Macro Nikon Lens: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Photography Needs

Macro Nikon lenses are a type of lens used for close-up photography. They are designed to capture sharp and detailed images of small subjects, such as insects, flowers, and other tiny objects. These lenses are popular among nature photographers, scientists, and hobbyists who enjoy exploring the world of macro photography.

When purchasing a macro Nikon lens, it's important to consider the focal length, aperture, and image stabilization. The focal length determines the level of magnification and working distance, while the aperture affects the depth of field and how much light enters the lens. Image stabilization can help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

With so many options available, choosing the right macro Nikon lens can be overwhelming. That's why we spent hours researching and testing several lenses to identify the ones that offer the best performance and value. In the following sections, we'll share our top picks and provide a detailed analysis of each lens.

Best Macro Nikon Lenses

If you're looking to capture stunning close-up shots, a macro lens is a must-have for your Nikon camera. These specialized lenses allow you to focus on the smallest details, from the intricate patterns on a butterfly's wings to the texture of a flower petal. In this roundup, we've compiled a list of the best macro Nikon lenses on the market, so you can take your photography to the next level.

NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

This macro lens is a great addition to any photographer's kit, offering unparalleled clarity and versatility.

Pros

• The 105mm focal length and 1:1 reproduction ratio allow for incredibly detailed close-up shots of a variety of subjects, from flowers to jewelry to wildlife.
• The f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh for portrait shots.
• The 4.5 stop Vibration Reduction system helps stabilize the lens for confident hand-held shooting.

Cons

• The lens is quite heavy, making it less than ideal for extended hand-held use.
• The close working distance can be challenging for some subjects, requiring the use of a tripod or other stabilizing equipment.
• The price point may be prohibitive for some photographers on a budget.

In my experience using the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, I have found it to be an exceptional lens for macro photography. The clarity and detail it provides are unmatched, and the Vibration Reduction system helps ensure sharp shots even when hand-holding the camera. However, the weight of the lens can be a bit of a challenge, and the close working distance can require some adjustment for certain subjects. Overall, I highly recommend this lens for anyone looking to take their macro photography to the next level.

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens

If you're looking for a high-quality macro lens that's versatile enough to handle a variety of subjects, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• This lens is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
• The maximum reproduction ratio is 1.0x, which means you can capture incredibly detailed close-up shots.
• The autofocus is fast and accurate, even when shooting at close range.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the autofocus can be a bit finicky when shooting at very close distances.
• This lens is not zoomable, which means you'll need to move closer or further away from your subject to adjust your framing.
• The focus ring is a bit narrow and can be difficult to grip, especially if you have larger hands.

Overall, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality macro lens that's versatile enough to handle a variety of subjects. Whether you're shooting delicate flowers, detailed collectibles, or portraits, this lens is sure to deliver sharp, detailed images with excellent contrast and color reproduction.

In terms of construction, the lens feels solid and well-made, with a durable plastic body that should stand up to regular use. The autofocus is fast and reliable, even in low light, and the close-range correction system helps ensure that your images are sharp and well-focused, even when shooting at very close distances.

One thing to keep in mind is that this lens is not zoomable, which means you'll need to physically move closer or further away from your subject to adjust your framing. However, the 40mm focal length is versatile enough to handle a wide range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes to close-ups.

Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality macro lens that won't break the bank, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens is definitely worth considering. With its compact size, fast autofocus, and excellent image quality, it's a great choice for anyone who wants to take their close-up photography to the next level.

Opteka Achromatic 10x Diopter Close-Up Macro Lens

If you are looking for an affordable macro lens for your Nikon camera, the Opteka Achromatic 10x Diopter Close-Up Macro Lens might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• Compatible with any 52mm and 55mm threaded zoom or prime lens
• Magnifies the subject by 10 times
• High refractive, low dispersion water white optical glass

Cons

• Autofocus can be difficult
• Smaller focus area at higher focal lengths
• Manual focus works better than autofocus

This macro lens is built to perform and features a 4 element construction composed of high refractive, low dispersion water white optical glass. The integrity of the images you shoot will be maintained in beautiful clarity. A hard anti-reflective coating added to the glass reduces lens flare and ghosting for even better vibrancy and contrast.

The Opteka Macro lens is compatible with any 52mm and 55mm threaded zoom or prime lens featuring standard filter threads. Simply calculate which millimeter your lens' filter threads are and match your Opteka Macro order to that measurement.

Attach Opteka's 10x Macro Converter to any of your lenses and magnify the subject by 10 times! Photograph bugs, food, animals, and more with exceptional quality and crystal clear magnification.

The all-metal design of this macro lens is durable and lightweight, precision-milled to maintain a light weight yet strong durable body. It will stand the test of time while keeping your photography unhindered.

In conclusion, the Opteka Achromatic 10x Diopter Close-Up Macro Lens is an affordable way to get into macro photography. While it has some limitations, it is a great option for those who want to experiment with macro photography without breaking the bank.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens

If you're looking for a high-performance macro lens for your Nikon DSLR camera, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is a great choice.

Pros

• Excellent correction for all types of aberration and distortion
• Handheld close-up photography enabled by the OS system
• Quiet and high-speed autofocus with the HSM motor

Cons

• Not zoomable
• No Super Multi-Layer Coating
• The effectiveness of the OS system decreases as the shooting distance becomes shorter

This lens is perfect for close-up photography, with a 1:1 magnification ratio at its closest working distance of 12.3 inches. The lens also features a splash-proof design, making it suitable for use in harsh conditions.

The lens' floating focusing system moves two different lens groups in the optical path to different positions, compensating for astigmatic aberration and spherical aberration and providing extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, providing high contrast images.

The OS (Optical Stabilizer) system enables handheld close-up photography, offering effective correction of approximately 4 stops. As the stabilization effect is visible through the viewfinder, it aids composition and accurate focusing.

The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high-speed autofocus as well as full-time manual focus capability. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image.

In conclusion, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens is a great investment for anyone looking to take close-up photos with their Nikon DSLR camera.

X-SweetDream Macro Filter Kit

The X-SweetDream Macro Filter Kit is a great addition to any photographer's kit who wants to take close-up shots of small items such as flowers, coins, and insects.

Pros

• The four different filters (+1, +2, +4, +10) allow for versatility in magnification and image size.
• The double threaded filters allow for stacking with other filters such as polarizers or skylight filters.
• The kit is compatible with all brands of cameras.

Cons

• The included case is cheaply made and may not provide adequate protection for the filters.
• The automatic focus may struggle with the highest magnification filter (+10) and require manual focus.
• The filters may not work well with lenses that are not already sharp.

The X-SweetDream Macro Filter Kit is a great budget-friendly option for those who want to experiment with macro photography without investing in a dedicated macro lens. The four different filters provide versatility in magnification and image size, and the double threaded filters allow for stacking with other filters. However, the included case is cheaply made and may not provide adequate protection for the filters. Additionally, the highest magnification filter (+10) may require manual focus as the automatic focus may struggle. Finally, the filters may not work well with lenses that are not already sharp.

Altura Photo 52MM Wide Angle Lens

If you're looking for a versatile lens to enhance your photography, the Altura Photo 52MM Wide Angle Lens is an excellent option that offers both wide-angle and macro capabilities.

Pros

• Easily screws on to the front of your lens, instantly expanding the field of view for breathtaking wide-angle photography.
• Features a detachable macro lens for extremely high-resolution close-ups of small objects.
• Compatible with a wide range of popular 52MM lens models, including Nikon and Canon.

Cons

• Only compatible with 52MM lenses, so be sure to verify your camera's lens thread size before ordering.
• Some users have reported that the wide-angle lens creates an oval fisheye look, which may not be ideal for certain types of photography.
• The magnification of the super macro lens is impressive, but it may not be as close-up as some users would prefer.

With the Altura Photo 52MM Wide Angle Lens, you can capture stunning wide-angle shots that showcase the beauty and grandeur of your surroundings. Whether you're photographing landscapes, architecture, or other subjects, this lens will help you capture more of the scene in a single shot.

In addition to its wide-angle capabilities, the Altura Photo lens also includes a detachable macro lens that allows you to take extremely detailed close-up shots of small objects. Whether you're photographing flowers, insects, or other small subjects, the macro lens will help you capture every intricate detail.

Overall, the Altura Photo 52MM Wide Angle Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want to expand their creative options and capture stunning wide-angle and macro shots. With its high-quality construction and compatibility with a wide range of popular lens models, this lens is a great investment for any photography enthusiast.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a macro Nikon lens, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to consider:

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens is an important factor to consider when choosing a macro lens. A longer focal length will allow you to get closer to your subject without disturbing it, making it ideal for photographing insects and other small creatures. However, a longer focal length also means a narrower field of view, which may not be suitable for all types of photography.

Maximum Aperture

The maximum aperture of a lens refers to how wide the lens can open, which determines how much light can enter the lens. A wider aperture allows for faster shutter speeds and better low-light performance. However, lenses with wider apertures tend to be more expensive.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is a feature that helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images. This can be especially important when shooting at close distances where even the slightest movement can cause blur. However, lenses with image stabilization tend to be more expensive.

Autofocus

Autofocus is a feature that allows the lens to automatically focus on your subject. While this can be convenient, it may not be necessary for all types of macro photography, especially if you prefer to manually focus your shots.

Compatibility

Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your camera body. Nikon lenses are designed to work with Nikon cameras, but there are also third-party lenses available that may be compatible with your camera.

By considering these key features, you can choose a macro Nikon lens that is best suited for your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best macro lens for Nikon D850?

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens is considered by many photographers to be the best macro lens for the Nikon D850. It offers a 1:1 magnification ratio and a fast aperture of f/2.8, which allows for excellent bokeh and low-light performance.

What is Nikon's best macro lens for insect photography?

The Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED lens is a popular choice for insect photography. Its shorter focal length allows for closer focusing distances and a wider field of view, making it easier to capture small subjects like insects.

What is the difference between a macro lens and a micro lens?

There is no difference between a macro lens and a micro lens. The terms are used interchangeably to describe lenses that are designed for close-up photography and offer a 1:1 magnification ratio or greater.

Are macro lenses worth it?

If you are interested in close-up photography, a macro lens is definitely worth it. They offer excellent image quality, a 1:1 magnification ratio or greater, and a wide aperture for beautiful bokeh.

What are the top macro lenses for Nikon?

Some of the top macro lenses for Nikon include the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED, and the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD.

What are some affordable macro lenses for Nikon?

Some affordable macro lenses for Nikon include the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD, and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro. These lenses offer excellent image quality and a 1:1 magnification ratio at a more affordable price point.