The key to macro or close-up photography is to invest in a decent prime lens. Why? You want image sharpness and quality to be your main priority, no matter your chosen aperture setting and focal length. Detail is another factor in macro photography. Essentially the highest performing macro lenses have a 1:1 reproduction ratio and the distinct ability to be enlarged in post-production.
Related: The three sharpest Pentax prime lenses under £1,000
There are however many different focal lengths to choose from, let alone the full Canon range, which makes the lens selection a little more difficult.
We've shortlisted the best lenses that range from 35mm to 180mm. However, if you are ever stuck, try between 90mm to 105mm to be on the safe side, especially if you are operating on a full-frame camera. This is because when you’re shooting macro, you want to have a balanced distance between you and the subject or object. Too close would be a waste of your time.
To put it another way, a focal length that is too small could completely scare off what you are shooting, as you would be almost placed on top of it. In saying that, if you are after the wide-angle format, a shorter focal length is your only option. From the Canon range to common third-party branded lenses (Sigma), find out which Canon lens is right for you.
Best macro lens for Canon cameras
1 of 9Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
The Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens is the best macro lens for Canon SLR Cameras. This unique lens has an incredible 1-5X magnification which means that if you don't want to go beyond the 1x and a shallow depth of field, this is the perfect lens for you.SpecsAperture: f2.5, f/16Min focusing distance: 0.24mFocal length: 65mmDxL: 81x98mmWeight: 710 g
2 of 9Canon EF-S 35mm F/2.8 Macro IS STM Lens
With an innovative built-in LED Macro Lite on the front, the EF-S 35mm f/2.8 macro IS STM lens specifically designed for Canon's APS-C format DSLRs is a stunning option. It not only offers extra lighting for shooting life-size magnification macro scenes, but the quiet lens has 'fly-by-wire' manual focusing.SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/35Min focusing distance: 0.03mFocal length: 35mmDxL: 69x56mmWeight: 190 g
3 of 9Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is another amazing Canon lens for close-up photography, especially if you are an EOS R-series owner. Despite the 0.5x magnification, the lens has an f-stop image stabilization system, smooth, quiet focusing and is a solid build. SpecsAperture: f/2Min focusing distance: 0.35mFocal length: 85mmDxL: 78x90.5mmWeight: 500 g
4 of 9Tamron 90 mm F2.8 VC USD Lens for Canon DSLR Camera
The Tamron 90 mm F2.8 VC USD Lens compatible with a Canon DSLR Camera is the best macro lens for a variety of reasons. This superb lens designed for full-frame and APS-C DSLRS has an upgraded two Extra-Low Dispersion elements, one Low Dispersion element, weather-sealed coatings, and a hybrid optical stabiliser. SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/32Min focusing distance: 0.30mFocal length: 90mmDxL: 79x117mmWeight: 609 g
5 of 9Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L IS USM Autofocus Macro Lens
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM macro lens is the best as a hybrid alternative. It not only combines the latest image stabilisation with USM focusing technology but ensures the close-up photography is as sharp, accurate and as smooth as possible.SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/32Min focusing distance: 0.3mFocal length: 100mmDxL: 77.7x.9mmWeight: 65 g
6 of 9Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens
The Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens is the best macro lens if you don't want to splurge on the image-stabilized 100L. With the AF being on point, the fast and sharp lens delivers superb image quality. SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/32Min focusing distance: 0.31mFocal length: 100mmDxL: 79 x 119Weight: 600 g
7 of 9Sigma 105mm F/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Canon EF
The Sigma 105mm Macro lens is the best Canon lens for the EF-mount. It has a great 1:1 close-up reproduction for a versatile optic and comes with floating SLD elements for optimal performance at any distance. SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/22Min focusing distance: 31.2cmFocal length: 105mmDxL: 78.3x126.4mmWeight: 725 g
8 of 9Canon EF 180mm F/3.5L USM Autofocus Macro Lens
If you are one to prioritize macro photography shooting space, the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM lens could be your solution. Without disturbing your subjects, the full-frame DSLR is part of the flagship quality L Series and has great image quality and a slow AF, meaning you can capture that magical blur behind your subject. SpecsAperture: f/3.5, f/32Min focusing distance: 0.48mFocal length: 180mmDxL: 83x187mmWeight: 1090 g
9 of 9Canon EF 24-70 mm f/4L IS USM lens
The Canon EF 24-70 mm f/4L IS USM lens is the best macro lens for Canon cameras if you are after a zoom. With 0.7x magnification, it has exceptional image quality, image stabilization and an accurate AF. It would be hard to find a zoom macro lens which beats these specs and is versatile for other general use. SpecsAperture: f/4, f/22 Min focusing distance: 0.38mFocal length: 24-70mmDxL: 83.4 x 93mmWeight: 600 g
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Emily Farquhar is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours.co.uk, heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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