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Best Nikon Macro Lens
Macro lenses are normally used when taking photos of things in nature, like insects and flowers. Most often, macro lenses are used to photograph details of architectural designs. But with the influx of this kind of lens in the market today, how do you choose the best Nikon macro lens?
In this buying guide, we will share with you some of the best Nikon macro lenses. We will also discuss what sets them on the higher echelon compared to others. We trim down the ten best Nikon macro lens to help you narrow down your choice.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Categories
Before jumping into other factors, it is important first to know and understand the different categories which the macro lens is grouped. This will greatly help you in picking the best Nikon macro lens that will suit your preferences and needs. The three categories are the short range, mid-range, and long range.
Short-range
This lens ranges between 35 mm and 60 mm. It usually costs less and is always lightweight compared to other categories. It has a shorter working distance that makes it not so ideal for moving subjects. A short-range lens could be a good choice if you are looking to buy a Nikon macro lens to just test it out and check if you want to buy a robust lens to be included in your kit.
Mid-range
This lens ranges between 90 mm and 105 mm. compared to the short range type, it has a much larger working distance but very affordable. This is usually the type of lens most photographers use when they want to take pictures of flowers. A mid-range lens enables you to be close enough to the subject you nearly touch it, so other objects in the foreground or background are not in focus. It is a popular choice if you want to have the best technology and a fairly affordable price.
Long-range
It has a range between 150 mm and 200 mm. this type of macro lens is the most impressive in terms of image quality and working distance. But, it is seldom a popular choice among photographers because it is much heavier and a little more expensive. The long-range lens is the best choice if you want to take pictures of moving subjects like insects and other miniscule living things. This lens can handle motion and keep in focus.
Features
Focal Length
Another important consideration when choosing the best Nikon macro lens is the focal length.
It is the distance between the optical center of the lens and the image plane. To some, the longer focal length would mean a telephoto macro lens. But, it is not always like that. Macro lenses are available in different focal lengths but could still have 1:1 life-sized enlargement ratio.
The important thing is you identify what you plan to capture. You will also need to determine the level of your seriousness when it comes to using a macro lens. These are very crucial before you make a decision in selecting a particular focal length.
Advanced Features
Magnification
In addition to the focal length, another factor that you should carefully consider when choosing the best Nikon macro lens is the magnification.
Unlike other types of photography, in macro, magnification is the most vital and defining point. Most photographers always look for a lens that offers a genuine 1:1 magnification.
In other words, the subject is captured in its actual size in real-life. This is important if you want to maintain or achieve a high-resolution photograph. It is equally important to define or translate this in the application of a macro lens.
A 1.0x magnification in a macro lens means that a subject will be reproduced on the image sensor of the camera at its full actual size. For instance, if you want to capture the size of a postage stamp, it will fill up the entire image frame. This means that it will have a massive magnification when you look at the resulting image on the screen of your camera or when printed out. You can see the levels of details when you zoom into the image in the pixel level.
There are some macro lenses that are made exclusively for APS-C format of DSLR types of camera. Similar to the full-frame friendly lenses, this type offers 1.0x magnification. But, because of the 1.5x factor of Nikon DX format, like models D5600, this allows this type of DSLRs to produce much greater magnification effect.
It is important to note that if you have a longer minimum focus distance, you will achieve maximum magnification. It allows you to achieve a working distance that is more comfortable. This way, the front end of your lens would not come very close to the object.
It makes it much easier to take pictures of bugs and other miniscule wildlife without scaring them off before you even get your shot. It decreases the risk of your lens overshadowing your subject if you are utilizing the ambient light instead of using a flash.
Ease of Use
Minimum Focusing Distance
Another crucial factor to look for when choosing the best Nikon macro lens is the minimum focusing distance.
This refers to the distance you can get near your subject while still keeping an accurate and sharp focus. This is vital for photographers who would like to achieve photos with much finer details.
Visibility
Image Quality
One frustration in macro photography is the tendency of the depth of field to be very small.
In the minimum focus distance of a macro lens, to achieve the greatest magnification, the depth of filed is shrunk to just two millimeters. The crucial factor in determining the performance is on knowing how well the lens keeps the good image quality at a very slim aperture of approximately f/16 or f/22 where you get extra mms in terms of depth of field.
Image Stabilization
This is another crucial factor that you should take into consideration when choosing the best Nikon macro lens. Many brands today offer some kind of image stabilizing features. This is a very handy feature because the photographer can take a shot on the subject even without using a tripod.
But, many serious photographers will still utilize a tripod as well as a strobe lighting to achieve the best effects possible. In cameras like Canon and Nikon, this is very essential when you buy a macro lens. These two companies are known not to have image stabilizer or vibration reducer in the bodies of their cameras. Instead, they incorporate it on the lens.
Best Nikon Macro Lens
1. Sigma, 258306 F2.8 105mm EX DG OS HSM
This could be the perfect choice if you are looking for a versatile product that allows you to take sharp macro photos or utilize the same lens for portraiture or landscape.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 5 –inches x 3.1 -inches x 3.1 –inches.
Weight
This product has an item weight of 1.6 –pounds and a total shipping weight of 3.09 –pounds.
Color
This model is only available in Black color.
Model
The 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM from Sigma has a ring type ultrasonic type of focus. It is a telephoto type of lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This model has a maximum focal length of 105 –millimeters, a minimum aperture of 2.2 –millimeters, a minimum focal length of 105 –millimeters, and a photo filter thread size of 62 –millimeters.
Accessories
The entire pack contains one unit of macro lens. It also comes with an adapter for the hood, lens hood, and caps for both front and rear lenses.
Value
This model will get you the sharp, high contrast macro shots that you want to achieve even without the aid of a tripod. You can also use it to do landscape and portraiture shots. It is a great value for money.
Features
It features an advanced result when it comes to close-up or macro photography. It has an Optical Stabilizer that allows you to achieve crisp close-up shots even with the use of a handheld. This model is equipped with an SLD or Special Low Dispersion lens and one SLD lens that have a high refractive index. These two offer correction for all kinds of distortion and aberration.
It is coated with a super multiple layer coating that minimizes ghosting and flare and gives you high contrast photographs. This model utilizes a Hyper Sonic Motor to make sure that the autofocus function is at a high speed at its manual focus capability is at full time.
Style
This model is a mid-range focal length macro lens.
Versatility
It is a great macro lens for starters, professional photographers, and enthusiasts. Aside from macro, you can also use this to capture landscape and portraiture shots.
2. Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 40 mm f/2.8G ED
This could be the perfect choice if you are looking for the best Nikon macro lens that will not cost you so much.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 2.56 –inches x 2.72 -inches x 2.72 –inches.
Weight
It is lightweight and only weighs 0.52 –pounds.
Color
This model is available in Black color with Gold writings.
Model
The AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G from Nikon is compatible to Nikon F (DX) mount. It has an ultrasonic focus type with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a maximum focal length of 40 –millimeters. This model has a photo filter thread size of 52 –millimeters and a minimum aperture of f/2.2.
Accessories
The pack contains one unit of Nikon lens, hood, and a cover for the front and rear lenses.
Value
With it capabilities, features, and cost, this model is the most popular among enthusiasts because it is available at an unbelievably affordable price.
Features
It features a DX-format macro lens with nine elements and seven groups. It can produce sharp images ranging between infinity and life-size. This model features an autofocus function up to 64 –inches. It comes with a close-range correction technology and a motor equipped with a silent wave.
Style
This model is a normal short-range lens.
Versatility
This is designed for macro photography but you can also use this to take a portraiture shot.
3. AF-S VR 105mm IF-ED f/2.8G
This could be the best choice if you are looking for a long lens that is packed with several cutting-edge technologies.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 4.57 –inches x 3.27 -inches x 3.27 –inches.
Weight
This model is lightweight despite its length. It has an overall item weight of 1.74 –pounds.
Color
It is available in Black color.
Model
The AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED from Nikon is the flagship macro lens of the company. It uses a ring type ultrasonic focus. This is a telephoto type of lens that has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of 32 –millimeters. This model has a maximum and minimum focal length of 105 –millimeters and a photo filter thread size of 62 –millimeters.
Accessories
The entire pack is consists of one unit of a macro lens. It also comes with an instruction manual, and a cap for the front lens and the rear lens.
Value
This model can produce great quality images because of its features. Though it is quite a bit pricey, the usage, quality, and durability are all worth the investment.
Features
It features a dedicated design intended for close up or macro photography. A coat made of Nan- crystal and ED glass components that improve the total quality of the image. It further minimizes the chromatic aberrations and flare in the picture. This model is equipped with an internal focus that offers quick and silent automatic focusing without altering the length of the lens.
Style
This model is a mid-range macro lens and is the flagship macro lens of Nikon.
Versatility
In addition to being a macro lens for macro shots, you can also use this for portraiture photography and for taking wedding photos.
4. AF 200mm IF-ED F/4D
This could be the supreme choice if you are looking for an optimized lens for a much larger sensor size of cameras that are full-frame.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 7.6 –inches x 2.99 -inches x 2.99 –inches.
Weight
It has a total item weight of 2.62 –pounds and a shipping weight of 3.45 –pounds.
Color
This model is available in black color.
Model
The AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4.0D IF-ED lens from Nikon has a maximum aperture of f/4 and a minimum aperture of f/32. It utilizes the screw drive from the camera as its focus type. It has a minimum and maximum focal length of 200 –millimeters and a photo thread size of 62 –millimeters.
Accessories
The entire pack is composed of one unit of macro lens, a cover for its front lens and rear lens, and an instruction manual.
Value
With its impressive image quality and features, this model offers great value for your money.
Features
It features a 63 –millimeters filter. It utilizes an optical glass developed by the company that is used in telephoto lenses to minimize chromatic aberrations and to maximize image correction. This model also features the legendary Micro NIKKOR technology. It is proficient at creating a remarkable balance between ease of use and clarity. It made with ED or extra-low dispersion glass to make sure that you achieve apochromatic-like performance with excellent images and sharper contrast.
Style
This model is a long-range telephoto macro lens.
Versatility
In addition to being a macro lens, you can also use this taking landscape and portraiture photographs.
5. Sigma Macro EX DG OS 180 mm F/2.8 APO HSM
This could be a great choice if you are looking for a product that could give you the best quality macro shot when used with moving subjects like insects, animals, and plants.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 8.03 -inches x 3.74 -inches x 3.74 –inches.
Weight
This model has an overall item weight of 3.620-pounds.
Color
It is available in Black color with Gold and White markings.
Model
The 180mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS from Sigma uses ring type ultrasonic focus. It has a minimum aperture of 22 and a maximum aperture of f2.8. This model has a photo filter thread size of 86 –millimeters. It has a maximum and minimum focal length of 180 –millimeters.
Accessories
The entire pack is composed of one unit of lens. It also comes with a user manual and a cap that covers the front lens and the rear lens.
Value
This model offers a great value for your money because of its performance and features that make your photos stand out from the rest.
Features
It features a focusing distance of 47 –centimeters/ 18.5 –inches. It is packed with the company’s own Optical Stabilizer technology. This provides the utilization of shutter speeds around four stops slower than would be otherwise feasible, allowing you to do handheld macro photography. This model integrates the company’s floating inner focusing technology. This reduces aberrations which happen when there are changes in the distance. It also activates stable rendering of the image ranging between infinity and 1:1 magnification.
Style
This macro lens is a long range type of telephoto lens.
Versatility
Aside from macro photography, you can also use this in landscape photography, animal photography, and portraiture photography.
6. Tamron SP 90 mm F/2.8
This could be an excellent choice if you are looking for a product that is designed for a superior performance of DSLR or SLR camera bodies.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 2.8 –inches x 2.8 -inches x 3.8 –inches.
Weight
This is a lightweight lens that has an item weight of 14.2 –ounces and a shipping weight of 1.58 –pounds.
Color
It is available in Black color.
Model
The AF 90mm lens from Tamron has an aperture length ranging between f 2.8 and f/32. It has a minimal focus length of 90 –millimeters.
Accessories
The entire pack is composed of one unit of macro lens, a case, and a lens hood.
Value
Many photographers love this macro lens because it is affordable for the kind of features and results that it can yield. It is a great value for your money
Features
It features a ring clutch that you can utilize for focusing. This ring engages and disengages the focusing gear making the transition between the MF and the AF extremely easy and simple. This latest version is upgraded and comes with a finer coating, better images, enhanced autofocus, and a hybrid image stabilizer.
Style
This lens is a mid-range type of macro lens.
Versatility
In addition to macro photography, you can also use this lens for landscape photography. It is also ideal for enthusiasts who would like to experiment and explore the world of macro photography.
7. f/5.6D AF-S 200-500 mm
This could be the ideal choice if you are looking for a solidly made lens that can withstand different types of environments without getting scratches and dents.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 7.48 –inches x 7.48 -inches x 17.2 –inches.
Weight
This model has an overall item weight of 5.7 –pounds and a shipping weight of 6.85 –pounds.
Color
It is available in Black color with gold writings.
Model
The AF Micro-Nikkor 200 mm f/4D IF-ED from Nikon uses manual and automatic focus. It has an aperture length ranging from f/5.6 to f32. It has a minimum focal length of 200 –millimeters and maximum focal length of 500 –millimeters.
Accessories
The whole pack is consists of one unit of telephoto lens, a case, and a cover for the front and rear lenses. It also has a Bayonet hood, and a warranty card.
Value
This amazing product that allows you to shoot moving subjects and still gives you a great image quality is a great value for money.
Features
It features a fast and steady aperture for amazing out of focus background and for low-light environment. For sports mode, this model has a vibration reduction of 4.5 stops. It comes with vibration reduction that counteracts even the slightest movement of the camera.
Style
This is a long range telephoto type of macro lens.
Versatility
This model can be used by photographers, enthusiasts, and hobbyists in taking macro shots, landscape shots, and portraiture shots.
8. Micro-NIKKOR AF-S FX 2177 60mm
This could be the perfect choice if you are looking for a popular macro lens that is a little bit longer than the standard focal length.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 3.5 -inches x 2.9 -inches x 2.9 –inches.
Weight
This product has a total item weight of 15 -ounces and a shipping weight of 9.1 –ounces.
Color
It is available in Black color only.
Model
The AF-S FX Micro-NIKKOR 2177 by Nikon has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/32. It has a total focal length of 60 –millimeters.
Accessories
The whole pack is consists of one unit of macro lens, case, and caps for the front lens and rear lens.
Value
This model is a great value for money as it helps you achieve the right amount of Bokeh and sharpness that you would like to see in your photos. It is compact and lightweight and very easy to use.
Features
It features a 90 –millimeters focal length perfect for cameras with APS-C sensor. It has a minimum focus distance of 8 –inches. This model is compatible with all the DX model of Nikon. It is compact and lightweight so you can bring it with you anywhere you go. It also allows you to achieve a beautiful background blur or Bokeh through its wider aperture settings.
Style
This model is a short-range type of macro lens.
Versatility
You can use it for macro shot, landscape, and portraiture shots.
9. Samyang 100-mm F/2.8 ED UMC
This could be the best choice if you are looking for a well-engineered lens that is beautifully handled.
Read moreSize
It has a total product dimension of 5.88 –inches x 2.9 -inches x 2.9 –inches.
Weight
This product has an item weight of 1.6 –pounds.
Color
It is currently available in black color only.
Model
The 100-mm F/2.8 ED UMC model from Samyang is a manual-only macro lens. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/32. This model has a minimum and maximum focal length of 100 –millimeters.
Accessories
The entire pack is composed of one unit of telephoto macro lens, case, and caps for front and rear lenses.
Value
This model is a great value for your money, given its features and the quality of image that it produces.
Features
This particular model is known to other camera brands with an aperture set to manual focus. However, with Nikon, it features various options. It integrates mechanics and electronics that are necessary in order to adjust the aperture of the Nikon camera. It has a focus ring that has a long travel and is very smooth when it comes to operation.
Style
This product is a mid-range type of telephoto macro lens.
Versatility
In addition to macro photography, you can also enjoy this model with portraiture and landscape photography.
10. Micro NIKKOR AF-S DX 85mm f/3.5G ED
This could be the excellent choice if you are looking for a product that is great in both landscape and macro photography.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 3.9 –inches x 2.87 -inches x 2.87 –inches.
Weight
This model has an item weight of 0.78 –pounds.
Color
It is currently available in Black color.
Model
The AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED from Nikon has a maximum aperture of f.3.5 and a minimum aperture of f/32. It has a minimum and maximum focal length of 85 –millimeters. Its focus type is a ring type ultrasonic and it has a photo filter thread of 52 –millimeters.
Accessories
The pack contains one unit of macro lens, one casing, and caps to cover the front lens and the rear lens.
Value
This is a great value for your money with Nikon’s impressive features loaded in this model to help you achieve the kind of image that you would like to see.
Features
It features Nikon VRII or vibration reduction also known as image stabilization. It also has extra-low dispersion or ED element, and SIX or Nikon’s patented Super Integrated Coating. The motor is very silent when in operation because of its Silent Wave Motor technology.
Style
This model is a shirt range type of telephoto macro lens.
Versatility
It excels not only in macro photography but also in portrait photography.
