best Nikon macro lenses

I know how crucial it is to have the right photography gear. For more information, let’s dive into the world of the “Best Nikon Macro Lenses.” These special lenses are perfect for taking ultra-clear and detailed pictures, making it easy to capture all the tiny details and create stunning photos.

After doing some research on lenses for getting super close-up shots and capturing beautiful butterflies, In my previous articles about the best camera lens for close-up shots and the best camera lens for butterfly photography, I shared helpful tips and suggestions.

Now, in this, we are specifically considering the best Nikon macro lenses. So, if you’re eager to improve your photography, these top Nikon macro lenses are worth considering.

List of best Nikon macro lenses [Quick list]

Here is a quick list of the best Nikon macro lenses.

1. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
2. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G AF-S VR Macro
3. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro
4. Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
5. Irix 150mm f/2.8 ED Prime Lens
6. Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
7. Sigma 180mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS Macro

 

List of best Nikon macro lenses [Detail discussion]

Detailed analysis on best Nikon macro lenses.

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

• The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro has a maximum apertue of f/ 2.8. 
• The lens is a well-built, adaptable 1:1 macro model that functions well as a short telephoto lens.
• This might not be weather-sealed properly.

 

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has optical stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	16 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.3 m.
Weight	725 g.
Adjustment	The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures silent, fast autofocus and full-time manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Image Stabilization.
• Excellent bokeh and sharpness.

Reasons to avoid: 

• In low-light situations, AF might be slow to focus.

 

2. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G AF-S VR Macro

• The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G AF-S VR Macro is designed for close-up and macro photography; adaptable to almost any picture situation.
• It has a magnification of 1:1.
• The lens is properly weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	31.4 cm.
Weight	790 g.
Adjustment	manual focusing ring focuses beyond 1:1 magnification. Autofocus is slow and unreliable; thus, it’s rarely used at close focusing distances.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent macro capabilities.
• Image stabilization (VR) for sharp handheld shots.
• Versatile for portraits and close-ups.
• High-quality optics and sharpness.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Relatively expensive.
• Fixed focal length may require changing shooting distance.

3. Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro

• At the same physical dimensions, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro gives 2:1 magnification.
• The lens is not properly weather-sealed.
• The Laowa 100mm f/2.8 boasts an Apochromat (APO) design, which minimizes chromatic aberration (CA) in both the in-focus and out-of-focus areas.
• CA has long been one of the most vexing aberrations in macro photography, but you can now forget about it and concentrate on getting a nice shot.

 

Brand	Laowa.
Type	Telephoto macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	24.7 cm.
Weight	638 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Exceptional 2x magnification for extreme close-ups.
• Bright f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance.
• High-quality build and image quality.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Manual focus may not suit all users.
• Limited versatility for non-macro photography.

 

4. Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

• Construction that is resistant to moisture and dust.
• The front element’s long-lasting fluorine coating repels water and fingerprints.
• Flare and ghosting are reduced thanks to advanced coating technology.
• It provides a magnification of 1:1.

 

Brand	Tamron.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Nikon DX.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization of 3.5 stops.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	30 cm.
Weight	550 g.
Adjustment	The lens supports autofocus (auto) and manual focus (manual) modes.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent image quality.
• Image stabilization for sharp shots.
• Versatile for macro and portrait photography.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Slightly bulky and heavy.
• Autofocus can be slow in certain situations.

 

5. Irix 150mm f/2.8 ED Prime Lens

• The Irix 150mm f/2.8 ED Prime Lens has a maximum aperture of f/ 2.8. 
• It provides a magnification of 1:1.
• The lens is weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Irix.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full-frame resolution DSLR cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	11 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	34 cm.
Weight	840 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus lens.

Reasons to buy: 

• Long focal length for versatile macro shooting.
• Fast f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance.
• High-quality optics for sharp images.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Relatively heavy and bulky.
• Manual focus may not be suitable for everyone.

 

6- Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Prime Lens

• The Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Prime Lens has a maximum aperture of f/ 2.8. 
• There is a 55 mm non-rotating filter thread included.
• It is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Tokina.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	DX and Full frame DSLRs.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	9 elements in 8 groups.
Minimum focus distance	30 mm.
Weight	540 g.
Adjustment	One-Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism

Reasons to buy: 

• Affordable pricing.
• Good image quality.
• Versatile for macro and portrait photography.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Lack of image stabilization.
• The manual focus might not be suitable for all users.

 

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

 

• Sigma’s floating inner focusing technology is used in this lens, and this reduces aberrations caused by changing firing distances.
• It allows for steady image representation from infinity to 1:1 magnification.
• Build quality is robust and lacks weather seal.

 

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Macro lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has optical stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	19 elements in 14 groups.
Minimum focus distance	47 cm.
Weight	1640 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent image quality.
• Long focal length for versatile macro shooting.
• Optical stabilization (OS) for sharp handheld shots.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Larger and heavier compared to some other macro lenses.
• Premium price point.

 

What to look for best Nikon macro lenses

1- Dimensions

To find the dimensions of the best Nikon macro lenses, check official sources like Nikon’s website or trusted camera retailers. Look for detailed specification sheets that include information on the lens’s length, diameter, and weight.

Additionally, read Nikon’s official product descriptions for the specific lens model you’re interested in, as they often provide size details. Online reviews and photography forums can be valuable for user feedback on the lens’s size and handling. Compare the lens’s dimensions with similar models to assess its compactness.

2- Weight

When evaluating the weight of a macro lens, consider your specific needs and preferences. A lighter lens, typically under 400-500 grams, is more portable and convenient for handheld shooting, making it suitable for outdoor or on-the-go photography.

Heavier macro lenses, often exceeding 500 grams, may offer superior build quality and optical performance, but they can be more cumbersome for extended use.

It’s essential to strike a balance that aligns with your shooting style and requirements. Evaluate your willingness to carry a heavier lens against your desire for image quality, and choose a macro lens weight that best suits your photographic goals.

3- Maximum Aperture

When assessing the maximum aperture of a macro lens, consider both your creative needs and lighting conditions. A wider maximum aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/2, allows more light into the lens, making it suitable for low-light situations and providing a shallower depth of field for artistic effects.

However, such lenses tend to be larger and more expensive. If you prioritize portability and affordability, a macro lens with a narrower maximum aperture, like f/3.5 or f/4, may suffice. The choice depends on whether you require low-light capabilities and desire the versatility of blurred backgrounds or are willing to work with slightly slower apertures for macro photography.

4- Image Stabilization

When seeking the best macro lens, consider the presence of image stabilization (IS). IS is crucial for handheld macro photography, as it minimizes the impact of camera shake, resulting in sharper images. Look for lenses with built-in IS, often denoted as VR (Vibration Reduction) for Nikon, as it aids in capturing intricate details at close range.

Some manufacturers offer hybrid IS systems optimized for macro work. Evaluate the effectiveness of the IS system by reading reviews or testing it in real-world conditions. Opting for a lens with IS can significantly enhance the usability and quality of your macro shots, particularly in less-than-ideal lighting scenarios.

Best Nikon macro lenses FAQs

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[mks_accordion_item title=”What is the minimum focus distance for a Nikon macro lens?”]
A Nikon 60mm macro has a minimum focusing distance of 18.5cm. The Nikon 105mm has a minimum focusing distance of 31.4cm and the Nikon 200mm macro has a minimum focusing distance of 48.8cm.
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[mks_accordion_item title=”What is the best length for a macro lens?”]
Finally, one more aspect to consider when purchasing a macro lens. While they are a specialist instrument, many photographers find they may also be used for general-purpose shooting. So, if you want a general walkaround lens with strong macro skills, a 50mm should be on your shortlist.
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[mks_accordion_item title=”Is it worth it to buy a macro lens?”]
Absolutely. While you’re unlikely to use the macro’s minimum focusing distance for a dish of spaghetti, a lens like a 100mm macro will get closer to the food than you could with a standard lens, allowing you to create pro-style compositions with a shallow depth of field.[/mks_accordion_item]
[mks_accordion_item title=”What is the difference between a macro lens and a micro lens?”]
Simply put, the greatest macro lenses produce exceptional image quality at low magnification levels comparable to microlenses. Microlenses, on the other hand, enable far higher magnification levels while maintaining exceedingly excellent image quality.
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Conclusion

I’ve presented you with a range of exceptional Nikon macro lenses, each with its strengths. Now, the choice is yours to make based on your specific needs and preferences. However, if you’re a beginner in photography, I strongly recommend reading my “Beginner’s Guide for Buying Camera Lenses.”

It’s a valuable resource that will provide you with essential insights and guidance to ensure your lens selection aligns perfectly with your photography journey.

Your lens choice is the key to unlocking the world of macro photography, so choose wisely and capture the beauty of the small and intricate.