10 Best Macro Lenses 2025 in the United States

The AstrHori 25mm F2.8 macro lens is designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, especially Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma L-mounts. It offers an impressive 2x to 5x magnification, which is higher than many standard macro lenses, allowing you to capture extremely close-up details of tiny subjects. The working distance of about 37.5 to 45mm helps you set up lighting and composition without being uncomfortably close to the subject.

The 25mm focal length is shorter than usual for macro lenses, but this actually gives you a larger depth of field at these magnifications, making it easier to keep more of your subject in focus and reducing the need for complex photo stacking. With a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 and an 8-blade iris, the lens performs well in low light and can create smooth background blur (bokeh) that highlights your subject nicely. The lens construction includes 10 elements in 7 groups, featuring specialized glass to reduce distortions and improve sharpness.

This lens is manual focus only and does not have autofocus, which may be challenging if you're used to quick focusing systems, especially at high magnifications where precise manual focus is critical. There is no image stabilization built-in, so using a tripod or steady hand technique is recommended. The build feels solid, but the lack of autofocus and stabilization means it’s best suited for photographers comfortable with manual precision work. It is a strong choice for enthusiasts eager to explore extreme close-ups with excellent image quality and depth of field control, provided they are okay with manual focusing and stabilizing their shots themselves.

The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro lens is an impressive choice for photographers using Micro Four Thirds systems, particularly those interested in macro photography. With a 90mm focal length, it is well-suited for capturing detailed close-ups while maintaining a comfortable working distance. The maximum aperture of f/3.5 is reasonable for macro work, ensuring decent depth of field and light capture, although it may not perform as well in very low light situations compared to lenses with wider apertures.

A standout feature is its high magnification capability, offering up to 2x magnification with the MC-14 teleconverter and an impressive 4x with the MC-20, making it exceptional for extreme close-up photography. However, these teleconverters are additional purchases, which might not appeal to budget-conscious users.

The lens includes built-in image stabilization, crucial for reducing hand-shake blurring in close-up shots, enhancing the sharpness and clarity of your images. Autofocus performance is generally reliable, though the manual focus clutch mechanism and focus limiter provide flexibility for those who prefer fine-tuning their shots manually.

In terms of build quality, this lens is robust, featuring a weather-sealed design with IP53 performance, making it suitable for outdoor use in various conditions. The fluorine coating adds further protection against dust and moisture.

While the lens is slightly on the heavier side at 1 pound, its solid build and additional features justify the weight. For users who prioritize portability, this might be a minor drawback. Additionally, its price point might be high for beginners, but the quality and features offered cater well to advanced enthusiasts and professionals seeking superior resolution and versatility in macro photography.

The Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro Probe lens for Sony FE is a unique macro lens designed for those who love to capture intricate details in their photography. Its standout feature is the long, tubular 15.7-inch barrel, which allows photographers to get close to subjects without disturbing them or needing to maneuver into tight spaces physically. This makes it particularly useful for shooting in environments where getting physically close to the subject is challenging, like wildlife or delicate botanical photography.

At 24mm, it offers full-frame coverage, which is great for those using both 35mm full-frame and Super35 sensors. The wide-angle design provides a deep depth of field, enabling more background details to be captured, which is beneficial in adding context to macro shots. However, the maximum aperture of f/14 is relatively narrow, which might require additional lighting or higher ISO settings to compensate for lower light situations. Thankfully, an integrated LED ring light at the lens tip helps illuminate the subject when working with such small apertures.

In terms of build, the lens is lightweight at just over a pound, making it easy to handle and maneuver. However, there's no mention of weather sealing, so caution is advised when photographing in wet or dusty environments.

For anyone passionate about macro photography, especially studio and wildlife photographers, this lens offers some unique advantages in capturing hard-to-reach subjects. Just be mindful of the lighting needs due to its small aperture and the potential requirement for manual focus adjustments.