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
SKU: V567SON141
Sony Alpha A7 IV BodyWith groundbreaking performance in both still and movie recording, the A7 IV is the ideal hybrid, designed to bring to life the artistic visions of today's creators.
SKU: V567CAN211
Canon EOS R7 with 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 LensCapture fast action, wildlife, and more with the versatile Canon EOS R7, the perfect all-around camera for dedicated professionals and advanced hobbyists alike.
SKU: V567NIK272
Nikon Z 6II BodyCapture stunning photos and videos with the Nikon Z 6II Black. This powerful camera offers fast shooting and impressive low-light capabilities, making it perfect for any multimedia creator.
SKU: V567NIK271
Nikon Z 5 with Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 LensWhatever your skill level, the full frame mirrorless Z 5 camera delivers detailed imagery, precision autofocus and the tools you need to be as creative as possible.
SKU: V567CAN180
Canon EOS Rebel T7 with 18-55 IS II LensThe Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera with 18-55 IS II Lens is perfect for beginners and mobile device users wanting to take the next step with their photography.
SKU: V567CAN213
Canon EOS R6 Mark II with RF 24-105mm f4-7.1 IS STM LensThe EOS R6 Mark II provides multimedia creators with a versatile tool with which explore and achieve their creative vision. 24.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, improved resolution, RAW Burst Mode enables shooting at up to 30 fps.
SKU: V567PAV084
Panasonic LUMIX S5II BodySKU: V567PAV098
Panasonic LUMIX S1RII Body
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!
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
SKU: V568CAN030
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM LensSKU: V568PAV070
Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro LensSKU: V010NIK205
Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR SSKU: V010CAN159
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USMSKU: V010SON041
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8G OSS Macro LensSKU: V010GET613
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN (Art)SKU: V010GET486
Sigma OS 105mm f/2.8 EX DG MacroSKU: V010CAN107
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM LensSKU: V010RES182
Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro Lens
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.
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
SKU: V095CAM033
Cameron Pro II Multi-Coated Variable ND FilterSKU: V095CAM023
Cameron Pro MC Variable ND FilterSKU: V303GET207
Manfrotto 290 Xtra with MH804-3W Pan HeadSKU: V303AMP410
Vanguard Alta 2 263Av with PH114V TripodSKU: V459BOO058
Aputure MC RGBWW LED LightSKU: V306RES099
Cameron Mag Slider Macro RailSKU: V372GDX034
Godox 50x50cm Portable Studio Light BoxSKU: V013CAN023
Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX IISKU: V013CAN026
Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin LiteSKU: V303AMP385
Vanguard VS-82 Macro Tabletop TripodSKU: V459GDX007
Godox TT350S Mini TTL FlashSKU: V459GDX022
Godox V350 Mini TTL FlashSKU: V592NIK021
Nikon MC-DC2 Remote CordSKU: V047DAY081
Lowepro ProTactic BP AW II Green LineSKU: V509RES833
Lexar Pro 1667X SDXC UHS-II/U3SKU: V509RES866
Sandisk Extreme PRO SDSKU: V107AMP001
Kenko Extension Tube Set Sony FESKU: V107BOO004
Kenko Extension Tube Set, Canon EOS
Have Questions?
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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
Four Stories from Sigma
Sigma shares stories from four photographers who used the 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro (Art) Lens to capture fantastic shots of a variety of subjects.
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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