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10 Best Nikon Macro Lenses 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Laowa 24mm f/14 Macro Probe Lens for Nikon

The Laowa 24mm f/14 Macro Probe Lens stands out in the macro lens category, particularly for photographers seeking unique perspectives and extreme close-ups. Its 24mm focal length allows you to capture intricate details, which is essential for macro work. The maximum aperture of f/14 offers decent light control, although it may not be the brightest option available, meaning you might need to use longer exposure times or higher ISO settings in dimmer conditions.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,405
Maximum Aperture
Magnification Ratio

Most important from
11 reviews

Maximum Aperture
The lens is amazing but be prepared for how dark f/14 can be; bright lights are essential.
Magnification Ratio
This is the most amazing macro lens I've owned, offering incredible detail and close-up capabilities.
#2
9.8 score

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | Professional macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is an impressive macro lens designed for Nikon's Z series mirrorless cameras, making it a great choice for anyone serious about macro photography. One of its standout features is the ability to achieve life-size 1:1 magnification, allowing photographers to capture extraordinary details in subjects like insects or flowers. This lens boasts advanced S-Line optics, ensuring sharpness and minimal distortion, which is crucial for macro work where precision matters.

Rating
9.8
Focal Length
Magnification Ratio
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

Most important from
378 reviews

Focal Length
This lens is perfect for those interested in macro photography, but it can also serve as a high-quality 105mm portrait lens.
Magnification Ratio
The lens is surprisingly lightweight for its capabilities, featuring an OLED panel that displays magnification ratio, focus distance, f-stop, and depth-of-field zone.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
While the autofocus may occasionally have issues, the overall performance and image quality make it a fantastic lens for macro photography enthusiasts.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The build quality and edge-to-edge sharpness are superb, delivering everything you would expect from a Nikkor S lens and more.
#3
9.7 score

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 | Compact macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is a compact macro lens designed specifically for Nikon's Z series mirrorless cameras. One of its standout features is the 1:1 magnification ratio, allowing photographers to capture intricate details in life size, which is ideal for macro photography. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 offers versatility in different lighting conditions and helps create a pleasing background blur, making your subjects pop. The 50mm focal length provides a natural perspective, making it suitable not just for macro shots, but also for everyday photography like food or portrait shots.

Rating
9.7
Focal Length
Magnification Ratio

Most important from
56 reviews

Focal Length
While it's a good lens, the more expensive 105mm macro offers better performance and more working distance for macro work.
Magnification Ratio
Ideal for up-close pictures of items, making it amazing for detailed shots.

Top 10 Best Nikon Macro Lenses 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

Laowa 24mm f/14 Macro Probe Lens for Nikon

Focal Length: 24 millimeters
Maximum Aperture: f/14
Magnification Ratio: 2:1
Image Stabilization: None
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: Manual focus
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Robust build, some weather sealing

Chosen by 1405 this week

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 | Compact macro prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

Focal Length: 50mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: Fast, less responsive in low-light
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Good build, limited weather sealing

Venus Optics Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for Nikon Z

Focal Length: 90mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Magnification Ratio: 2X
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: solid, handles outdoor conditions

Venus Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO Lens for Nikon F

Focal Length: 100mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Magnification Ratio: 2:1
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Solid build, no weather sealing

Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra-Macro (Nikon F Mount)

Focal Length: 25 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Magnification Ratio: 2.5-5X
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Sturdy, no weather sealing

TOKINA ATX-i 100mm Macro F2.8 for Nikon F Mount

Focal Length: 100mm
Maximum Aperture: F2.8
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Good build quality, no sealing

Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 Dragonfly Lens for Nikon

Focal Length: 150mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Image Stabilization: No
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Strong

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Focal Length: 40 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Magnification Ratio: 1.0x
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: Silent Wave Motor
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Reliable, no sealing

Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Focal Length: 105 mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: Autofocus available, not the fastest
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Good build, weather sealing unspecified
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Buying Guide for the Best Nikon Macro Lenses

Choosing the right macro lens for your Nikon camera can significantly enhance your close-up photography, allowing you to capture intricate details with stunning clarity. When selecting a macro lens, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact your photography experience. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Focal LengthFocal length determines how close you can get to your subject while maintaining focus. Macro lenses typically range from 40mm to 200mm. Shorter focal lengths (40mm-60mm) are great for general close-up photography and are more affordable, but you need to get very close to your subject, which might scare away insects or cast shadows. Mid-range focal lengths (90mm-105mm) offer a good balance, allowing you to maintain some distance while capturing detailed shots. Longer focal lengths (150mm-200mm) are ideal for photographing skittish subjects like insects, as they allow you to shoot from a greater distance, but they tend to be heavier and more expensive. Choose a focal length based on the type of subjects you plan to photograph and your comfort with getting close to them.
Maximum ApertureThe maximum aperture of a lens, indicated by the f-number (e.g., f/2.8), determines how much light the lens can gather and affects depth of field. A larger maximum aperture (smaller f-number) allows more light to enter, which is beneficial for shooting in low light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field, making your subject stand out against a blurred background. Common maximum apertures for macro lenses are f/2.8 and f/3.5. If you often shoot in dim environments or want to create a strong background blur, opt for a lens with a larger maximum aperture. However, if you primarily shoot in well-lit conditions, a smaller maximum aperture may suffice.
Magnification RatioThe magnification ratio indicates how much the lens can enlarge the subject. A 1:1 ratio means the subject is projected onto the camera sensor at life-size, which is ideal for true macro photography. Some lenses offer higher magnification ratios (e.g., 1.4:1 or 2:1), allowing for even greater detail. If you need to capture extremely fine details, look for lenses with higher magnification ratios. For general macro photography, a 1:1 ratio is usually sufficient.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization helps reduce camera shake, which is especially useful when shooting handheld at close distances where even slight movements can blur the image. Some macro lenses come with built-in image stabilization, which can be a significant advantage if you often shoot without a tripod. If you plan to do a lot of handheld shooting or work in low light conditions, consider a lens with image stabilization. However, if you primarily use a tripod, this feature may be less critical.
Autofocus Speed and AccuracyAutofocus speed and accuracy are important for capturing sharp images, especially when photographing moving subjects like insects. Some macro lenses have faster and more accurate autofocus systems than others. If you frequently shoot moving subjects, look for a lens with a reputation for quick and reliable autofocus. For static subjects, autofocus speed may be less of a concern, and you might even prefer to use manual focus for precise control.
Build Quality and Weather SealingBuild quality and weather sealing are important considerations if you plan to use your lens in challenging environments. A well-built lens with weather sealing can withstand dust, moisture, and rough handling, making it more durable and reliable in various conditions. If you often shoot outdoors or in harsh environments, investing in a lens with robust build quality and weather sealing is advisable. For indoor or controlled environments, these features may be less critical.

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