CAMERAS & LENSES FOR MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore the world in intricate detail.

Cameras

Almost any DSLR or mirrorless camera is capable of shooting macro photos. The difference between a 6-year-old camera and a brand-new camera won’t always show because it’s more about the lens. But, if you’re in the market for a new camera or looking to shoot macro video, now that cameras have some crazy resolution, something with 6K or 8K video would be incredible for shooting macro video.

Cameras with larger sensors will also provide better dynamic range and image quality, which will help you capture all of those juicy little details.

Recommended Cameras

Compare the Specs

Model	Canon EOS R6 Mark II	Canon EOS R7	Canon T7	Nikon Z5	Nikon Z6 II	Sony A7 IV	Sony Alpha 7C
Megapixels	24.2MP	32.5MP	24.10MP	24.3MP	24.5MP	33.0MP	24.2MP
Sensor Type/Size	CMOS / 36 x 24 mm / 1.42 x 0.94 in	CMOS / 22.3 x 14.8 mm / 0.88 x 0.58 in	CMOS / 22.3 x 14.9 mm / 0.88 x 0.59 in	CMOS / 35.9 x 23.9 mm / 1.41 x 0.94 in	CMOS / 35.9 x 23.9 mm / 1.41 x 0.94 in	CMOS / 35.9 x 23.9 mm / 0.92 x 0.61 in	Exmor CMOS / 35.6 x 23.8 mm / 1.40 x 0.94 in
Processor	DIGIC X	DIGIC X	DIGIC 4+	EXPEED 6	2 X EXPEED 6	BIONZ XR	BIONZ X
Stabilization	Up to 8 stops of shake correction with Coordinated IS	5-axis In-body Image Stabilization with auto-level technology	In-lens	3-axis VR/5-axis VR, depending upon lens used	5-axis VR	5-axis optical image	5-axis In-body
ISO Sensitivity	100-102400	100-32000 (expandable to 51200)	100-6400 (expandable to 12800)	100-51,200 (Expanded: Low to 50; High to 102,400)	100-51,200 (Expanded: 50 to 204,800)	Still: 100 to 51200, Expandable: 50 to 204800	100-51200 (Expandable: 50-204800)

Lenses for Incredible Detail

Macro lenses reproduce an image at a 1:1 (one-to-one) ratio of its original size and can capture images clearly within a short focusing distance. However, there are other lenses out there that are labeled as Macro that don’t allow you to get as close as 1:1 reproduction ratio lenses do. The magnification factor of these macro lenses is usually 1.0 (1:1) or 0.5. An example of this type of lens is the Canon 35mm RF Macro lens. This has a 0.5x magnification.

Best Pick for Beginners

The 0.5x magnification ratio you get with the Canon 35mm RF Macro lens is a good starting point. You won’t be able to fill the frame with a tiny subject like you would be able to with a 1:1 macro lens, but there are other advantages. The price here is where most people start before jumping up to a lens that might run you well over $1000.00. The Canon 35mm RF Macro lens is far below that. If you are just trying things out and don’t want to spend over a thousand dollars for some of the top macro lenses, this allows you to have some fun while remaining within that low budget. (Look for a similar focal length from other brands, for non-Canon shooters.)

The 35mm focal length is also great for everyday photography as well. This lens would be totally suitable for everyday use or vacation, because of the shorter focal length. It’s not limited to just close-up macro photography.

Other 100mm macro lenses usually reserved for macro can be great portrait lenses as well. That focal length wouldn’t be useful for shooting a landscape or travel photo, whereas the 35mm would!

Find out more about the Canon RF35mm Macro lens

Best Overall

The Panasonic 100mm F2.8 is currently the smallest 100mm Macro lens with that 1:1 magnification. This lens pairs so well with the high-resolution cameras that Panasonic is coming out with. The S1R Mkii is a photo and video beast and allows you to shoot 8K video. Imagine getting so close with a 1:1 lens, then also having an 8k camera allowing you to get even closer thanks to all that resolution.

The S5Mkii is one of the more affordable cameras that would pair well with the 100mm macro lens because that camera has 6.2K and records in Open Gate mode, so you can take a video once but then deliver to multiple platforms like IG and YouTube with that one shot.

Other brands offer 100mm macro lenses as well. There is some variation in size, weight, and price across manufacturers. Sigma often offers more affordable options. But it’s hard to beat the Panasonic 100mm F2.8 lens in the size and weight categories.

The other big thing that people love about Panasonic lenses is that their line-up of prime lenses are all nearly identical in size and weight. The filter sizes are all the same on their F1.8 prime lenses, including the 100mm F2.8 prime lens. One size of filter is all you need if you go the Panasonic route.

Macro Lenses

SHOP ALL MACRO LENSES

Macro Shots from a Distance

Getting up close to your subject can sometimes interfere with the lighting. Sometimes getting up close isn’t possible at all. How do you capture macro shots of something you can’t get close to?

For starters, use longer lenses when photographing insects and you might not scare them away. Something like a 100mm would be best to not disturb whatever is crawling in front of you!

For even greater distances, not only do telephoto lenses solve this problem, but they can also bring more creative options to the picture, such as better depth of field, more natural light and a wider range of framing opportunities. Olympus has some helpful information on shooting telephoto macro photos in this article.

BROWSE TELEPHOTO LENSES

Accessories

Find the support you need to maintain focus, bags to carry your gear, and other accessories to help you enjoy the art of macro photography.

Recommended Accessories:

Cameron Variable Neutral Density Filters - Variable ND filters are a much-needed accessory if you are shooting video, especially outside in the day. You just need to know the filter thread on the lens. Shop VND Filters
Manfrotto 290 Xtra with MH804-3W Pan Head - This Manfrotto tripod is particularly good for macro photography! You can use a standard ball-head tripod, and it will be fine, but the Manfrotto 290 Xtra tripod with MH804-3W Pan Head allows you to make small little changes and lock the tripod in place. Once it’s locked in place, it’s not going anywhere. Shop Now
Vanguard Alta 2 263Av with PH114V Tripod - A video tripod with a pan head will allow you to pan the camera smoothly while also locking the camera into place. The Vanguard Alta 2 263Av with PH114V Tripod is a good pick for macro work. Take a look
Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light - Two or Three Aputure MC lights is a great macro set up paired with a 100mm macro lens. You can create either a two-point lighting set up or a three-point light set up. Because your subjects are so small, even a small LED light like this can become a soft light source. Back the light up for harder shadows or change the colour to add a pop of blue, red or orange into your set because these lights are fully RGB. Shop Now

More Accessories

Have Questions?

Contact our Customer Service team using Online Chat, they’ll be happy to help.

Macro for Every Season

The changing seasons offer new opportunities to capture new photos. As birds return and spring flowers appear, there are plenty of opportunities to grab your camera and explore the world. Check out 10 Tips for Wildflower Photography or read about an insect photographer’s experiences with the Sony Alpha 7R V for inspiration and tips.

Photo by Janet Carnegie. Shot using a Canon EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens.

Additional Information

We’ve found a few articles that you might find helpful as you explore your options:

Photographing Jewellery

Tips, example images and an overview of commercial photographer Jody Dole’s setup for shooting photos of jewellery. Read Bright Ideas: Tips and Techniques for Photographing Jewellery

Macro photo of a Cedar Waxwing with a berry in its mouth

Mastering Macro Bird Photography: Capturing the Hidden Details of Nature

Macro bird photography offers a completely different perspective. By zooming in on the intricate details of feathers, eyes, and beaks, photographers can capture the fine textures and hidden beauty of birds that are often overlooked. Read the article

Learn more about Canon lenses for food photography

Food Photography with Canon Lenses

What’s the best Canon lens for food photography? Check out these mouth-watering images to help you decide!

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