro Score
400-800mm f/6.3 Sony E IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally long 400-800mm zoom range with a constant f/6.3 aperture, offering full-frame coverage in a relatively compact internal zoom design. The lens is built for professional use with dual linear motors for fast autofocus and a focus limiter switch for responsive tracking. It is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need extreme reach without the bulk of traditional super-telephoto primes.

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