My Favorite Macro Lenses!

[PeterEde]

Canon 6D 100mm macro
Is my kit
Will have to keep an eye on this thread

 

[AllAmericanReefs]

Hi all!
I get this question a lot.... "what lens (or macro lens) should I buy?"
So I figured I'd put together an easy to reference list of my personal favs.
If you are looking for your first lens, outside of the kit lens that may have come with your camera, I always suggest a good Macro lens.
My macros are by far my most used lenses when photographing my tanks because they are the most fun!!!

Here's my quick list broken down by popular camera systems.

Tamron 90mm 1:1
This is without a doubt, the best value in a macro lens!!!!! It's the one I recommend most often.
It's easily got 95% of the optical performance of the name brand lenses from Nikon and Canon but at half the price.
You would have to be doing some crazy pixel peeping to be able to see the difference.
IMO, it's probably the best performing third party lens, period, as far as being compared to its name brand cousins.
Tamron really hit it out of the park with this one.
For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2pkpFu2
For Canon: https://amzn.to/347MxLZ

For a little bit extra, you can get the "VC" version, which stands for Vibration Control.
This can help with hand-holding at low shutter speeds, giving you can extra stop or two. But I tend to turn this off whenever possible because it can cause the images to not be quite as razor-sharp as without. But it can come in handy sometimes so some people like the option of having it.
For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2pUJZlN
For Canon: https://amzn.to/2NcIRla


Nikon 105mm 2.8 VR
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm is a beautiful lens for full-frame Nikon shooters.
I shot with the Tamron above for many years and then finally decided to get this lens. As I stated earlier, you get a few % better optical quality, but you also get a better build quality and Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction). But it's a little bigger and weighs twice as much as the Tamron. It also doesn't focus quite as close but that's due to having a longer focal length. The longer focal length may be a reason for you to choose this lens over the Tamron if you have a larger, deeper tank. If you must have the top name brand version of a lens and don't mind the longer focal length, this may be the lens for you. But even when I was shooting this lens, I still recommended the Tamron to most people.

Robot Check

Canon 100mm 2.8L
This is the one lens on this list that I can't PERSONALLY recommend, only because I do not own Canon cameras. But from everything I've heard and read, I would not hesitate to offer it as a great option to Canon shooters. Canon is known for its "L" lenses, so if you are a Canon shooter, this one is definitely worth a hard look.

Robot Check

Fuji 80mm 2.8 OIS Macro
I've recently made the switch from Nikon to Fuji and a large part of that decision was based on the performance of this lens. It is my new favorite macro lens, even more so than the Tamron. It's just stunning, and if you own a Fuji X camera, I would slap you silly if you did not purchase this lens. Sometimes, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between images coming out of this lens and any of the others mentioned, but when you get everything JUST right... O, M, G. The details it can resolve are just amazeballs.

Robot Check

Olympus 30mm 3.5 Macro
And finally, what's a list of anything without the underdog?
There aren't many Micro 4/3 shooters out there but there should be.
You get all the benefits of a DSLR in a tiny package. There are limitations, but it still beats the heck out of a phone or little point and shoot camera.
So for those on the fence, thinking about getting into a nice little DSLR camera system, the Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras are definitely worth a look.
There are not many options available for macro, but luckily Olympus makes their own and like their other pro glass, it's actually a really good performer.
This will give you more of a 60mm field of view when compared to full-frame 35mm systems.

Robot Check

Extension Tubes
It may be worth a look. It's a way to achieve closer focusing with standard lenses at a cheaper cost than buying a dedicated lense.
Some people like to use them as a way to see if they will shoot macro enough to make it worth the cost of purchasing an actual macro lens.
I do not have experience with extension tubes so I can not recommend any. If you do have experience in this area, feel free to talk about your findings in the comments below.

Below are some examples taken with the various lenses above (except the canon).
With most of these, I couldn't tell you which were taken with which camera and lens without looking at the EXIF data. Which says a lot. This means any of the lenses mentioned above (except for the canon in my case) are a solid choice. If anyone needs further assistance in this area, feel free to ask here or PM me. Good luck, and have fun!!!

I far away is your camera from the glass when taking these pictures? I find my biggest issue using my macros lens is if the subject isn’t right up against the glass, I can’t get a crisp in-focus shot with the macro.

 

[d2mini]

I far away is your camera from the glass when taking these pictures? I find my biggest issue using my macros lens is if the subject isn’t right up against the glass, I can’t get a crisp in-focus shot with the macro.

Great question.
I'm usually right up on the glass. Sometimes the body of the lens is actually touching the glass, or I'm close enough that a finger or two on the hand that is holding the lens is reaching out and touching the glass to help stabilize it.
I also use a tube like the Avast Marine Porthole to shoot through from above, letting me essentially stick the lens under water.

Two things are going to determine whether you get a sharp image. A fast enough shutter speed to stop movement and/or stop camera shake, and shooting perpendicular to the glass. Many people don't realize this because our eyes don't have the same issue. A camera lens can not properly focus if you are shooting at an angle to the glass. Shoot straight into it. If using the Porthole like I mentioned above, angle the whole porthole, not your lens inside the porthole.

 

[PeterEde]

Keep lens on the glass or at least square to and as close to the glass as required. If you take shots on an angle you will get distortion as light passes through the glass. Tank glass is not optical glass.

Turn off external lights to avoid reflections.
Shutter speed should be at least focal length. ie 100mm macro lens equals min 1/100th sec shutter speed (hand held) Turn up ISO for proper exposure.
Set camera to TV (shutter priority) if shooting moving fish or AV (aperture priority) if shooting still objects.

 

[Jeffcb]

As to how far away from the glass.

I use a C 100 macro. It depends on the subject matter.

For fish I end up being about a foot or more away from the glass. They are spooked by the lens and can be hard to catch.

I am an amateur and still learning but the best thing I have learned is to take a lot of shot. If I am lucky 3-4 out of 50 are descent lol.

 

[PeterEde]

As to how far away from the glass.

I use a C 100 macro. It depends on the subject matter.

For fish I end up being about a foot or more away from the glass. They are spooked by the lens and can be hard to catch.

I am an amateur and still learning but the best thing I have learned is to take a lot of shot. If I am lucky 3-4 out of 50 are descent lol.

Set to high speed and hit the ***. Sure to get a few good ones

 

[Jeffcb]

Set to high speed and hit the ***. Sure to get a few good ones

Unless you are shooting with film ha ha.

 

[PeterEde]

Unless you are shooting with film ha ha.

You can get motor winders for film. But yes.
I've not thought to use my Pentax Program A for my tank.
Canon 6D and 100mm Macro. If I can be bothered. Mostly I use my Samsung S21

 

[Mschmidt]

Hi all!
I get this question a lot.... "what lens (or macro lens) should I buy?"
So I figured I'd put together an easy to reference list of my personal favs.
If you are looking for your first lens, outside of the kit lens that may have come with your camera, I always suggest a good Macro lens.
My macros are by far my most used lenses when photographing my tanks because they are the most fun!!!

Here's my quick list broken down by popular camera systems.

Tamron 90mm 1:1
This is without a doubt, the best value in a macro lens!!!!! It's the one I recommend most often.
It's easily got 95% of the optical performance of the name brand lenses from Nikon and Canon but at half the price.
You would have to be doing some crazy pixel peeping to be able to see the difference.
IMO, it's probably the best performing third party lens, period, as far as being compared to its name brand cousins.
Tamron really hit it out of the park with this one.
For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2pkpFu2
For Canon: https://amzn.to/347MxLZ

For a little bit extra, you can get the "VC" version, which stands for Vibration Control.
This can help with hand-holding at low shutter speeds, giving you can extra stop or two. But I tend to turn this off whenever possible because it can cause the images to not be quite as razor-sharp as without. But it can come in handy sometimes so some people like the option of having it.
For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2pUJZlN
For Canon: https://amzn.to/2NcIRla


Nikon 105mm 2.8 VR
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm is a beautiful lens for full-frame Nikon shooters.
I shot with the Tamron above for many years and then finally decided to get this lens. As I stated earlier, you get a few % better optical quality, but you also get a better build quality and Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction). But it's a little bigger and weighs twice as much as the Tamron. It also doesn't focus quite as close but that's due to having a longer focal length. The longer focal length may be a reason for you to choose this lens over the Tamron if you have a larger, deeper tank. If you must have the top name brand version of a lens and don't mind the longer focal length, this may be the lens for you. But even when I was shooting this lens, I still recommended the Tamron to most people.

Robot Check

Canon 100mm 2.8L
This is the one lens on this list that I can't PERSONALLY recommend, only because I do not own Canon cameras. But from everything I've heard and read, I would not hesitate to offer it as a great option to Canon shooters. Canon is known for its "L" lenses, so if you are a Canon shooter, this one is definitely worth a hard look.

Robot Check

Fuji 80mm 2.8 OIS Macro
I've recently made the switch from Nikon to Fuji and a large part of that decision was based on the performance of this lens. It is my new favorite macro lens, even more so than the Tamron. It's just stunning, and if you own a Fuji X camera, I would slap you silly if you did not purchase this lens. Sometimes, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between images coming out of this lens and any of the others mentioned, but when you get everything JUST right... O, M, G. The details it can resolve are just amazeballs.

Robot Check

Olympus 30mm 3.5 Macro
And finally, what's a list of anything without the underdog?
There aren't many Micro 4/3 shooters out there but there should be.
You get all the benefits of a DSLR in a tiny package. There are limitations, but it still beats the heck out of a phone or little point and shoot camera.
So for those on the fence, thinking about getting into a nice little DSLR camera system, the Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras are definitely worth a look.
There are not many options available for macro, but luckily Olympus makes their own and like their other pro glass, it's actually a really good performer.
This will give you more of a 60mm field of view when compared to full-frame 35mm systems.

Robot Check

Extension Tubes
It may be worth a look. It's a way to achieve closer focusing with standard lenses at a cheaper cost than buying a dedicated lense.
Some people like to use them as a way to see if they will shoot macro enough to make it worth the cost of purchasing an actual macro lens.
I do not have experience with extension tubes so I can not recommend any. If you do have experience in this area, feel free to talk about your findings in the comments below.

Below are some examples taken with the various lenses above (except the canon).
With most of these, I couldn't tell you which were taken with which camera and lens without looking at the EXIF data. Which says a lot. This means any of the lenses mentioned above (except for the canon in my case) are a solid choice. If anyone needs further assistance in this area, feel free to ask here or PM me. Good luck, and have fun!!!

Good article, great photos! Thanks.

 

[Rugops]

Amazing photos! Makes me want one.

 

[Devaji]

Hi all!
I get this question a lot.... "what lens (or macro lens) should I buy?"
So I figured I'd put together an easy to reference list of my personal favs.
If you are looking for your first lens, outside of the kit lens that may have come with your camera, I always suggest a good Macro lens.
My macros are by far my most used lenses when photographing my tanks because they are the most fun!!!

Here's my quick list broken down by popular camera systems.

Tamron 90mm 1:1
This is without a doubt, the best value in a macro lens!!!!! It's the one I recommend most often.
It's easily got 95% of the optical performance of the name brand lenses from Nikon and Canon but at half the price.
You would have to be doing some crazy pixel peeping to be able to see the difference.
IMO, it's probably the best performing third party lens, period, as far as being compared to its name brand cousins.
Tamron really hit it out of the park with this one.
For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2pkpFu2
For Canon: https://amzn.to/347MxLZ

For a little bit extra, you can get the "VC" version, which stands for Vibration Control.
This can help with hand-holding at low shutter speeds, giving you can extra stop or two. But I tend to turn this off whenever possible because it can cause the images to not be quite as razor-sharp as without. But it can come in handy sometimes so some people like the option of having it.
For Nikon: https://amzn.to/2pUJZlN
For Canon: https://amzn.to/2NcIRla


Nikon 105mm 2.8 VR
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm is a beautiful lens for full-frame Nikon shooters.
I shot with the Tamron above for many years and then finally decided to get this lens. As I stated earlier, you get a few % better optical quality, but you also get a better build quality and Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction). But it's a little bigger and weighs twice as much as the Tamron. It also doesn't focus quite as close but that's due to having a longer focal length. The longer focal length may be a reason for you to choose this lens over the Tamron if you have a larger, deeper tank. If you must have the top name brand version of a lens and don't mind the longer focal length, this may be the lens for you. But even when I was shooting this lens, I still recommended the Tamron to most people.

Robot Check

Canon 100mm 2.8L
This is the one lens on this list that I can't PERSONALLY recommend, only because I do not own Canon cameras. But from everything I've heard and read, I would not hesitate to offer it as a great option to Canon shooters. Canon is known for its "L" lenses, so if you are a Canon shooter, this one is definitely worth a hard look.

Robot Check

Fuji 80mm 2.8 OIS Macro
I've recently made the switch from Nikon to Fuji and a large part of that decision was based on the performance of this lens. It is my new favorite macro lens, even more so than the Tamron. It's just stunning, and if you own a Fuji X camera, I would slap you silly if you did not purchase this lens. Sometimes, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between images coming out of this lens and any of the others mentioned, but when you get everything JUST right... O, M, G. The details it can resolve are just amazeballs.

Robot Check

Olympus 30mm 3.5 Macro
And finally, what's a list of anything without the underdog?
There aren't many Micro 4/3 shooters out there but there should be.
You get all the benefits of a DSLR in a tiny package. There are limitations, but it still beats the heck out of a phone or little point and shoot camera.
So for those on the fence, thinking about getting into a nice little DSLR camera system, the Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras are definitely worth a look.
There are not many options available for macro, but luckily Olympus makes their own and like their other pro glass, it's actually a really good performer.
This will give you more of a 60mm field of view when compared to full-frame 35mm systems.

Robot Check

Extension Tubes
It may be worth a look. It's a way to achieve closer focusing with standard lenses at a cheaper cost than buying a dedicated lense.
Some people like to use them as a way to see if they will shoot macro enough to make it worth the cost of purchasing an actual macro lens.
I do not have experience with extension tubes so I can not recommend any. If you do have experience in this area, feel free to talk about your findings in the comments below.

Below are some examples taken with the various lenses above (except the canon).
With most of these, I couldn't tell you which were taken with which camera and lens without looking at the EXIF data. Which says a lot. This means any of the lenses mentioned above (except for the canon in my case) are a solid choice. If anyone needs further assistance in this area, feel free to ask here or PM me. Good luck, and have fun!!!

for a nikon crop sensor are we still liking the tammron 90mm lens?
been a few years anything new on the market we need to be away of?

anyone know of any marco lens for an iphone 13? IDK just thinking out loud here.
google here I come...

 

[d2mini]

for a nikon crop sensor are we still liking the tammron 90mm lens?
been a few years anything new on the market we need to be away of?

Absolutely.

I've also been fond of what Laowa is doing. They make a 60mm (and I believe a 100mm???) in Nikon F-mount.
I exclusively use a Laowa on my Nikon Z full frame camera and love it. So that may be an alternative if you don't find the Tamron.

Here's a link... https://amzn.to/4akOW88

 

[Devaji]

Absolutely.

I've also been fond of what Laowa is doing. They make a 60mm (and I believe a 100mm???) in Nikon F-mount.
I exclusively use a Laowa on my Nikon Z full frame camera and love it. So that may be an alternative if you don't find the Tamron.

Here's a link... https://amzn.to/4akOW88

there about the same price point. the Tamron is $40ish cheaper

if you where in the market for a macro lens what would be your 1st choice.

i'll prob. buy used as if will mostly be used just for aquarium shooting. have not used my set up in a while :/

 

[d2mini]

there about the same price point. the Tamron is $40ish cheaper

if you where in the market for a macro lens what would be your 1st choice.

i'll prob. buy used as if will mostly be used just for aquarium shooting. have not used my set up in a while :/

The Laowa is going to be manual focus only (forgot to mention that earlier), so I'd go with the Tamron.

 

[Devaji]

The Laowa is going to be manual focus only (forgot to mention that earlier), so I'd go with the Tamron.

yeah just looking it to in it would be nice for corals but not so much for fish.
have you used the Sigma 105mm lens?

looks like the Tamron is cheaper anyway and looks to be a great lens.

Oh BTW I think you linked to the same tamron lens for both links?
is this the 1st one you where thinking of the non VC lens:
www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-90mm-2-8-SP/dp/B00021EE4U/ref=sr_see_details_atc_details?crid=3G59N7PS604LU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.17iHowfWosxrpXdrMtW7JYCNPA9MgV33662E1I0GNsIhRrBcISKB-kAmeERqMu-gBsHfHzFRM4AZIAcyAE2AoC80qHC2sJrvn0WrNDxsggCxUClOcCgLBm8tsjmgfQb1wqMxn7NJvR_F0cW4pWU5x0BphDNj-CE4dZJr3YVB-hKGz92vU8TX99r_PdA4BBkbqV8hN5dq4y89swa-GW6L5JS2vUAPM-5qNXrPWL4XTBf5BVE5Uu5E0NmJPduMyte5BcVRH3vDL92D98oNPdYrvGPSkSsT8l-4phGZeJWihyY.EFxSANvFlJ1jWVePE32sGLTmxQXuDaDBDH51NBiu4QI&dib_tag=se&keywords=tamron%2B90mm%2Bmacro%2Blens%2Bnikon&qid=1710948870&s=electronics&sprefix=tamron%2B90mm%2Bmacro%2Blens%2Bnikon%2B%2Celectronics%2C145&sr=1-2&th=1

 

[d2mini]

yeah just looking it to in it would be nice for corals but not so much for fish.
have you used the Sigma 105mm lens?

looks like the Tamron is cheaper anyway and looks to be a great lens.

Oh BTW I think you linked to the same tamron lens for both links?
is this the 1st one you where thinking of the non VC lens:
www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-90mm-2-8-SP/dp/B00021EE4U/ref=sr_see_details_atc_details?crid=3G59N7PS604LU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.17iHowfWosxrpXdrMtW7JYCNPA9MgV33662E1I0GNsIhRrBcISKB-kAmeERqMu-gBsHfHzFRM4AZIAcyAE2AoC80qHC2sJrvn0WrNDxsggCxUClOcCgLBm8tsjmgfQb1wqMxn7NJvR_F0cW4pWU5x0BphDNj-CE4dZJr3YVB-hKGz92vU8TX99r_PdA4BBkbqV8hN5dq4y89swa-GW6L5JS2vUAPM-5qNXrPWL4XTBf5BVE5Uu5E0NmJPduMyte5BcVRH3vDL92D98oNPdYrvGPSkSsT8l-4phGZeJWihyY.EFxSANvFlJ1jWVePE32sGLTmxQXuDaDBDH51NBiu4QI&dib_tag=se&keywords=tamron%2B90mm%2Bmacro%2Blens%2Bnikon&qid=1710948870&s=electronics&sprefix=tamron%2B90mm%2Bmacro%2Blens%2Bnikon%2B%2Celectronics%2C145&sr=1-2&th=1

Ya, i thought at least one of them had been discontinued, maybe the VR.
No experience with the Sigma but at the time all reviews including Thom Hogan's review, stated the Tamron was at the top of the heap.