This is a guide covering the best macro lenses for Nikon.
Nikon is arguably the best when it comes to macro photography. The company has produced some of the best macro lenses that come in both zoom and prime lens versions.
For someone who is only starting macro photography, the best macro lenses for Nikon can be intimidating.
In this guide, you will have an idea not only about the best lens for a starting photographer with a small budget, but will also know the best Nikon macro lens for insects and other small objects.
Not that I have listed both DX and FX lens types so make sure you choose the one compatible with your camera body.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Macro Lens for Nikon
- 🌹 Best Prime Macro Lenses for Nikon
- 🌹 Best Zoom Macro Lenses for Nikon
- ⭐ Best Budget Macro Lens for Nikon
How to Choose the Best Nikon Lens for Macro Photography?
Magnification: Macro lenses typically have a magnification ratio of 1:1 or greater, meaning they can reproduce the subject at life-size or larger on the camera’s sensor. Look for lenses with the highest magnification ratio possible, such as the AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
Focal length: A longer focal length (such as 105mm) will allow you to shoot macro photography without getting too close to your subject, which can be useful for photographing skittish or dangerous subjects. A shorter focal length (such as 60mm) is more versatile and can be used for both macro and standard photography.
Aperture: A wide aperture (such as f/2.8 or lower) will allow for a shallow depth of field and good low-light performance. This is especially important for macro photography, as it allows you to blur the background and make your subject stand out.
Image stabilization: A lens with image stabilization (such as the AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G) can help reduce camera shake when shooting at high magnification, resulting in sharper images.
Table of Contents
10 Best Macro Lenses for Nikon
1. AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 105 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 985 g (2.17 lb)
- Diameter: 95 mm (3.72″)
- Length: 106 mm (4.17″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED lens comes in as a favorite by many professional photographers.
Sharp results and stunning colors are some of the things that you can expect from this prime lens.
You also have the freedom to work from a distance as you shoot small details on your subject. It also comes in with a wide aperture allowing you to focus on one part of the subject and blur the rest.
If you are a serious photographer, this is something that you shouldn’t miss out on. Fast to focus, great colors, and superb bokeh, these are enough reasons to go for this lens.
You’d expect that it comes with a vibration reduction feature. If you have shaky hands, you might find yourself having a problem with this lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp results
- Great bokeh
- Superior colors
- Great for low-light condition
- Quiet and fast to focus
My Cons With This Lens:
- No vibration reduction
2. AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 185 g (0.41 lb)
- Diameter: 72 mm (2.83″)
- Length: 53 mm (2.07″)
- Sealing: No
If you are on a budget, then you might want to consider the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm F1.8G lens.
This is a highly versatile lens. It comes as a good pick for those who love to shoot portraits, landscapes (check out the list of best Nikon lenses for landscape photography), and macro photography isn’t an exception.
It comes with a wide aperture that allows you to shoot even if you only have limited lighting. Also, you can get to create wonderful bokeh as you remove the background and just focus on the subject.
You can easily switch back and forth between using MF and AF without any worries. And for its AF, it makes use of a quiet and highly responsive silent wave motor.
Unfortunately, if you’ve tried other lenses, you might find the AF to be a bit slow.
You get an all-around lens that can also work as a macro lens. But like what we mentioned earlier, 50mm lenses make you shoot close.
This means that you also have to think of your lighting. It is possible to be casting a shadow over your subject ruining the results that you want to achieve.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Versatile lens
- Great bokeh
- Can easily switch between AF and MF
- Wide aperture
My Cons With This Lens:
- The focus is a bit slow
- You will need to shoot close to the subject for macro shots
3. AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 155 g (0.34 lb)
- Diameter: 64 mm (2.5″)
- Length: 39 mm (1.54″)
- Sealing: No
Another good pick for macro photography is the Nikon AF FX Nikkor 50mm F1.8D lens.
What makes it different from the earlier 50mm lens we’ve featured is the fact that the autofocus is not supported in some Nikon cameras such as the D3000 or the D5000 series.
If you love shooting macro photography using the manual focus ring, then this won’t be an issue at all.
But if you are using a camera that allows you to use its AF motor, you can easily track the subject. You get to use a silent wave motor known for its quiet performance.
It produces superb results. You can get great colors from the camera when you have this lens. Plus, just like any 50mm F1.8 prime lens, it can be used to accentuate parts of the product or the subject you are shooting.
It can blur the background well plus it can also be used even if you are dealing with limited lighting.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Superb colors
- Easy to use even in low-light conditions
- Sharp results
- Versatile
My Cons With This Lens:
- Not all Nikon cameras can use the autofocus
4. AF-S FX Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 60 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 425 g (0.94 lb)
- Diameter: 73 mm (2.87″)
- Length: 89 mm (3.5″)
The Nikon AF-S FX Micro Nikkor 60mm F2.8G macro lens is not something that’s commonly used by different photographers.
However, it provides an in-between for those who like 50mm and 85mm lenses. For many reasons, you can consider this one of the best macro lenses for Nikon considering the color and the quality of the shots that you get.
It is known for producing sharp results and great contrast. Plus, it offers you the chance to shoot farther compared to using a 50mm lens.
The minimum focus distance is 8 inches.
The AF for this lens is also fast and quiet thanks to the silent wave motor. Some love to use this lens when they are shooting small insects that are moving.
The biggest downside to this lens is that you will need to be using a tripod.
My Pros With This Lens:
- The minimum focus distance is 8 inches
- Easier to use than a 50mm prime lens
- With silent wave motor
- Great colors
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- You will need to use a tripod to get steady shots
5. AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 85 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (vibration reduction (VR II) up to 4 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 355 g (0.78 lb)
- Diameter: 73 mm (2.87″)
- Length: 99 mm (3.88″)
An 85mm lens is a favorite by pros when it comes to shooting macro photographs.
Their reason is that they get to find the right distance. They get to enjoy the best in a 50mm lens and a 100mm lens.
The Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f3.5G ED lens is one of the best macro lenses for Nikon as far as not wasting shots is concerned.
It comes with a vibration reduction capability that makes it easier to shoot insects and small subjects when you don’t have a tripod.
The colors are also great and realistic not to mention it produces sharp results. The only thing that you might not like about this lens is that you need to have a good amount of light for this to work well.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With vibration reduction
- Easy to use shooting small subjects
- Great realistic color
- Sharp image
My Cons With This Lens:
- You will need to have good lighting
6. AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 85 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (vibration reduction (VR II) up to 4 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 355 g (0.78 lb)
- Diameter: 73 mm (2.87″)
- Length: 99 mm (3.88″)
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro Nikkor 105mm F2.8 IF-ED lens is not only one of the best macro lenses for Nikon but arguably the most popular for those who are serious about shooting macro photography and sports photography.
It is easy to use even if you don’t have a tripod. Plus, you get all the things that you expect from one of the best macro lenses for Nikon. It comes provides users with realistic results, great contrast, and superior sharpness.
And lastly, you get to enjoy a wide aperture.
The biggest drawback is that you will have to deal with slow focus. Other than that, it’s a great lens to have in your bag.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Wide aperture
- Sharp results
- Easy to use even without a tripod
My Cons With This Lens:
- Slow focus
7. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–105 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (vibration reduction up to 3 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–36
- Weight: 420 g (0.93 lb)
- Diameter: 76 mm (2.99″)
- Length: 89 mm (3.5″)
Prime lenses can be a big investment. And sometimes, you also don’t want to be switching lenses every time you are shooting in a studio.
The Nikkor 18-105mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens is a perfect solution to this problem. What makes it one of the best macro lenses for Nikon is the fact that it comes with a good range.
You get a wide-angle lens to a macro lens all wrapped in one package. And if you are someone who is trying to save some cash, this might be the way to do it. It is also easy to use as it comes with a vibration reduction capability.
It also produces great results—great contrast, colors, and sharp images.
Unfortunately, the only thing that you might not like about this is that it doesn’t give you a good aperture to work within low-light scenarios.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light situations
- Superb colors
- Sharp images
- Great contrast
- With vibration reduction capability
- Great range
My Cons With This Lens:
- Can’t be used in low-light scenarios
8. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–140 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (VR)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–38
- Weight: 490 g (1.08 lb)
- Diameter: 78 mm (3.07″)
- Length: 97 mm (3.82″)
Another great pick for those who don’t have the money to buy all the prime lenses in the market is the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens.
The lens might be a bit short when it comes to its aperture, but it usually gets the job done when you are using strobes in a studio setting or when you are shooting in daylight.
Other than that, you will get superior results for non-moving objects. If you are shooting moving subjects, its focus is not exactly too great as well.
However, it comes with a vibration reduction capability that helps lessen the shaky results.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great range
- With vibration reduction
- Great quality shots
My Cons With This Lens:
- Slow focus
- Only good for well-lighted situations
9. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–300 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (VR II)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–6.3
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 550 g (1.21 lb)
- Diameter: 79 mm (3.11″)
- Length: 99 mm (3.9″)
- Sealing: No
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is another great pick for those who are looking to shoot the smallest details in a subject.
It is one of the best macro lenses for Nikon as far as range is concerned. It is also easy to use even when you are shooting without a tripod.
It has a vibration reduction feature that lessens the number of wasted shots. Plus, the quality of the shots that you get is something that can satisfy even the pros. The colors are realistic and vibrant.
Unfortunately, other users find the results to be a bit soft. Plus, you will need to have the right amount of lighting if you want this lens to work for you.
Overall, you can still say that it is one of the best macro lenses for Nikon.
Though it comes with a few issues, it is still something that novice photographers can appreciate.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great range
- Vibrant colors
- With vibration reduction
My Cons With This Lens:
- The result is a bit soft
10. AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 85 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 350 g (0.77 lb)
- Diameter: 80 mm (3.15″)
- Length: 73 mm (2.87″)
- Sealing: Yes
A Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm F1.8 lens might be the right combination of wide aperture, vibrant colors, and a good range for shooting macro photography.
This is the ideal lens if you have the money to invest in prime lenses. It comes with great bokeh plus it performs well in low-light situations.
The silent wave motor also performs quietly as it finds the subject accurately.
However, the AF is a bit slow which can be a problem if you are shooting moving insects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Accurate AF
- Has the ability to shoot in low-light situations
- Can produce great bokeh
My Cons With This Lens:
- Slow AF motor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between a Micro and Macro Nikon Lens?
A microlens, also known as a medium telephoto lens, is a lens that has a moderate magnification ratio of around 1:2 or 1:3. A macro lens, on the other hand, has a high magnification ratio of 1:1 or greater.
What is the Best Aperture for Macro Photography?
The best aperture for macro photography depends on the specific shooting situation and the desired effect. However, in general, a wide aperture (low f-stop number) is preferred for macro photography.
Concluding Remarks
Macro photography requires lenses that can accentuate the smallest details in a subject.
And given the number of lenses for Nikon, it might be a bit confusing for a lot of people.
With these options, you can compare which lenses make sense for your budget and your needs.
Compare at least 3 and evaluate the pros and cons.
Also, check out the full list of the best Nikon lenses and the best cameras for macro photography.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
