Best Macro Lens For Canon Camera
Want to capture the minute details of a flower with detailed precision? Well, if that's the case, go for a macro lens. These lenses have high reproduction ratios meaning the size of the photographs' subject in real life is the same or even larger when viewed on the sensor plane. This makes them ideal for portrait photography, wedding photography, newborn photography, close up plant photography, product photography and much more.
Since any small object tends to be infinitely more fascinating when viewed through a macro lens, it makes it a truly captivating activity that many photographers enjoy pursuing. Not only that, micro lenses are more flexible and excellent prime lenses that can create ultra-sharp images due to their aperture setting.
Thus, if you are searching for the right macro camera lens for your Canon DSLRs, then you have surely come to the right place; as in this article, I’ll be discussing the 12 best macro lenses for Canon that are capable of producing quality macro images.
In a hurry?! Here are my top picks
12 BEST MACRO LENSES FOR CANON REVIEW
1.CANON EF 100MM F/2.8L - BEST MACRO LENS FOR CANON EF MOUNT CAMERAS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Aperture range: f/2.8-32
- Focus delimiting switch
- 15 elements in 12 groups
FEATURES:
An ultimate choice of macro lens that will deliver stunning close-up shots when paired with your Canon camera. The tack sharp images and the perfect background isolation this lens adds are a true treat to your eyes.
Though this is a Full-Frame lens, it is highly compatible with both EF and EF-S cameras (will give a full-frame equivalent focal length of 160mm).
By reading this product review, you'll understand why I've placed this lens in the first place. Many micro lenses fail in delivering pictures with good color reproduction; However, with this lens, you will not face this issue that there is an Ultra-Low Dispersion glass inside. This will tackle the effects of chromatic aberrations and fringing.
DESIGN:
When comparing this Canon macro 100mm F/2.8L with its predecessor Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM, though most of their features remain the same, there are a few noticeable differences. Firstly, unlike the non-stabilized version (EF 100mm f/2.8 USM), this lens ensures image stabilization. Secondly, Being an L lens, this one is capable enough to survive bad weather conditions, whereas the other model doesn't ensure this safety.
At 1:1 magnification, the IS feature will compensate for camera shakes for up to 2-stops. Whereas at 1:2 magnification, you will get a 3 stop vibration reduction.
The build quality of this lens is good; the lens body is constructed out of metal, whereas the lens barrel is made of good-quality plastic. And the best part is you can use it in rain, drought, or snow as the lens is completely weather sealed.
Also, there is a ring-type USM motor to deliver that tack sharp, fast, and mainly a less-noisy AF. The last feature is critical while taking macro shots.
And guess what, the lens focuses internally. Meaning the lens barrel and the front filter will not move when you focus the subject. This means you're not going to scare the insect and lose the shot! Great right!
Lastly, there is a focus limiter switch, A/M switch, and a switch to on/off the IS.
PERFORMANCE:
Apart from the lens' ability to deliver life-size pictures(1:1), the other features I liked about this lens is its hybrid IS feature. This is a feature that will ease your handheld shoots because you can capture shots of flowers, insects or even do product photography at slower shutter speeds (1/80s at high magnifications).
Lastly, as the focal length is quite long, you get the perfect exposure for taking macro-shots. As you know when the focal range and the minimum focusing distance from the subject is long, you can take your flower and close up plant photography to the next level.
With respect to the above-listed features, this CANON EF 100MM F/2.8L IS USM rightly takes first place in my list and is definitely one of the best Canon DSLR macro lenses in the market.
What I liked about this lens:
- There is a rotatable tripod collar that comes with this lens (detachable)
2. CANON RF 85MM F2 MACRO IS STM - BEST CANON MACRO LENS FOR INSECTS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Lens mount: Canon RF
- It has a minimum focus distance of 35cm
- Image stabilizer built-in
FEATURES:
Do you own a Canon EOS R6 or any Canon mirrorless DSLR and looking for a perfect micro lens for it. Then here is a good buying choice; the Canon RF 85mm f2 lens is designed especially for Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras. I've tested this lens with my Canon Rebel T6, and I'll tell my honest opinion about it.
It has a 1:2 maximum reproduction ratio, which means the lens shows pictures of the subject (what you see in real life) in half its original size on the camera’s sensor.
DESIGN:
This Canon macro lens is made of high-quality plastic and weighs almost 500 grams. The lens’ front element extends while you autofocus the subject; however, there is no rotation of the lens barrel.
I wouldn’t say there is absolutely no noise during AF; however, the STM motor ensures that the AF noise is minimal though not NIL. When you compare the size of this RF 85mm lens with that of EF 85mm lenses, the former is slightly more oversized but not bulky.
You will find three switches on the lens barrel: A focus limiter switch, and IS on/off switch, and a M/A switch to change from auto-manual mode or vice versa.
PERFORMANCE:
What makes this lens take a place in this list is its working distance (minimum focus distance) of 35cm. According to me, this distance is good enough to take good-quality close-up shots of slightly big-sized insects, flowers, or products.
Also, the lens has an in-built 5-stop image stabilization feature; however, when combined with a Canon mirrorless camera like EOS R5/R6 (has in-built IS), you can get 8-stop image stabilization.
The f/2 aperture helps you to take absolutely stunning macro photographs with a nice background blur.
Overall, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM is loaded with pretty decent features that will be useful for taking pictures of wedding rings or doing product photography.
What I liked about this lens:
- Great for portrait and product photography as well
- Image stabilization compensates for camera shakes up to 8-stops
3. TOKINA ATX-I 100MM MACRO F2.8 - BEST CHEAP MACRO LENS FOR CANON
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- 1:1 macro lens
- Compatible with Canon EF cameras
- Aperture range: f/2.8-32
- 9 elements in 8 groups
FEATURES:
This third-party macro camera lens from Tokina allows you to go up to 30cm close to the subject you’re focusing on. That too has a 1:1 magnification, and guess what, it’s only less than $500.
Isn’t that splendid! If you are a beginner photographer, you can pick the lens just for these factors itself.
DESIGN:
A notable feature in the lens’ design is the One-touch focus mechanism. So, what you do to change from auto to manual focus is push the manual focus ring to the front or push it back for manual to autofocus; that’s it.
NOTE: Handle the lens with care as it is not weather sealed
PERFORMANCE:
Though this is a FF lens, it is still compatible with any APS-C model camera, where it will give you an effective focal length of 150mm. Bokeh quality is good because of the 9 blades and wide aperture.
The AF is not as sharp as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8l or the Sigma 105mm lenses described above; it’s of mediocre speed with a slightly swishing noise.
What I liked about this lens:
- Field curvature is less, so it remains sharp both at the corners and centers
4. CANON RF 35MM F/1.8 IS MACRO STM - BEST MACRO WIDE ANGLE LENS CANON
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Sensor format: Full-Frame
- 11 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture range: f/1.8-22
FEATURES:
Both amateur and professionals will fall in love with this macro lens designed for Canon's EOS R mirrorless cameras.
If I were in your place, I would purchase this Canon macro lens just by looking at its minimum focusing distance itself. Yes, you can go up to 17cm close to the subject and take the best macro shots. So, you can comfortably rely on this lens for taking ultra-macro shots of insects and bugs as well.
The 35mm focal length will not only allow you to get the pictures of the subject but also cover most of the background.
DESIGN:
If you ask which is the best AF motor for lenses, most of you will tell STM motors. Because they provide reliable AF data, they are silent and also comparatively fast. And this pulse-type stepper motor is what provides a stunning AF performance here.
You will not feel like you're holding a lens on your camera because it is very lightweight. This is a great blessing for wildlife and travel photographers who love to shoot for long hours without a tripod.
PERFORMANCE:
The lens projects the picture of the subject at about half its size on the camera's sensor because it holds a 1:2 macro magnification.
The major problem most people face in close up photography is the footage becoming unstable when focused tightly. However, as this lens holds a 5-stop IS feature, you're only going to smooth footage, however shaky your hands be.
Lastly, the aperture range is very wide; you can go up to f/1.8 with this lens. So, it is ideal for taking pictures of any tiny subject at low-lights as well.
Overall, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is the best super macro lens for taking wide-angle shots of insects, bugs or doing product photography.
NOTE: If you own a Canon F mount DSLR, you can try the same Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM.
What I liked about this lens:
- Very wide aperture of f/1.8
5. SIGMA 17-70MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Sensor format: APS-C
When comparing this Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC macro lens with most branded lenses, you can focus more closely on the subject. Yes, this lens minimum focusing distance of 22cm helps you do that. Like all Sigma lenses, this macro photography lens also has an HSM motor. The optical design consists of 1 (SLD) glass and 2 (FLD) elements to tackle the effects of chromatic aberrations and purple fringing.
You can rely on this lens for outdoor macro shots because the lens is made of thermally composite material. This will help the lens to withstand harsh weather conditions and varying temperatures. The lens shows a magnification ratio of 1:2.8. The bokeh is creamy thanks to the 7 aperture blades.
The integrated HSM motor supported by an AF algorithm gives quiet, fast, and accurate AF tracking.
What I liked about this lens:
- Compatible with Sigma’s USB dock
6. SIGMA 105MM F2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO LENS - BEST CLOSE UP LENS FOR CANON
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Sensor format: Full-Frame
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
FEATURES:
Though this is a Full-Frame lens, it will suit your Canon EF and other APS-C cameras. With a minimum focusing distance of 31.2cm, you can get really close to the subject to take close-ups.
You can get true-life pictures with this lens. Meaning what you see in real life (say a coin of 40mm) is exactly projected on the camera’s sensor (same coin in 40mm size).
It is not very pricey, so you can think of investing in one if you like its features.
DESIGN:
Firstly when compared to the lenses mentioned above, this Sigma macro lens is slightly heavy (725g) and also comparatively long.
The AF motor included in this is Hyper Sonic Motor, so those who fear if the AF will be accurate and less noisy. Let me tell you; Sigma’s HSM motors are known for their silent AF operation.
In terms of build quality, the lens is completely made of metal, so it is durable. You will not have issues while doing manual focus for taking macro-shots because the manual focus ring glides very smoothly and also provides a good grip with your fingers.
PERFORMANCE:
In macro photography, image stabilization is essential, and the 4-stop IS in this lens works quite well.
I tested it with my Canon T3i camera, and I noticed that this Sigma lens does wonders in close up photography. The sharpness is good (center sharpness is more than corner sharpness); I was able to get a good bokeh effect when the aperture was stooped down a bit.
The color reproduction is good; I could barely see any distortion or aberrations in the pictures and videos. Thanks to the 2 SLD glasses present inside the lens.
Overall, though not exactly a lens for insect photography, it can be used for taking macro shots of flowers or doing product and baby photography. Initially, it may take some time to understand these types of canon lenses, but once you do, it opens up a new world of microphotography.
What I liked about this lens:
- Pictures look realistic with strong center sharpness and less sharp edges.
- Works great even in low-light conditions
- Short-telephoto focal length is very useful for close-ups
7. CANON EF 90 MM F/2.8L MACRO - TILT-SHIFT DSLR LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro Lens features L-series optics with an outstanding tilt and shift range as well as a reasonable minimum focusing distance, making it suitable for macro photography, portraiture, product photography, and several other specialty applications.
Also, its wide, easy-to-operate knobs and interlocking mechanisms remain authentic, and the minimum focusing distance of 0.39m is suitable for close-up photography.
Thus, for photographers, this Canon 90mm f/2.8L Macro lens is a versatile and excellent all-around performer. Even its large tilt knob and a tilt-locking mechanism make operation simpler and ensure the lens stays in place when shooting.
What I liked about this lens:
8. CANON EF 135 MM F/4L MACRO -TILT-SHIFT DSLR LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Canon 135mm F/4L Macro Lens is an ideal tilt-shift lens for product and portrait photography. The lens is made up of 11 components grouped into seven classes, including molded aspherical and Ultra-Low Dispersion elements.
It also has an Air Sphere Coating for internal reflection reduction and an SWC coating for flare and ghosting reduction. And the range of movements helps monitor the depth of field when photographing close-up subjects, with a minimum focus distance of 1.6′ and a maximum magnification of 0.5x.
Also, it’s suitable for studio, product, and tabletop photography. While its tilt-locking mechanism can be used when shooting for more stability, and it allows for up to +/- 10° of tilt for focus control and +/- 12mm of change for perspective and composition adjustment.
What I liked about this lens:
9. TAMRON 70-300MM F/4.0-5.6 DI LD
PRODUCT DETAILS:
As you guys already know, Tamron is known for the quality third-party lenses they manufacture. So, without any doubt, this telephoto-zoom lens will help you take your close-up photography to the next level. Now, take a look at the lens features mentioned below.
Firstly, this Auto Focus Macro Lens offers a lightweight, compact, high-image-quality telephoto zoom with a macro capability of 1:2 that can be used with digital cameras. While taking close-up shots, it's essential not to disturb the subject. To give you this ease, the lens is equipped with an internal focusing system.
This latest lens is a Di form lens that uses an enhanced multi-coating to reduce lens flare. Adding to it, the minimum aperture of f/32 is useful for extending the depth of field in macro mode.
While talking about the lens's optical architecture, there are 9 diaphragm blades with one Low-dispersion glass element to reduce chromatic aberrations and provide high-quality bokeh(Out-of-focus blur).
To allow a minimum focus distance of 0.95m within the focal length of 180-300mm, there is a Macro Switchover function. Moreover, the distant capture and foreshortening effect of the 300 mm ultra-telephoto world are causally offered by this zoom lens. One disadvantage with this lens is that it is not compatible with extenders. However, this factor is negligible when compared to the lens's amazing features.
Overall, this is a great choice for Canon users who are on a tight budget and those who will make use of its close-focusing capability.
What I liked about this lens:
10. TAMRON AF 18-200MM F/3.5-6.3 MACRO ZOOM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The new Tamron AF 18-200mm macro lens is an exclusive zoom lens for digital SLR cameras that uses smaller imagers. This lens has an entirely new optical architecture that uses Extra-refractive index glass in a revolutionary way to improve overall optical power distribution across the zoom range.
This architecture eliminates aberrations to the absolute minimum and, at the same time, achieves impressive downsizing.
Also, three hybrid aspherical lens elements and two glass elements of low dispersion are used to efficiently compensate for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, a crucial factor in improving digital photography's optical efficiency making it the best macro lens for Canon. For perfect out-of-focus blur effects(bokeh) there are 7 rounded blades in the optical design.
Even the zoom lens employs a modern optical method that considers the effects of zooming variances to confine the shifting angles of incidences of light rays hitting the imager within a certain scope over the entire image field from the middle to the periphery.
And, since the lens was developed specifically for digital SLR photography, it offers excellent image quality in terms of resolution, contrast, and image field flatness.
What I liked about this lens:
11. CANON 50MM F/2.8L - BEST TILT-SHIFT MACRO LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Canon 50mm f/2.8L Tilt-Shift Macro Lens is a well-made lens that produces high-quality images. With macro focusing, as well as tilt, shift, and rotate features, this lens can produce stunning and unique results.
Also, it includes two UD (Ultra-low dispersion) glass elements and one aspherical element that offer a combination of precision and quality that can be ideal for macro photography, advertising, etc. While delivering reliable and flexible use both in the studio and in the field, it has large, easily operated knobs and locking mechanisms.
Lastly, because of its high-level performance, it is considered a great choice for your Canon DSLRs and is mostly suitable for working professionals and enthusiasts alike.
What I liked about this lens:
12. CANON RF 85MM F1.2 L USM - BEST MACRO LENS FOR CANON MIRRORLESS CAMERAS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Canon RF 85mm Lens is a recent demonstration by Canon's lens designers of how well the new RF mount can do in combination with modern technology. It performs much better than the RF 50 due to its partly blue spectrum refractive optics.
Also, the Canon RF 85mm lens has a professional L-Series construction quality and fast and very precise autofocus, in addition to its outstanding image quality. Even when you combine these characteristics with the excellent image quality and focal length for ideal portraits, these results in many photographers' kits becoming the most used lens.
Lastly, its 13 elements in 9 groups, a 9-blade aperture system, and great compatibility with eye detection autofocus on EOS R system cameras make it supreme to create a detailed portrait with gorgeous background blur and consistency.
What I liked about this lens:
HOW TO PURCHASE THE RIGHT MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY LENS FOR CANON CAMERAS
1. Focal length
The ideal focal length for macro lenses is from 90mm to 110mm. Yes, mostly all macro lenses have a mid-telephoto focal length which will help take clear shots of the micro-objects without getting near them.
With that said, these days, we also have 35mm, 50mm-85mm macro lenses available in the market; these are comparatively cheaper and lightweight.
So, which is best depends on your choice. If you are interested in insect/bug photography, then go for the 90-110mm lenses; in other cases, like taking pictures of wedding rings or any stationary object, 40-60mm macro lenses will help bring good close-up shots.
2. True life magnification ratio
If you want the subject you see without your naked eye to appear the same size in your camera's sensor, then choose 1:1 magnification macro lenses.
The other magnification ratios include 1:2, 2:1, 1:3, 5:1. For example, suppose you got yourself a 1:2 macro lens for your Canon DSLR and focus a subject of, say, 20cm long; the camera's sensor will show the same subject in 10cm. Meaning the size of the image in real life is now halved and portrayed to you on the camera.
3. Silent AF and image stabilization
Both a lens with a silent AF motor and IS feature are a true blessing when it comes to macro lenses. And the reason why I say this is obvious.
In macro photography, our subject is very tiny. Say you want to take a slo-mo video of a bug. In that case, you can't actually go near it to take a snap as the noise from the camera's motor will frighten them.
That is why apart from seeing if the lens is capable of auto-focusing, you also need to check if it focuses silently.
And coming to why an IS is important? Well, your camera may have an IS in-built. In that case, you can compromise this feature on the lens. However, if your Canon camera lacks one, it would be better to have an IS macro lens because you will get smooth footage and mainly capture photographs at slower shutter speeds.
4. Sensor format
A very important note to keep in mind is that you cannot use an EF-S (Canon APS-C) lens with a Canon full-frame camera.
But third-party APS-C lenses work well with Canon Full-frame cameras, but you have to take the crop factor of 1.6x into the concern to find the equivalent full-frame length.
On the other hand, EF lenses will work perfectly fine with Canon's full-frame and APS-C cameras.
5. Minimum focus distance
This factor determines the closest/minimum focusing distance the lens is capable of achieving. Lenses with longer focal lengths have larger minimum focus distances. However, small focal length lenses have smaller minimum focusing distances.
FAQ
1. Can I use normal lenses for taking close-ups?
General-purpose lenses can take close-ups up to some extent, provided the minimum focus distance is small. That, too, you can capture macro shots of slightly small objects, that's it.
On the other hand, macro lenses that are specially designed for macro photography capture true life pictures of micro-objects. This is because they have a true magnification ratio of 1:1.
There are also macro lenses with a macro reproduction ratio of 2x, 3x, and even 5x.
2. What is the best aperture for macro photography?
If you're a serious wildlife or nature photographer, I recommend you get a lens with a wide aperture greater than f2.8. This will not allow you to get perfect bokeh quality but also allow you to shoot at dimly-lit situations.
Otherwise, for daylight macro photography, a lens with an aperture between 3.5-5.6 will be good enough.
3. What mm lens is best for macro photography?
The most preferred focal length for macro photography is 90 - 105mm. These days big brands like Canon Nikon manufacture shorter macro lenses with a focal range of less than 60mm.
4. What is the best setting for macro photography?
These camera settings have worked for me for macro photography:
- Aperture: For shooting macro shots of very tiny objects, use an aperture setting between f/8-11. For slightly bigger subjects (of about 1 inch), then the f/2.8-10 aperture setting will work fine.
- ISO: It is advisable to set the ISO to auto so the camera will do the necessary.
- Lighting: If you feel the shots are dim, then you can use a flashlight
- Shutter speed: Everyone knows for macro photography, you can't have slower shutter speeds. So go for shutter speeds at around 1/200.
5. Can I use a macro lens for normal photography?
Yes, you can use a macro lens for taking portraits, landscapes, and other general photography types. And it will give you excellent results.
6. Do macro lenses zoom?
Basically, macro lenses come in both Prime and Zoom types. With that said, a zoom-type macro lens has a higher magnification ratio with extremely close focusing distances. But they aren't a true 1:1 macro lens.
A macro prime is the best if you wish to get a 1:1 magnification ratio.
7. How do you use a Canon macro lens to take macro photos?
This is a big topic, so I have attached a video below to explain it clearly.
In general, Some common tips for macro photography include:
- Using the focus limiter switch on the lens barrel to cancel the part of the focus you don't need. This will be very helpful in macro photography.
- Try to use Manual focus more effectively than Autofocus, as the former will give you more precise control over focusing the subject. Also, turn the Liveview mode on your camera.
- Use the Focus Peaking function in your DSLRs (while rotating the focus ring, this function will show the areas in the frame that are in high contrast)
CONCLUSION
So, this was my choice of the top macro photography lenses for Canon cameras that you could consider buying. The tested items are all of high quality and are great for capturing high-quality images.
Apart from macro photography, you can also use these lenses for taking portrait shots.
