Best Lenses under $500 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Art 30mm F1.4 DC HSM

62.2 Macro Score
30mm f/1.4 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for creative control. As a prime lens, it offers superior sharpness and image quality compared to most kit zoom lenses at this focal length. This lens is best for Canon APS-C shooters prioritizing portrait photography and cinematic-looking video bokeh.

Read Full Review
Price $439
Sigma Art 30mm F1.4 DC HSM lens

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma 883101 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS Hyper Sonic Motor

60 Macro Score
18-250mm f/3.5 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its 18-250mm focal range provides a versatile 27-375mm equivalent on APS-C cameras, making it a true all-in-one travel lens. The inclusion of optical stabilization, offering up to 4 stops of correction, is a significant advantage for handheld shooting at longer focal lengths. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers who want a single, lightweight lens for travel and general-purpose photography on their APS-C DSLR.

Read Full Review

Sigma Contemporary 30mm f/1.4 DC DN

34.6 Macro Score
30mm f/1.4 Canon EF-M
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a compact prime lens. This lens is particularly well-suited for Canon EF-M mount users seeking a fast, affordable normal focal length. It is an ideal choice for APS-C shooters creating portraits or vlog-style video content where subject isolation is key.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $1,000 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Art 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

74.7 Macro Score
18-35mm f/1.8 Canon EF Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/1.8 aperture across the 18-35mm zoom range provides exceptional low-light performance and background blur for a zoom lens. The robust Art-series build quality and sharp optics make it a reliable tool for demanding shoots. This lens is best for Canon DSLR photographers and videographers who need a versatile, fast prime-like zoom for portraits, events, or cinematic work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma 258101 105 mm f/2.8 Macro

72.3 Macro Score
105mm f/2 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 1:1 macro capability at a 12.3-inch working distance makes it a dedicated tool for extreme close-up photography, supported by a bright f/2.8 aperture. The lens includes essential accessories like a hood and caps, adding value for photographers building their kit. This 105mm prime is best for Canon DSLR shooters specializing in detailed macro work, such as photographing insects or product details, where its magnification is critical.

Read Full Review
Sigma 258101 105 mm f/2.8 Macro lens
Price $654

Sigma Contemporary 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

55.1 Macro Score
18-300mm f/3.5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 18-300mm focal range with a 1:2 macro capability offers exceptional versatility for a single lens, allowing both wide-angle and telephoto shots. The inclusion of four FLD glass elements and optical stabilization helps maintain image quality across its extensive zoom range. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers who need an all-in-one solution for travel and casual macro photography without switching lenses.

Read Full Review

Best Lenses under $1,500 for macro

Best Pick

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

72.9 Macro Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and robust build quality, featuring three SLD and four aspherical elements, deliver sharp, aberration-free images. The inclusion of optical stabilization makes it a versatile choice for handheld shooting in varied lighting. This lens is best for full-frame Canon photographers who need a reliable, high-performance standard zoom for professional portraits and event work.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

69.1 Macro Score
17-70mm f/2.8 Canon EF-S IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical stabilization provide excellent low-light versatility for a standard zoom lens. The standout macro capability, with a focusing distance of just 8.7 inches, adds significant creative flexibility beyond typical walk-around use. This lens is best for APS-C camera users seeking a sharp, all-purpose zoom for travel and close-up photography without a dedicated macro lens.

Read Full Review

Sigma Sports 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG OS HSM

24.7 Macro Score
150-600mm Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its 150-600mm super-telephoto zoom range and built-in optical stabilization make it a capable tool for distant subjects. The inclusion of four FLD glass elements helps control chromatic aberration for improved image clarity. This lens is best for wildlife or sports photographers on a budget who need significant reach without the cost of first-party options.

Best Lenses under $2,500 for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

67.2 Macro Score
200mm f/2.8 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

Its constant f/2.8 aperture and robust optical formula with nine FLD elements deliver sharp, high-contrast images with pleasing bokeh. The lens offers reliable autofocus and stabilization for a significant price advantage over first-party equivalents. This lens is best for portrait and event photographers who need a versatile telephoto zoom with professional-grade optics on a budget.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

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

Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG OS HSM

48.2 Macro Score
Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 150-600mm reach and relatively lightweight 1928g build make it a practical super-telephoto option. The water and oil repellent coating on the front element simplifies maintenance in the field. This lens is best for hobbyist photographers needing long focal lengths for subjects like airshows or motorsports, where its portability is a key advantage.

Read Full Review

Sigma Art 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM

15.4 Macro Score
14mm f/1.8 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally fast f/1.8 maximum aperture at 14mm makes it a standout for ultra-wide-angle astrophotography and low-light architectural interiors. The robust Art-series construction ensures optical consistency, though its 2.4kg weight is substantial. This lens is best for Canon EF-mount photographers specializing in night sky photography or interior real estate work where extreme wide-angle and fast apertures are critical.

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 Auto Focus APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom

14.7 Macro Score
150-500mm f/5 Canon EF
Why we recommend this

Its 150-500mm focal range and constant f/5 aperture offer substantial telephoto reach for a budget-conscious price point. The included tripod collar and case are practical additions for a lens of this size and weight. This lens is best for photographers on a tight budget who need extreme focal lengths for distant subjects like wildlife or sports.

Read Full Review

Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM

46.4 Macro Score
150-600mm f/5 Canon EF IS
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its 150-600mm zoom range and built-in optical stabilization, offering significant reach in a relatively lightweight and compact body. Its water and oil repellent coating on the front element makes for easier maintenance in the field. It is best for wildlife photographers and outdoor sports shooters who need a portable super-telephoto option.

Read Full Review
Price $2,800
Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens