Best Macro Lenses For Video [2024 Review]

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

There is much more you can do with a macro lens than just getting some flawless detailed shots of small subjects. 

Macro lenses are now being used for shooting exceptional videos as well.

If you are looking for an ideal lens suitable for videography, then you have landed just in the right place. This article discusses some of the best known macro lenses for videos to help you simplify your search.

Review of the Best Macro Lenses For Videography

Investing in a macro lens for videography requires some thoughtful decision-making. Therefore, in order to save you from any regret in the future, we have presented a detailed review of our favorite products currently trending on the market.

Brand
Canon EF
Canon EF-S
Canon EF-S 35mm
Product
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon...
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Canon Cameras US 2220C002 35mm Fixed Prime Macro...
Focal Length
100mm
60mm
35mm
Aperture
F2.8
F2.8
F2.8
Brand
Canon EF
Product
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon...
Focal Length
100mm
Aperture
F2.8
Brand
Canon EF-S
Product
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Focal Length
60mm
Aperture
F2.8
Brand
Canon EF-S 35mm
Product
Canon Cameras US 2220C002 35mm Fixed Prime Macro...
Focal Length
35mm
Aperture
F2.8

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

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

PROS

  • Engineered like L-series lenses
  • Exceptional bokeh effect by virtue of 9-blades
  • Weather-proof design to ensure tough conditions
  • USM motor helps in accurate and silent autofocusing
  • Manufactured from high-quality materials to enhance durability

CONS

  • Not zoomable
  • Flare can’t be totally ignored
  • A little distortion at maximum aperture

What Recent Buyers Report

The consumers of this product are highly satisfied with its superior performance. They report that it is quite effective in providing quality videos due to its fixed focal length. Moreover, the design is extremely durable, and there is no frequent maintenance required to achieve sharp and clear videos.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Canon EF 100mm from Canon mainly stands out to us for exhibiting quality construction and an unmatchable focal length of 100mm. The focal length is brilliantly complemented by a wide aperture of F2.8 to ensure vibrant and excellent images whenever you want. Moreover, the model packs a USM motor to assist in fast and accurate capturing.

Who Will Use This Most

Equipped with a fixed 100mm focal length, this lens is highly suitable for beginners to shoot stunning videos. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is user-friendly and weather-sealed, which allows it to resist tough conditions like a pro. With this product onboard, you can take quality videos on the field whenever you desire.

Bottom Line

An extraordinary product with great features, this lens is known for its exquisite design and impressive durability. The 100mm focal length, when combined with F2.8 aperture, helps you take flawless videos, regardless of any lighting conditions. Moreover, the design is weather-sealed to enhance the reliability of the product.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon...
  • 100 millimeter focal length and 1:2.8 maximum aperture. The EF1.4X II; EF2X II extenders cannot be...
  • Lens construction consists of 15 elements in 12 groups
  • 23.4-Degree diagonal angle of view

Runner-up: Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens

PROS

  • Backed by a 1-year warranty
  • Design is quite attractive in appearance
  • In-built USM motor to allow fast autofocusing
  • Optical system is capable of magnifying till 1:1
  • Composed of high-end materials to increase longevity

CONS

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Handling can be difficult
  • Not zoomable

What Recent Buyers Report

Users are quite impressed with the compact design of this product. According to them, it is highly portable and made from quality materials to last for a long time. Similarly, the focal length and aperture are quite effective in ensuring quality videography of the subject. Lastly, the lens comes with a 1-year warranty, which is quite attractive for many customers out there.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens from Canon is built with high-end materials to make it very durable. Speaking of the design, it embodies compactness and portability that is weather-proof as well to provide flawless videos in all environments. Moreover, the 60mm focal length and F2.8 aperture are useful in achieving quality videography goals.

Who Will Use This Most

Due to its super-compact design, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Fixed Lens is just the right choice for travelers who are interested in macro videography. Moreover, its super-friendly features make it the go-to choice for many beginners as well as professionals. Plus, there is a 1-year warranty on it that saves the owner from frequent maintenance expenditures.

Bottom Line

One of the finest lenses on our list, this runner-up is well-known for its compact design and superior performance. The focal length and aperture are meant to provide stunning videos. Plus, with the USM motor incorporated, you don’t have to wait long to begin capturing highly focused videos in blessed silence.

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
  • 60mm macro lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for EOS digital SLR cameras
  • 25-degree angle of view is equivalent to 96mm lens on 35mm camera
  • Focal length : 60mm, Closest focusing distance : 0.65 feet

Best for the Money: Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM

Canon Cameras US 2220C002 35mm Fixed Prime Macro...

PROS

  • Flawless appearance with black finish
  • Undoubtedly the most affordable lens on this list
  • User-friendly design, which is highly portable as well
  • STM motor for achieving silent and fast autofocusing
  • Established from heavy-duty products to make it last for a long time

CONS

  • Limited focal length
  • Might encounter some distortion
  • Autofocusing is not as silent as advertised

What Recent Buyers Report

Canon EF-S 35mm has gained many positive reviews from customers due to its high-end functionality. The focal length and aperture are great at delivering excellent videos, even in low light conditions. The most striking thing about it is its affordable price tag, which is quite impressive for most users out there.

Why it Stands Out to Us

In case you are looking for a reliable lens with all the essential features at an affordable price, then you must consider this option from Canon. It comes with a fixed focal length of 35mm and a wide aperture of F/2.8 to ensure stunning videos. Moreover, there is a built-in stepping motor which is highly useful in delivering accurate autofocusing.

Who Will Use This Most

With a fine focal length and aperture, the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM is extremely suitable for beginners as well as professionals for acing videography. Moreover, its reasonable price tag makes it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget. You get to have all significant features with superior performance at a striking price.

Bottom Line

The most pocket-friendly product on our list, this lens from Canon is meant to deliver superior performance for a longer period of time. Not only is the design compact to enhance the portability, but other features like focal length and STM motor also add to its perfection. In short, you are not going to get a better deal at such a low price.

Canon Cameras US 2220C002 35mm Fixed Prime Macro...
  • EF-S series macro Lens with built-in macro Lite
  • Bright f/2.8 aperture and 35mm standard angle of view
  • Hybrid image stabilization

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

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

PROS

  • Comes with a 5-year warranty
  • Flare reduction by nano-crystal coating
  • Embodies a great design with an appealing look
  • Equipped with internal-focus to allow fast performance
  • Constructed from high-end materials to increase durability

CONS

  • No zoomable capability
  • Lacks image stabilization
  • Relatively bulky

What Recent Buyers Report

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR Lens has succeeded in winning the confidence of customers with its remarkable design and flawless performance. Users report that it is equipped with exquisite design and built to deliver fine videography. Moreover, there are no complaints of flare or chromatic aberrations production by users.

Why it Stands Out to Us?

A powerhouse of features, this lens from Nikon is incorporated with a great set of exceptional features. The design offers an appealing look, plus 105mm focal length is useful in creating excellent videos of the subject. Similarly, the internal focus assists in fast and accurate autofocusing. Lastly, it is backed by an impressive 5-year warranty to guarantee reliability.

Who Will Use This Most

With a great product warranty, this product is just the right choice for those working in the field. They can use it to create some worthy videos without having to worry about maintenance expenditures. Moreover, the focal length with wide aperture makes it suitable for close-up shots and videos as well.

Bottom Line

If you find yourself looking for a user-friendly and durable lens to go with your DSLR body, then look no further. This Nikon lens with 105mm focal length and a wide aperture of F2.8 can be effectively used to shoot some exceptional videos without any hassle. Overall, it has everything you are looking for.

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens
  • Designed for close-up and macro photography; versatile enough for virtually any photographic...
  • Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 23°20'.Features new VR II vibration reduction technology, Focal...
  • Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance overall image quality by further reducing flare...

Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro Lens

Tamron AFF017N700 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1...

PROS

  • Comes from a reputed brand
  • No tension of flare or ghosting
  • Attractive design with a black matte finish
  • Weather-sealed design to combat harsh conditions
  • Established from quality materials to serve the user in the long run

CONS

  • Autofocusing switch can be a struggle
  • Lens hood does not offer maximum clearance
  • Minor inconvenience while removing the hood

What Recent Buyers Report

Similar to the above-mentioned products, Tamron SP has earned great reviews from the users. They report that it is extremely useful in creating some excellent video shots of the subject. Moreover, the design of this user-friendly lens is weather-proof and, therefore, saves the user from the tension of repairing or replacement expenditures.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Packed to the brim with exceptional features, this lens is offered by Tamron. It is incorporated with a 90mm fixed focal length, which is complemented by a wide aperture of F2.8 to allow quality videography. Moreover, the design is completely weather-sealed and moisture-proof to enhance its reliability. Lastly, it is made with an advanced coating to ensure minimal flare and ghosting effects during the videography session.

Who Will Use This Most

This is undoubtedly one of the most useful lenses for achieving your videography goals. It is highly durable since it comes with a fluorine coating to resist any moisture and harsh environment. Plus, the high-end focal length with wide aperture assists beginners as well as professionals for worthy videography sessions.

Bottom Line

This lens from Tamron makes its way to our list for its highly durable construction. The focal length is extremely useful for video shooting, plus the wide aperture provides vibrant and stunning videos of the subject. Moreover, advanced coating technology is effective in reducing flare and ghosting effects.

Tamron AFF017N700 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1...
  • Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction
  • Durable Fluorine Coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints
  • Advanced coating technology reduces flare and ghosting ; Camera Mount Type Nikon F

Comparison of the Best Macro Lenses For Video

Can Any Macro Lens Be Used For Video?

Macro lenses are quite sharp in performance, and they are ideally manufactured for taking detailed shots of subjects at extremely close distance. Compared to normal lenses, a macro lens can effectively focus much nearer and, therefore, deliver a full-frame picture of the subject with more details.

Cannon 100mm Macro lens

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

However, not all macro lenses can be effectively employed for videography. In order to achieve high-grade videos, generally, a lens with 60-105mm focal length is preferred. This mid-range focal length, when combined with a maximum aperture of F2.8, can be really helpful in creating some sharp and excellent videos of small objects.

Characteristics of Our Favorite Macro Lenses

Acquiring the most reliable macro lens for videography can be extremely daunting, as there is a huge variety available on the market. This can easily confuse you, and you might end up picking the wrong one. Leave that to us! We have examined a few attributes of the great lens that have been selected for inclusion in this article and explained why they are important.

Reliable Construction

One of the significant characteristics of the ideal lens is its quality construction. A lens made from high-quality materials is capable of serving the user in the long run. Moreover, one from a reputed brand often comes with impressive customer services that help you avoid additional expenditures for repairs and frequent replacements.

Damage-Resistant Body

Another essential feature of a great lens is its water-proof and weather-proof capabilities. Such a lens can easily endure harsh weather conditions and, therefore, can be used on the field to achieve high-grade macro videography.

Ease of Use

This is one of the most crucial features, especially for beginners. The lens must be lightweight and able to be carried around quite easily so you can take it along on the field. There should be no confusion regarding its handling so you can seamlessly take some stunning shots.

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?

Whenever you are in the market to purchase a macro lens for videography, you are recommended to always spend some time thinking about some of the important factors that contribute to its superior performance. Below are some factors that must be kept under consideration in order to make a valued purchase.

Focal Length

One of the significant factors to consider is the focal length. Unlike other regular lenses, in which wide-angle coverage or telephoto reach is observed, macrophotography is all about minimum focusing distance. Macro lenses can be divided into three focal length categories, including the short focal length of 35-60mm, the mid-range focal length of 90-105mm, and lastly, the longer focal length of 150-200mm. The choice ultimately is yours, which should be genuinely based on your requirements.

Weight

The weight of any macro lens accounts for its portability, and therefore, it is quite an important factor to consider. A lightweight lens is a lot easier to carry around as compared to the bulky one. Therefore, the decision should be made wisely.

Aperture

Another essential factor to consider is the aperture size. For a bright and sharp macro shot, it is important to get a wide aperture that allows an enhanced transmission of light. This way, you can get clear and excellent pictures, even in the absence of favorable lighting conditions.

Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind

There are other considerations that should be made before you finalize the purchase. These factors are important to know as they can directly affect your overall experience. Let’s discuss them one by one!

Cost

Whenever you intend to purchase a macro lens for videography, the price can be a huge factor since it can be really heavy on your pocket. You might need to spend a little more than expected in order to get the best. Therefore, you are recommended to leave some space in the budget in order to easily fit this extra expense.

Image Stabilization

This is another important factor as most of the advanced macro lenses now feature image stabilization. This feature can be really helpful in eliminating distortion and providing a perfect video shot of your subject.

Magnification

Macro photography or videography can only be achieved if the lens is capable of delivering 1:1 magnification. The reason is that only at this magnification, a small object will be reproduced on the DLR camera’s sensor with the maximum life-size.

Some macro lenses are ideally designed for cameras based on APS-C format and therefore offer maximum magnification of 1.0x. On the other hand, DX-format cameras are meant to produce effective magnification and are, therefore, usually preferred.

People Also Ask

Macro photography requires slightly more considerations than other types. Many beginners in this field have a number of questions regarding macro lenses. This section has summarized some of the frequently asked questions by the people and their answers to help them get the best out of the lens.

How are Macro Lenses Different?

A macro lens is usually equipped with similar qualities as the regular ones, but they are a bit more expensive due to their capability to focus and magnify the subject by providing even the minor details. These lenses are relatively bulky and equipped with 1:1 magnification or more to provide a focused view of the subject on the frame.

What is the Difference Between a Prime Lens and a Macro?

A macro lens is going to provide 1:1 magnification of the subject. A prime lens is a lot faster in action, while the macro lens takes some time to get you the perfect picture. Talking about the design, macro lenses are bigger than prime lenses but do not offer a bokeh effect like their prime counterparts, thanks to their faster speed.

What is the Difference Between Micro and Macro Lens?

Macro and microphotography are usually referred to as getting an incredible amount of details of the subject. The major difference between both types is the use of the lens. Anyone can take a shot of a micro object with the help of a telephoto lens. However, macro photography can only be aced by employing a macro lens of at least 1:1 magnification. 

Conclusion

With a reliable lens for macro photography, you are capable of shooting many wonderful close-ups of tiny subjects. This will ultimately get you stunning results. Hopefully, this article has helped you in getting all the information about the best lenses suitable for macro photography. Before making any purchase, just read through this buying guide in order to be sure you are making an informed decision.