Need help choosing the best macro lens for Nikon cameras? This guide will walk you through the best macro lenses on the market to help you take amazing close up photography.

Best Macro Lens For Nikon

 

Cheap Macro Lenses For Nikon: Under $500

1. Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED

The Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED is perfect for close up, nature and portrait photography. Your macro images will be clearer than ever with Nikon’s professional quality VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization system. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology means your lens focusing will stay quiet enough not to scare away your wildlife subjects. And weighing only 0.78 lbs means a lighter travel experience and less chance for your macro lens to make your camera unsteady while mounted on a mini tripod.

Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • 85mm lens ideal for close-up, nature, portrait and general photography
  • Close focusing to 0.9 feet
  • Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
  • Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element; Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
  • Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)

2. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro

Sigma delivers for wildlife and nature photographers with their 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM. Designed for full frame Nikon cameras, this macro lens will also work with DX (cropped sensor) cameras producing an effective 150mm focal length. A minimum focus distance of 12.3 inches and maximum aperture of f/2.8 make this one of the best macro lenses for Nikon photographers.

Sigma 258306 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Camera
  • Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 150mm with most cameras
  • Focuses down to 1:1 magnification ratio at its closest working distance of 12.3 inches
  • A hood adapter, lens hood, front & rear lens caps are included with the lens
  • Lens not zoomable
  • English (Publication Language)

3. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

The Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G is the best macro lens for Nikon photographers who want a lightweight, compact macro lens for easy travel and quick close up photos. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.53 ft and a fixed focal length of 40mm, making it ideal for wildlife and nature photos, such as flowers and insects. Plus, the built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology will keep your camera’s focus super fast and ultra quiet.
Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Compact and lightweight DX-format close-up lens. Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) - 9 elements in 7 groups
  • Maximum reproduction ratio is 1.0x. Focal length is 40 mm
  • Sharp images from infinity to life-size (1x), autofocus to 64 inches
  • Close-range correction system (CRC). Silent wave motor (SWM)
  • Angle of view is 38 degree 50 feet. Features focus distance indicator 0.53 feet to infinity having minimum focus distance as 0.53 feet

4. Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D Macro

Tokina’s 100mm macro lens offers a great close up photography experience for photographers using either cropped sensor or full sensor cameras. It has a 11.8 inch (30mm) minimum focusing distance and is capable of life-sized 1:1 reproductions. This is a fantastic macro lens for under $500.

Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D Macro Lens - Nikon AF Mount
  • Macro lens capable of life-sized (1:1) reproduction
  • Closest macro focusing distance 11.8 inches (30 mm)
  • Suitable for DX and full frame DSLRs
  • One Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism
  • Includes 55 mm non-rotating filter thread

5. Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC Full Frame Telephoto Macro

Rokonin’s 100mm macro lens will work on both full frame and DX Nikon cameras and offers a minimum focusing distance of just 12 inches. It has an aperture range of f/2.8 – f/32 and captures amazing out of focus highlights (bokeh). This is probably the best macro lens for Nikon full frame cameras.

Rokinon 100mm F2.8 ED UMC Full Frame Telephoto Macro Lens with Built-in AE Chip for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
  • Full frame compatible with a 24.8 degree angle of view on full frame cameras and a 16.4 degree angle of view on APS-C cameras
  • Constructed of 15 Glass Elements in 12 Groups and boasts a minimum focusing distance of only 1.0 ft.
  • Aperture range of f/2.8 - f/32 with 9 diaphragm blades
  • Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) Glass
  • Includes lens caps, removable lens hood, lens pouch, instruction manual & 1 year warranty

 

Best Nikon Macro Lenses: Under $1000

6. Nikon AF-S FX Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon’s 60mm macro lens is designed for both DX and FX cameras with an effective focal length of 90mm on a cropped sensor (DX) camera. The super fast f/2.8 aperture helps produce crisp, clear images at a minimum focus distance of only 8 inches. This offers nature photographers to get as close to their subject as possible with incredible detail.

Nikon AF-S FX Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm f/2.8G ED Standard Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Lens Type: AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED
  • Designed for use with Nikon FX and DX digital SLR cameras including the D40, D60, D80, D90, and D300
  • Focal length: 90mm effective for APS-C sensor cameras
  • Ideal for closeup and macro photography; Minimum focus distance: 8 inches
  • The item is made in Thailand

7. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro

With a 90mm focal length and a minimum focus distance of 11.2 in (0.3m), the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD macro lens is ideal for capturing subjects up close and personal. It’s a fixed length lens, so you’ll need to move around to get the right shot. But the Tamron SP 90mm gets the job done with a fast f/2.8 aperture and waterproof construction for those early morning dew laden wildlife photoshoots.

Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) /Nikon(Japan Import-No Warranty)
  • Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) high-torque motor ensures fast & accurate AF response
  • Three-coil electromagnetic VC image stabilization system provides a 3.5-stop advantage for significantly sharper images
  • XY-Shift compensation reinforces VC functionality, further improving image stabilization at any shooting distance
  • Moisture-proof and dust-resistant construction prevents intrusion of dust or water droplets
  • Features floating system which works in tandem with the optical construction to efficiently compensate for inherent aberration changes subject to varying distances

 

Best Premium Macro Lens For Nikon

8. Sigma 180mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS Macro

Sigma’s 180mm f/2.8 macro lens is a premium close up lens for Nikon cameras. It’s higher price tag is justified by Sigma’s Optical Stabalizer technology, which enables photographers to use 4 stops lower shutter speed than would otherwise be possible, allowing for handheld macro photography. This is key for nature and wildlife photographers who prefer to move around more frequently without the need for their camera to be limited by where their tripod will fit. Plus, the 180mm focal length with a minimum focusing distance of 18.5 inches will easily produce closeup images at a 1:1 magnification.
Sigma 180mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS Macro for Nikon SLR Cameras
  • Focusing distance of 47cm/18.5-Inch
  • Equipped with Sigma's own propriety OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, this lens offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, enabling handheld close-up photography.
  • This lens incorporates Sigma's floating inner focusing system. This minimizes aberrations which occur as shooting distances change, and enables stable rendering of the image from infinity to 1:1 magnification.
  • German (Publication Language)

Best Macro Zoom Lenses

9.Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Zoom Lens

The Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF macro zoom lens has a 70-200mm focal length range allowing flexibility to macro photographers in the field. It will mount onto an APS-C camera with an equivalent focal length range of 105-300mm. This is an excellent choice for wildlife photographers who want to capture close up detail from a safe distance.
Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens with Built in Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Model A001NII)
  • 70-200mm focal length
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9.105-300mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 112-320mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
  • F28 constant maximum aperture; F32 minimum
  • Micromotor-type AF motor without full-time manual focusing
  • 77mm filtersMaximum Magnification Ratio :1:3,1 (f=200mm, MFD 0,95m)

10. Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens

Just like the 70-200mm macro zoom lens, this Tamron 70-300mm is a fantastic option for photographers who want zoom capability. It has a close minimum focusing distance of 3.1 ft (0.95m) and offers an incredible magnification ratio of 1:2. This gives wildlife and nature photographers a lot of options for capturing loads of detail in their closeup shots. Plus, this is an incredibly affordable macro zoom lens at under $200.
Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR (Model A17NII)
  • The popular Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 Di LD Macro features a built in motor to ensure fast accurate focusing
  • Close-focusing ability - 0.95m (3.1 feet ), focal lengths between 180 and 300mm. Compatible with the d40, d40x and d60 in the mf mode due to the fact it does not have a built in motor
  • This telephoto zoom will crop in tight or bring distant subjects in close. Angle of view: 34-8
  • There is also an incredible macro mode for photographing small objects up close giving a magnification ratio of 1:2
  • This phenomenal lens comes with a 6 year warranty. Lens hood included for maximum glare protection and increased contrast

What Makes The Best Nikon Close Up Lens?

Macro Lens Ratios

Choosing a macro lens with a 1:1 lens ratio allows you to get closer to your subject and capture it at true life size. For example, if you’re photographing a bumble bee that is 25mm long, that bee will actually be 25mm long on your camera’s sensor. If you have a lower lens ratio like 1:2, that same bumble bee will only be 12.5mm on your camera sensor.

Minimum Focus Distance

When searching for the best macro lens, you’ll notice that they come with a minimum focus distance. This is the shortest distance at which the lens can focus. Typically, the smaller focal length of the lens, the shorter the minimum focus distance. For example, a 60mm focal length macro lens may have a minimum focus distance of 8 inches, whereas a 70-300mm focal distance lens may have a minimum focus distance of over 3 feet.

Minimum Focus Distance

The optimal minimum focus distance for you will depend on what you intend to photograph. Generally speaking, the smaller your subject, the shorter the minimum focus distance you may want. However, even when working with small subjects like insects, you might find it better to use a lens with a longer minimum focus distance so you can position yourself further away so as not to frighten or disturb your subject.

Quiet Auto Focus Technology

When your lens tries to find focus, it makes noise. But noise can scare away animals and other wildlife when you’re taking close up macro photos only inches or feet away from your subject. So choosing a macro lens with a quiet auto focus mechanism built in is important. For example, some Nikon macro lenses have a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology built in to drastically reduce auto focus noise.

Which Are Your Favorite Nikon Macro Lenses?

Now that we’ve shared our best macro lens for Nikon list, we’d love to know which macro lens is your favorite. Let the Schubert Photography community know in the comments below.

Happy shooting!

Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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