What to look for…

Big features for capturing tiny details

FIXED LENGTH

To maximize the working distance between the front of the lens and what you’re shooting, internal focusing is beneficial, so the lens doesn’t physically extend.

AUTO OR MANUAL?

Many of us would seldom consider buying a manual-focus, rather than autofocus, lens. For macro shooting, however, manual focusing is often preferable.

BEST FIT

FX format lenses work equally well on DX format bodies and are often preferred for macro photography, as they tend to have longer focal lengths.

MULTI-TALENTED

With a typical aperture rating of around f/2.8, most macro lenses can also be useful for portraiture and even action sports and wildlife photography.

FOCAL LENGTH

A macro lens with a longer focal length will have a larger minimum focus distance, enabling more breathing space between you and the object that you’re shooting.

VIBRATION REDUCTION

Optical or in-camera stabilization is great for general handheld shooting but, for extreme close-ups, it’s ineffective and a poor substitute for a tripod.