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Why We Love It

Reviewers rave about the lens's impressive sharpness and the true macro 1:1 magnification. The Hybrid Image Stabilization is a standout feature, compensating effectively for camera shake. Users also appreciate the durable build and the image quality is often described as superb, making it a popular choice among professionals.

Pros

  • Superior image quality
  • Hybrid Image Stabilization
  • Highly durable build quality

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Somewhat heavy

High-performance L-series macro lens from Canon

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is a superior quality L-series lens that offers excellent performance in photography. It features a focal length of 100mm, an aperture range of f/2.8, and has a 1:1 magnification ratio for true macro photography. The lens has a Hybrid Image Stabilization that effectively compensates for both angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting. It is constructed with 15 elements in 12 groups and has a 9-blade diaphragm for beautiful bokeh effect.

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Why We Love It

Reviewers have pointed out the exceptional image quality and stabilization that this lens provides. Its durable construction is often mentioned, ensuring it can handle frequent use. Its ability to capture stunning macro shots with sharp details and beautiful bokeh is a consistent highlight in reviews. Despite its price, users think it's worth the investment for the quality it delivers.

Pros

  • Excellent image quality
  • Superior image stabilization
  • Durable construction

Cons

  • Quite pricey
  • May be heavy for some users

Canon 100mm macro lens with Hybrid Image Stabilization technology.

This Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is a versatile lens offering a high level of image quality. It features Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilization Technology, which effectively compensates for both angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting. The lens is constructed with 15 elements in 12 groups, including one UD element and one aspherical element, which help to suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations for sharp, clear imaging.

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Why We Love It

Reviewers love the image quality, praising the lens's sharpness and contrast. The Vibration Reduction system is highly appreciated for its effectiveness in reducing camera shake, enabling handheld shooting in lower light conditions. Users also commend the fast and quiet autofocus, mentioning it works exceptionally well for both macro and portrait photography.

Pros

  • Excellent image quality
  • Vibration Reduction system
  • Fast and quiet autofocusing

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Not weather-sealed

Full-frame macro lens with superior optics from Nikon

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens is an extraordinary full-frame macro lens that provides photographers with a high level of detail and clarity. The lens features a focal length of 105mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It includes Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system to provide camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of three stops. The lens also incorporates Nikon's Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocusing.

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Why We Love It

Users love its incredible sharpness, contrast, and color fidelity. The Vibration Reduction system is praised for its effectiveness in ensuring sharp images even in low light conditions. The lens's autofocus is also lauded for its speed and quietness. Even though it's a bit on the heavy side, users appreciate the build quality and durability it offers.

Pros

  • Excellent image quality
  • Effective Vibration Reduction system
  • Quiet autofocus operation

Cons

  • Pricey
  • May be too heavy for some

Nikon 105mm macro lens with Vibration Reduction (VR) system.

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens is a high-performance macro lens ideal for close-up and portrait photography. It features Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) system that minimizes camera shake for sharp images. The lens incorporates Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocus operation. Its Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity.

5

Why We Love It

Users and reviewers alike praise the lens's sharpness, mentioning it produces high-resolution images with excellent detail. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is highly commended for its effectiveness in reducing blur. Many also appreciate the quiet and precise focusing, stating it enhances the overall shooting experience, especially for macro photography.

Pros

  • Excellent sharpness
  • Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
  • Quiet, precise focusing

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Large and heavy

High-resolution macro lens with advanced optics from Sony

The Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens is a high-resolution lens that offers advanced optics for macro photography. It features a focal length of 90mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens includes Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for sharper images and has a 1:1 magnification ratio for true macro photography. It uses a Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for quiet, precise focusing.

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Why We Love It

Users and reviewers alike praise the Sigma 105mm for its impressive image quality and bokeh rendering. The Optical Stabilization system is highly appreciated for reducing camera shake. Users also love the lens's build quality and the value for money it offers. Despite some finding the autofocus a bit slow, the sharpness and detail this lens delivers make it a favorite among many.

Pros

  • Great image quality
  • Effective Optical Stabilization
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Autofocus can be slow
  • Some may find it heavy

Sigma 105mm macro lens with Optical Stabilization system.

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is a medium telephoto macro lens designed for DSLRs. It features Sigma's Optical Stabilization system that allows handheld close-up photography. Constructed with 16 elements in 11 groups, the lens reduces various aberrations while capturing high resolution images. The lens also features a floating focusing system, which provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro.

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Why We Love It

Users rave about the high resolution and beautiful bokeh this Sony lens provides. The Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is celebrated for its effectiveness, especially in macro photography. The lens's precise and quiet focusing is another stand-out feature that users appreciate. While it's a bit expensive and bulky, the quality it delivers is considered worth the investment.

Pros

  • Excellent resolution
  • Effective image stabilization
  • Quiet and precise focusing

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some might find it bulky

Sony 90mm macro lens with built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

The Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens offers stunning resolution and clarity. It features a built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system that reduces camera shake for sharper images. The lens also includes a Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for quiet, precise focusing. Its circular aperture design contributes to gorgeous bokeh to help your subjects stand out against beautifully defocused backgrounds.

More Specific Lists

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Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 3 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product 1:1 Magnification Focal Length Image Stabilization Type Autofocus System Price Build Quality
1 Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens
Yes 100mm Hybrid Image Stabilization Ultrasonic Motor (USM) $1399.00 Highly durable, L-series construction
2 Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
Yes 105mm Vibration Reduction (VR) Silent Wave Motor $458.99 Standard durable construction, not weather-sealed
3 Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens
Yes 90mm Optical SteadyShot Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) $348.00 High-resolution, advanced optics
1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens

1:1 Magnification
Yes
Focal Length
100mm
Image Stabilization Type
Hybrid Image Stabilization
Autofocus System
Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
Price
$1399.00
Build Quality
Highly durable, L-series construction
2

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

1:1 Magnification
Yes
Focal Length
105mm
Image Stabilization Type
Vibration Reduction (VR)
Autofocus System
Silent Wave Motor
Price
$458.99
Build Quality
Standard durable construction, not weather-sealed
3

Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens

1:1 Magnification
Yes
Focal Length
90mm
Image Stabilization Type
Optical SteadyShot
Autofocus System
Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM)
Price
$348.00
Build Quality
High-resolution, advanced optics

Frequently Asked Questions About Macro Lenses

What makes a macro lenses the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your macro lenses recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of macro lenses?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.