Best Lenses under €500 for macro

Best Pick

Sony E 30mm f/3.5 APS-C

65.4 Macro Score
30mmf/3.5Sony E
Why we recommend this

Achieving true 1:1 magnification with a 95mm minimum focus distance, this 138g lens uses one ED and three aspherical elements to control aberrations in a compact package. Its featherweight build and internal focusing make it a discreet, easy-to-handle option for field work on APS-C bodies. This lens is best for hobbyist macro photographers who need a lightweight, affordable prime for detailed close-ups of flowers, products, and textures.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

16mmf/1.2Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an ultrafast f/1.2 aperture with a 24mm full-frame equivalent field of view, this lens excels in low light and depth-of-field control on APS-C Nikon Z bodies. Its STM motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with minimal focus breathing, making it a strong hybrid option for video work at a competitive price. This lens is best for vloggers and hybrid shooters who need a wide, bright prime for run-and-gun content creation.

View Details & Prices
16mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 207g build pairs a bright f/2.8 aperture with a linear stepping motor that ensures near-silent autofocus and minimal focus breathing for video. Weather sealing and a USB-C port for firmware updates add durability and future-proofing beyond its compact price point. This ultrawide prime is best for vloggers and landscape photographers needing a lightweight, gimbal-friendly lens that handles 4K footage and close-up details at a 1:3.03 magnification.

View Details & Prices
16mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 207g with full weather sealing and a 107° angle of view, this 16mm f/2.8 lens combines portability with advanced optics including ED and aspherical elements. Its 0.33x maximum magnification and 12cm minimum focus distance effectively add semi-macro capability, while the Linear STM motor delivers silent, precise autofocus for video. Best suited for street photographers and vloggers who need a compact, wide-angle prime that handles both expansive scenes and detailed close-ups without lens changes.

View Details & Prices
35mmf/1.5Sony EIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 35mm focal length mimics the natural human eye, and the T1.5 aperture with an 11-blade design delivers creamy bokeh and clean low-light footage across a full-frame 43.5mm image circle. Its 300-degree focus throw and de-clicked aperture ring enable precise manual pulls, while the metal chassis passes vibration tests to prevent optical axis shift. Best for narrative filmmakers and videographers shooting handheld dialogue or environmental portraits on Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, or L-mount cameras.

View Details & Prices

Viltrox AF 14mm f/4 Air FE

41.3 Macro Score
14mmf/4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14mm f/4 prime delivers a 112-degree field of view with 12 elements in 9 groups, including 4 ED and 2 aspherical elements, and weighs just 170g. Its STM autofocus is quiet and smooth for video, and the lens is weather-sealed with a USB-C port for firmware updates. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need an ultra-wide, lightweight prime for Nikon Z full-frame cameras.

View Details & Prices
26mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 23.8mm-thick, 130g pancake lens with both a dedicated aperture ring and a focus ring, plus a 0.2m minimum focusing distance for close-up shots. Its 6-group, 8-element optical design with 2 aspherical and 1 high-refractive index elements delivers sharp images, while the gear-type STM motor provides near-silent autofocus. Best for street and travel photographers who prioritize pocketability and manual control over macro capability.

View Details & Prices

SG-image AF 25mm f/1.8 APS-C

35.8 Macro Score
25mmf/1.8Sony EIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 133g, this 25mm f/1.8 prime offers a bright aperture for background bokeh and low-light shooting in an ultra-compact form factor. Fast, silent STM autofocus and optical stabilization make it a discreet tool for both stills and video capture. It’s best for street photographers and vloggers needing a lightweight everyday carry lens with a natural 37.5mm equivalent field of view.

View Details & Prices

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8

33.6 Macro Score
20mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 157g with full-frame coverage and weather sealing, this 20mm f/2.8 prime stands out for its exceptional portability without sacrificing optical quality, using 2 ED and 2 aspherical elements. The quiet STM autofocus supports Eye AF and a 7.5" minimum focus distance for dynamic close-ups, while a USB-C port allows for user-installed firmware updates. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need an ultra-light, affordable wide-angle prime for Sony E-mount bodies.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under €900 for macro

Best Pick
18mmf/8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The AstrHori 18mm F8 APS-C 2X Macro Probe Lens offers a 2:1 magnification ratio and a minimum working distance of 0.05m, letting you capture extreme close-ups of insect wings or jewelry details. Its detachable two-section body and built-in ten-level adjustable ring fill light with Type-C power make it portable and usable in dark, narrow spaces like animal caves or pipes. This lens is best for macro photographers who need a waterproof front section (20cm) to shoot underwater or in tight, wet environments with a Sony E-mount camera.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD

65.1 Macro Score
20mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 20mm f/2.8 prime weighs just 220g, making it one of the lightest ultra-wide lenses for Sony E-mount, with a 1:2 macro capability and a 0.11m minimum focus distance. Its moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating support outdoor shooting, while the OSD motor delivers quiet autofocus for video and stills. This lens suits travel and street photographers who need a compact, affordable ultra-wide for landscapes and close-up details.

View Details & Prices
18-50mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 299g with a compact 69.2mm diameter, this f/2.8 lens is the smallest and lightest in its class for Canon RF mount systems. The rubber-sealed mount and a close 12.1cm minimum focusing distance add practical versatility for everyday shooting. This lens is best for street and portrait photographers who prioritize a lightweight, unobtrusive setup for candid work.

View Details & Prices

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

52.5 Macro Score
24-105mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/4 aperture across a 24-105mm range, combined with 4 aspherical and 3 ED elements, delivers consistent exposure and sharpness for a true one-lens solution. The 663g build integrates Optical SteadyShot stabilization and full weather sealing, making it a durable, handheld-friendly option for unpredictable conditions. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers who need a single, reliable zoom covering wide vistas to short telephoto details without swapping glass.

View Details & Prices

Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 APS-C

52.3 Macro Score
12mmf/2.8Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

The 12mm focal length delivers a 99-degree field of view on APS-C, with an 11-element, 8-group design including one aspherical element and T* anti-reflective coating for edge-to-edge sharpness and color fidelity. The floating elements design maintains consistent performance from 180mm minimum focus to infinity, while the 260g metal barrel and 9-blade diaphragm offer durability and smooth bokeh. Best for landscape and architecture photographers on Fujifilm X-mount who need a compact, wide-angle prime with reliable autofocus and minimal distortion.

View Details & Prices
70-300mmf/4.5-5.6Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 70-300mm zoom range with a linear autofocus motor and Optical SteadyShot stabilization makes this lens a solid choice for handheld telephoto work. Its 854g weight and weather-sealed build keep it portable and durable for outdoor shooting, while the Nano AR Coating controls flare. Best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a versatile, full-frame E-mount zoom without prime-lens bulk.

View Details & Prices

7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8

43.6 Macro Score
135mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining 16 elements with 6 ED glass and a 12-blade aperture, this lens delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and smooth F1.8 bokeh suitable for 60MP sensors. Its aerospace-grade aluminum body features full weather sealing, a declicked control ring, and dual FN buttons for silent, precise operation. This is best for portrait and studio photographers needing a durable, optically refined 135mm prime with modern STM autofocus on Nikon Z cameras.

View Details & Prices
24mmf/1.4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The T1.4 aperture and 8K-ready optics with aspherical and ED glass deliver sharp, low-distortion footage and smooth bokeh from the 12-blade diaphragm. Its interchangeable mount system—supporting E, RF, Z, and L mounts—and uniform 600g build across the set simplify multi-camera shoots and gimbal balancing. This lens suits gimbal operators and independent filmmakers who need a fast 24mm prime that switches seamlessly between mirrorless systems while preserving a compact, consistent workflow.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8 FE

36.6 Macro Score
135mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its bright f/1.8 aperture and 135mm focal length, paired with three ED elements and an aspherical element, deliver sharp, high-contrast images with well-controlled aberrations. Weather sealing and an 11-blade diaphragm provide reliable outdoor use and smooth bokeh, while the linear STM motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus for stills and video. This lens is best for portrait and wedding photographers who demand subject isolation and robust build quality in a telephoto prime.

View Details & Prices
27mmf/1.2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 27mm F1.2 aperture on an APS-C lens gives a 40.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view with soft, cinematic bokeh and strong low-light performance, using 15 elements in 11 groups with HD Nano multilayer coating. The all-metal body is weather-sealed with a de-clickable aperture ring and USB-C firmware port, weighing 560g for hybrid use. This lens is best for portrait and video creators on Sony APS-C cameras who want a fast, durable prime for shallow depth of field and reliable autofocus.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under €1,500 for macro

Best Pick
70-180mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 70-180mm range pairs with VXD linear autofocus and Vibration Compensation for sharp, stabilized telephoto shots. Its compact, moisture-resistant build and 11.8-inch close focusing distance add versatility uncommon in fast telephoto zooms. This lens is best for Sony E-mount shooters needing a lightweight, all-purpose telephoto for portraits, events, and sports.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

150-600mmf/5-6.3Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens covers a full-frame telephoto zoom range with 25 elements in 15 groups, including four FLD and two SLD elements, plus a 4-stop optical stabilizer. Its weather-sealed build, 9-blade diaphragm, and adjustable zoom torque switch make it a solid choice for outdoor shooting. Best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, long-reach zoom with reliable autofocus and stabilization.

View Details & Prices

Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G

58.4 Macro Score
20-70mmf/4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its unprecedented 20-70mm zoom range starts at an ultra-wide 20mm, a first for a standard f/4 zoom, paired with a constant f/4 aperture and a lightweight 488g, weather-sealed build. The lens delivers outstanding G-series resolution across the frame and refined video performance with minimized focus breathing, while its 0.39x maximum magnification offers excellent close-up capability throughout the zoom range. This is the ideal single-lens solution for travel photographers and hybrid shooters who need wide landscapes and standard framing without swapping optics.

View Details & Prices
135mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The Apo Sonnar optical design with 14 elements and ZEISS T* coating delivers high contrast and vivid color while suppressing stray light. Its weather-sealed metal build, optical stabilization, and an innovative OLED display for focus distance make it durable and intuitive in the field. This 135mm f/2.8 is best for portrait photographers and videographers on Sony E-mount who need a compact, 614g telephoto with reliable autofocus and rich subject isolation.

View Details & Prices
24-70mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A redesigned HLA autofocus motor and a 7% smaller, 10% lighter body than its predecessor make this a fast-handling f/2.8 standard zoom. Its 6.7-inch minimum focusing distance delivers a strong 1:2.7 magnification ratio, offering near-macro versatility uncommon in this class. This lens is best for hybrid shooters needing a single, weather-sealed tool that excels at both detailed close-ups and general landscape work.

View Details & Prices

Viltrox LAB AF 35mm f/1.2 FE

43.2 Macro Score
35mmf/1.2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture and advanced optical design with 5 ED and 2 aspherical elements deliver exceptional low-light performance and subject separation with smooth, 11-blade bokeh. The quiet VCM autofocus motor and weather-sealed, multilayer nanocoated barrel with dual Fn buttons offer reliable, customizable control in demanding conditions. This lens is best for portrait and studio photographers who prioritize extreme shallow depth of field and robust build quality over portability.

View Details & Prices

Rokinon AF 14-24mm f/2.8

42.3 Macro Score
14-24mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a constant f/2.8 aperture with a lightweight 445g build and weather sealing, this ultra-wide zoom stands out for full-frame Sony shooters needing portability without sacrificing speed. Its optical design, incorporating three aspherical and three ED elements with Ultra Multi-Coating, delivers sharpness across the frame while a 7-inch minimum focus distance enables dramatic close-up perspectives. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who require a durable, fast wide-angle zoom for challenging outdoor conditions.

View Details & Prices

Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE

36.6 Macro Score
135mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.8 aperture combined with three ED elements and an ultra-precision aspherical element delivers sharp subject separation and suppressed aberrations for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Its weather-sealed, 772g build and 11-blade diaphragm provide durable handling and smooth bokeh at a competitive price point. This lens is best for portrait and astrophotography shooters who prioritize fast autofocus and optical clarity without the premium cost of first-party glass.

View Details & Prices

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

35.1 Macro Score
12mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its Zero-D optical design with 16 elements including 3 ED and 2 aspherical lenses delivers a 122° field of view with near-zero distortion, making it a standout for rectilinear ultra-wide shooting. The manual focus lens is relatively lightweight at 609g and features a 5-blade iris that produces a distinct 10-point sun-star effect when stopped down. This lens is best for architectural and real estate photographers who require precise, distortion-free lines on a full-frame Sony E-mount body.

View Details & Prices
16-75mmf/1.5Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant T1.5 aperture and 16-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth bokeh and strong subject separation for full-frame sensors. Its sub-450g aluminum build, weather sealing, and unified gear placement make it a practical, travel-ready option for gimbal and handheld rigs. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and cinematographers needing precise, 210-degree manual focus pulls for narrative or documentary work.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under €2,500 for macro

Best Pick
100mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 100mm f/2.8 prime delivers 1.4x native magnification, extending to 2.8x with a teleconverter, while two XA and two ED elements ensure edge-to-edge G Master resolution. Its four XD linear motors provide fast, quiet autofocus and advanced optical stabilization is specifically tuned for precise handheld macro work. This lens is best for macro specialists needing extreme detail capture beyond 1:1, from product photographers to entomologists working in the field.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

60-600mmf/4.5-6.3Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 10x zoom range from 60mm to 600mm, paired with a fast Linear Actuator (HLA) autofocus motor, makes this the only mirrorless lens of its kind, though its 2485g weight demands a sturdy grip. The dust and splash-resistant build and 1:2.4 maximum magnification add versatility for outdoor shooting, while the Dual Action Zoom function allows quick focal length changes. Best for wildlife and sports photographers on Sony E mount who need one lens to cover distant subjects without swapping glass.

View Details & Prices

Sony 28-135mm f/4 G Series

36.4 Macro Score
28-135mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A servo-powered zoom mechanism and constant f/4 aperture across the 28-135mm range make this a standout for controlled video environments. Optical SteadyShot stabilization and a Nano AR Coating ensure sharp, consistent footage, while the full-frame E-mount compatibility offers wide creative latitude. This lens is best for documentary filmmakers and event videographers who need a single, reliable parfocal zoom for run-and-gun shooting.

View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for macro

Best Pick

Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM

48 Macro Score
28-70mmf/2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2 aperture across the 28-70mm zoom range effectively replaces a set of fast primes, supported by four XD linear motors for rapid, silent autofocus. Its Nano AR Coating II and 11-blade diaphragm deliver high contrast and smooth bokeh, while the dust- and moisture-sealed build ensures reliability on location. This lens is best for wedding and event photographers who need a single, versatile optic to handle low-light venues and quick scene changes.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

DZOFILM Catta 75-135mm f/2.9

30.3 Macro Score
75-135mmf/2.9Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

The 70-135mm zoom range holds focus throughout, with minimal breathing and a 16-blade iris for soft bokeh. Its 270° focus rotation and 1.9x magnification ratio suit precise manual cine work, while the Sony E-mount is interchangeable with RF, L, X, and Z mounts. Best for indie filmmakers and videographers shooting narrative or portrait work on a budget.

View Details & Prices
400-800mmf/6.3-8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 400-800mm zoom range, extendable to 1600mm with teleconverters, provides unmatched reach for full-frame E-mount cameras. Its internal zoom design and 2722g weight maintain balanced handling, while dual linear motors deliver fast, quiet autofocus for tracking erratic subjects. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need extreme focal lengths without sacrificing handheld stability.

View Details & Prices