What Is the Best Lens for Close-Up Shots? Review of the Best Close Up Lenses

Attempting close-up shots?

We know that close-up shots are called macro shots. Macro photos reveal something distinct and detailed about the subject that no other photography type brings out. Macro photography is fun, but you need the right gear and more affordable components for seamless capture. 

Whether you own a mirrorless or DSLR camera, you need a proper macro lens to capture accurate close-up shots. Here are some of the best camera lenses for close-up shots.

What Is a Close-Up Lens for Micro Photography?

Macro photography is about close-up photography or shooting small objects and capturing subjects for a detailed and larger shot. A macro lens consists of a magnification of 1:1 or 1:2 for reproduction. 

Proper macro photography is shot with at least 1:1 magnification. This defines the captured image on the camera sensor as even size or bigger than the real-life subject. Take a shot of deep and cool textured objects such as berries or cornflakes.

Although exploring the right subjects and angles can be a real challenge. When you try to capture the best macro shots, things get different from the real-life view.

How to Choose the Best Lens for Close-Up Photos?

Capturing the best shot for the close-up photos requires choosing the best lens available. You may find lenses that carry 1:1 or 2:1 magnification, but what does it do or how to choose the precise one when shooting? Here is a quick analysis to determine which one you should pick for the best shot.

1:1 Magnification Lens

If you shoot an object that is 1mm long, it will be the same as 1mm long to the sensor. For example, when you shoot 1x magnification along with a full-frame camera (36x24mm), the size of the object is 18x12mm will take the 1/4th area of your image. In this case, you can record the whole insect and capture a little bit of the environment.

2:1 Magnification Lens

If you want to get more details into your lens, you need to get a lens at least 2X macro. The 2:1 will get more detailed subject magnification, and the image size will be 1/2 of the camera sensor. This Lens type reproduces a double-life size object.

5x Magnification Lens

The 5x magnification lens, such as Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro, is an excellent option for ultra-magnification for small subjects. The ultra-magnification it generates is unbelievable, unlike 1x or 2x lenses. Although you cannot focus infinity with a 25mm lens, extreme macro photography is excellent.

So, based on capturing the more detailed shots, 5x lens magnification includes detailed shot capability.

What Should You Look For Before Buying a Camera Lens for Close-Up Shots?

What to look for before buying a camera lens?

When looking to buy a camera lens for close-up shots, there are several factors to consider:

• Aperture: Look for a lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to allow for more light to reach the sensor and produce a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate your subject and create a more visually pleasing image.
• Focal length: A lens with a shorter focal length (e.g., 50mm or lower) will allow you to get closer to your subject, while a longer focal length (e.g., 85mm or higher) will allow you to shoot from farther away.
• Magnification: Look for a lens with a high magnification ratio (e.g., 1:1 or higher) to allow for larger, more detailed close-up shots.
• Image stabilization: If you plan on shooting handheld, look for a lens with image stabilization to help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
• Compatibility: Make sure that the lens is compatible with your camera body, as different lenses may have different mounting systems.
• Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a lens and look for options that fit within your budget.

There are lots of varieties of the camera lens. Some include various features and price points that make any professional puzzled. If you are a camera enthusiast, you want to find the best camera lens for the close-up shot. So, stay up for the recommendation of lenses for close-up shots.

The Subjects you Intend to photograph.

Photography relies on the appropriate subject to capture the best shot. Also, photographic genres have different focal lengths. These different focal lengths allow you to capture distinct shots of the subject, such as capturing birds require 400-800mm lens, and insects require 100-200mm lenses.

APS-C or Full-Frame Lenses

Manufacturers provide various lenses for APS-C and Full frame cameras. But which one should you choose to buy? Remember that you can buy any lenses if you own an APS-C camera. On the other hand, lenses designed for APS-C cameras work only for these specific models. So, if you decide to purchase full-frame lenses, feel free to buy a full-frame camera; otherwise, choose the APS-C lenses.

Pro-Tip: APS-C lenses are less in price and also small and light. But the optics is somewhat weaker, so make sure you take the customer reviews before buying.

Build Quality and Autofocus

Manufacturers offer different kinds of lenses for build quality and autofocus. Although the lightweight and low-cost lens is fine for occasional use, you still need a good-quality autofocus lens to capture with the highest possible components. Check the build quality to see if it’s weatherproofed, and check the speed and quality of the autofocus motor.

Highest Aperture and Magnification

Macro photography generally includes an aperture of f/2.8. This aperture can be helpful when you try to capture in low light; use the lens as short telephoto or a portrait lens. On the other hand, magnification defines the reproduction ratio in macro photography. A real macro lens will provide a 1:1 reproduction ratio.

Best Lens for Close-Up Shots – Most Preferable Lens for Macro Photography

You need a better-quality lens when you want to capture a subject’s little objects and finer details. Excellent aperture, magnification, and focal length are the requirements to capture close-up shots; for this, you require a quality lens.

So, here are some of the prominent brands with their features and specifications given in the following.

Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8

This lens has topped the photographer’s choice for a long time. This legendary 2006 edition lens has been a crafty product of NIKON. This NIKON lens provides ultra-sharp portraits, and the extra-low dispersion element provides low chromatic aberrations and more clarity. So, this has been a user’s choice for a long and capturing since the day it was brought to light. So, give it a try right now!

Main Features

Silent Wave & Autofocus: The silent wave motor with autofocus is the first feature to mention. This lens has the adaptability to form in any NIKON camera, from primary to Z mirrorless camera system.

Image Enhancing Ability: The nanocrystal coat and ED glass elements help to enhance the overall image quality by reducing unwanted flare and chromatic aberrations. 

Internal Focus: This focusing system provides fast and quiet auto-focusing without needing to change the lens’s length. So, this provides accurate photography for any situation.

Specification

Best Usage

This lens is perfect for general-purpose and a must-have Lens for everyday use. If you are an aperture and fond of maintaining focus distance, this lens is the best and ultimate choice for you. The lens is accurate and excellent in the center and captures the corners with pretty good accuracy.

Pros

• Silent wave motor
• Super Integrated Coating
• Image stabilization
• Vibration Reduction

Cons

• Long focus distance issue

Canon – RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Macro Lens.

Extend your videography and photography expertise with the Canon 35mm lens. Its lightweight and compact feature provide excellent photography, along with the 0.5x magnification ratio providing excellent adjustments. The five stops of image stabilization provide versatility. The control ring on the lens barrel includes simple adjustment settings for casual settings. So, try this 35mm macro lens now!

Main Features

35mm Focal Length & Magnification: This Canon macro lens provides versatile operations for capturing landscapes, architecture, group shots, and travel shots and is a highly effective Lens for macro photography.

Detailed Photography for Macro Lens: Bring out your capturing potential with extreme and close-up shots of flowers, insects, or small objects with detailed views of the small objects.

Control Ring and Stabilization: The 35mm RF 1.8 Macro IS STM lens is eligible to work with EOS R Camera while reducing the camera shake blur despite the hostile surrounding. Also, the control ring on the lens barrel can adjust the shutter speed, exposure compensation, and more settings.

Specification

Best Usage

This wide-angle lens perfectly shows portraiture and street photography while capturing detail and sharpness at a lower shutter speed. The 1.8 maximum apertures enable you to shoot authentically, even when in low light conditions.

Pros

• Great macro capability
• Accurate color rendering
• Small and very sharp object
• Autofocusing is perfect

Cons

• STM motor may get noisy at some point

Canon – RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Medium Telephoto Lens

Do you have the EOS R-series camera? This telephoto lens would be your best bet to go for great photography. Although a 0.5x magnification system on this is a major drawback, the image stabilization, focusing, sharpness, focal length, and aperture make the lens worth buying.

Main Features

85mm Focal Length: This Canon macro lens beautifully captures all the details from the background. The focal length, blends depth, dimension, and perfect micro-action shots have super accuracy.

Medium Telephoto Lens:  The telephoto lens for close up photography allows you to capture detailed and close-up views of the subject. Also, the lens helps you to focus on the narrow field of view for various close-up shots.

Shake Correction and Stabilization: This Lens is designed to work with EOS R series cameras, while both the camera and lens share data to lower the camera-shake blurriness, whether you shoot video or photograph portrait.

Specification

Best Usage

This lens is a better choice for stop motion and camera motion, capturing in low light conditions, and the wide aperture enables low light conditions with an 85mm lens. This small macro lens camera is designed to take the closest shot with the perfect settings.

Pros

• 5-stop image stabilization
• Great portrait lens
• Quiet focusing
• Classic 85mm focal length

Cons

• Not 1:1 magnification

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

AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR is called the most affordable 1:1 camera lens for close up shots in digital SLR cameras. The remarkable, compact, and lightweight lens offers a silent wave motor, manual focus override, minimum focus distance, and many more features. This high-resolution and contrast camera provides a life-size photograph that provides extra focus on your subjects. So, get lost in the tiny details of Micro NIKKOR AF-S DX now!

Main Features

Close Range Correction: The CRC or color range correction system ensures superior lens performance when you shoot the closest things. The CRC system is widely used in wide-angle, micro, fisheye, and in various telephoto lenses.

Silent Wave Motor:  AF-S NIKKOR lens includes a silent wave motor. The technology helps to focus on the subject seamlessly and also; enables high-speed autofocusing, which delivers accurate and super quiet performance.

Auto and Manual Focusing: While you look through the viewfinder, you may need to switch from auto to manual focusing. You simply need to turn the focusing ring on the lens, and this is the seamless operation of switching focuses.  

Specification

Best Usage

The feature-rich 40mm macro Lens is useful for the bokeh shot and performs well for street photography in tight spaces. The DX-format can deliver the shortest distance capture with AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR. The narrow apertures are preferred for macro shooting.

Pros

• Compact size
• Auto and manual focusing
• Excellent Sharpness
• 1:1 magnification

Cons

• Focus is on the weaker side

AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm F3.5G ED VR

This is one of the first lenses that are designed for DX-body Nikon cameras and this is the only second lens that offers stabilization. NIKKOR Micro AF-S includes the reversible lens hood, produces a field of view, and includes a 130mm Lens with full-frame equivalency. You can easily turn from auto to manual focus with the adjusting options. So, get your Lens of 85mm Micro NIKKOR now!

Main Features

Silent Wave Motor: AF-S Nikkor features a silent wave motor that represents a significant advance in AF lens technology. This feature helps to focus on the subject without any issues and provides seamless and super quiet performance.

DX-Format Lens: The Lens delivers exceptional images while reproducing detail true-to-life enhanced and exceptional images. Also, this camera consists of a life-size 1:1 reproduction ratio that helps to capture true-to-life imagery.

Specification

Best Usage

Discover the world of flamboyant detail and sharper background with close-up, portrait, general, and nature photography applications. Micro Nikkor 85mm technologies provide stunning performance with close-up subjects, insects, flowers, and portraits.

Pros

• Internal focusing
• Lightweight
• Optimum sharpness with good apertures
• Vibration Reduction

Cons

• Focus limiter isn’t there

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

If you prefer to get a longer focal length, Canon EF 100mm is the perfect choice for you. Longer focal length assists your capture to not cast shadows and also helps to maintain a greater working distance while you photograph. The hybrid image stabilization in this system and the build quality are superb, and this lens is affordable as well. So, buy it now when it’s available!

Main Features

Autofocus motor and UD Lens: The ultrasonic autofocus motor provides fluid, swift, and quiet focusing while you go out for shooting. Also, the UD lens corrects any unwanted things and provides superior image quality.

F/2.8 Max. Aperture and stabilization: A sharp and detailed image with shallow depth of field and blurred background performs best in low light conditions. Also, the 4-stop optical image stabilization allows slow shutter speeds with no image blur.

Specification

Best Usage

This versatile lens is perfect for close-up shooting and flawless for flattering portraits. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L is a versatile L-series short telephoto prime that is well-made for portraiture and other mid-range subjects.

Pros

• Excellent all-around performance
• Optical Image stabilizer
• Superb build quality

Cons

• Build seems plasticky but still a solid component

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM

If you have EOS R Series cameras, this solid lens build is for you. The 1.4x magnification, including the autofocus system, provides accurate close-up shots at a precise distance. The f/2.8 maximum aperture and 100mm focal length consist of blurry backgrounds and low light images bright and clear with sharp and soft focus touch. So, enhance your artistic vision with Canon RF 100mm Now!

Main Features

100mm Focal Length: Canon RF 100mm tele-macro focal length enables you to capture macro shots with finer details from a proper distance. Also, lower the shadow interference in your capture.

F/2.8 Maximum Aperture: F/2.8 max aperture creates soft, blurred background with detailed and sharp images. This lens performs best in little to bright light settings or overcast days.

Quiet Auto Focus with Dual Nano USM: The Canon RF 100 quickly focuses and holds up with fast-paced objects as well as a smooth and seamless autofocus experience while you shoot for the movies. No matter which subject you choose, it instantly captures the moment. 

Specification

Best Usage

This versatile lens is well-made with a metal mount, a quality plastic barrel, and a rubber-coated focus, making it worthy of competence in the camera lens world. It handles the capture and scenario very well while maintaining sharpness and contrast.

Pros

• Excellent all-around performance
• Optical Image stabilizer
• Superb build quality
• 1:1 magnification

Cons

• Tripod collar isn’t there

Sony a6000 macro lens

There are several macro lenses for the Sony A6000 series. But Sony FE 90mm is the best sony lens for close up shots you should think about at first. The lens is packed with all the features you need. Sony FE 90mm is a spectacular lens to provide you with the sharpest images, and the F2.8 aperture provides a seamless and smooth image experience. The 62mm filter thread, Nano AR coating prevents lens flare and ghosting. So, buy it now!

Main Features

Image Stabilization: The optical ready shot image stabilization is one of the primary features of the Sony FE 90mm macro Lens. The stabilization prevents camera shake and vibration while you shoot.

Wide Angle View: The 17-degree APS-C angle view and 27-degree 35mm angle allow you to capture the wide surrounding area. So, stay focused on capturing the widest area with this lens.

Focus Ring and Nano Coating: The sliding focus ring allows you to instantly select manual or auto focus, and the nano AR coating helps you to prevent reflections while you shoot.

Specification

Best Usage

Sony a6000 series FE 90mm is ideal for use with most A7 series cameras and use with a 35mm full-frame Sony E-mount camera. The premium materials, weather sealing, nice build quality, and clutch mechanism provide extra convenience for long-term usage.

Pros

• Dust and moisture-resistant design
• Precise and quiet focusing
• Optimum light gathering
• Clear and detailed image capture

Cons

• Quite expensive compared to other brands

Fuji x mount macro Lens.

This lens is suitable for close-up shots. The 60mm, f/2.8 II Macro from 7 Artisan is a prime telephoto lens that is great for close-distance shots. The 1:1 magnification with 17.5cm minimum focusing provides ultra clarity and a sharp picture experience to you. Also, a 9-blade diaphragm includes great bokeh quality. So, buy this affordable lens now!

Main Features

F/2.8 Maximum Aperture: The Lens includes an f/2.8 maximum aperture that works in low light conditions and provides a sleek form factor. So you get smooth and maximum light in your images.

De-clicked Aperture Ring: The ring offers smooth and silent rotation all through the aperture range while making it the standard lens for a macro shot and video shoot.

1:1 Magnification and Focusing: The life-size 1:1 magnification feature combined with a 17.5cm focusing distance gives you the proper close-up shot for the subjects. Control the focus with manual or auto options as well.

Specification

Best Usage

Fujifilm is designed to provide great shots for your close-up photo shoot. It delivers great results with a 1:1 magnification ratio that provides a life-size picture. Its focusing operation is quiet and smooth, so the lens can easily adapt to the surrounding.

Pros

• Dust and weather-resistant design
• Quiet and smooth operation
• Compact lightweight design
• 1:1 magnification

Cons

• Large lens hood

OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro Lens

Olympus M.Zuiko ED 60mm is a dedicated telemacro lens, and it consists of rich features. The splashproof body, 1x magnification, offers maximum reproduction and life-size images. Other features of this lens include a focus mechanism, focus limiter, iris diaphragm, and close focus point that ultimately provides crystal clear images in every capture. So, buy this feature-rich lens now!

Main Features

Weatherproof Macro Lens: Olympus Macro lens withstands harsh conditions. No matter where you go or in which condition you capture the scenario, the lens captures the precise shot seamlessly.

Subject Distance and Focusing: For focusing, it includes a focus limiter switch, and the built-in working distance window provides the confirmation for subject distance. 

High-end Glass Material: High-quality glass material ensures you to get the highest quality images with unwanted chromatic aberrations eliminations as well.

Specification

Best Usage

Olympus is designed to provide great shots for your close-up photo shoot. It delivers great results with a 1:1 magnification ratio that provides a life-size picture. Its focusing operation is quiet and smooth, so the lens can easily adapt to the surrounding.

Pros

• Weather resistant design
• Focus limiter switch
• Splashproof and dustproof construction
• 1:1 magnification

Cons

• Plastic construction

FAQs

Perfection

You have just gone through the list of the best camera lens for close-up shots. The list shows the ultimate best list of macro lenses that are offered by the different brands with various features and price points. So, take the specifications and features into consideration for the best lens for close up shots.