Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2024

28 January 2024

If you are looking to improve your macro photography, the best macro shots involve photographing smaller subjects from a close distance and capturing them in intimate detail. While mastering this format relies on plenty of practice and know-how, any close-up enthusiast would agree that the first step is selecting the best macro lens for your camera.

Now you are wondering, "What Macro lens do I need?" If you are a Canon user, you have landed in the right place; today we are taking you through a roundup of currently available Canon macro lenses, highlighting the differences between each lens and finding out which one is suitable for use with your camera, whether it's a Canon EOS DSLR or Mirrorless model.


Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM

Canon Macro Lens RoundupCanon Macro Lens Roundup
  • Compatibility: EOS R Mirrorless Range
  • Max aperture: f2.8
  • Closest focus: 0.26m
  • Magnification ratio: 1:1


Looking for a high-quality, long-reaching macro lens for your Canon EOS R Mirrorless camera? The Canon RF 100mm f2.8 is just that. While perfectly suitable for use on full-frame cameras, this lens is a great option for taking the close-up performance of your APS-C model to exciting new heights.

The telephoto focal length and fast f2.8 maximum aperture of this prime lens produces stunning bokeh, and when this characteristic is used correctly it emphasises key features of your macro image. Common close-up subjects will be your prey with this lens in tow, while the speed and near-silence provided by the USM autofocus motor ensure that living subjects will not be scared off by the performance sounds of your camera.

Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro L IS USM

  • Compatibility: Full-Frame & APS-C EOS DSLR
  • Max aperture: f2.8
  • Closest focus: 0.3m
  • Magnification ratio: 1:1

If you own a full-frame Canon DSLR, the Canon EF 100mm f2.8 L IS lens should be at the top of your macro lens wishlist. As well as a telephoto focal length and f2.8 maximum aperture, which is great for producing great bokeh, this lens features a premium optical design for consistently sharp results - this is a common feature of Canon’s high-end L series lenses.

Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022

Macro photography often relies on incredibly accurate focus, so sharpness and stability are paramount to its success. While you will often use a tripod for your macro shots, the Canon EF 100mm L does include Image Stabilisation which makes it possible to capture sharp macro images hand-held when required. The USM autofocus is fast and reliable, while the lens is rugged and weather-sealed, making it ideal for use in the wilderness as well as in the comfort of your home photography studio.

Canon EF-M 28mm f3.5 Macro IS STM

Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022
  • Compatibility: EOS M Mirrorless
  • Max aperture: f3.5
  • Closest focus: 0.093m
  • Magnification ratio: 1:1 or 1:2

Canon EOS M Mirrorless cameras are known for their perfect mix of portability and performance, and the streamlined EF-M 28mm f3.5 Macro lens possesses identical qualities. This lens features a retractable design, which means when it is not in use it is slightly smaller than its operational size so you can keep this one in your gadget bag while you travel, and uniquely it includes a built-in macro LED light!

This macro lens with light features a wider equivalent focal length of around 45mm, making the lens not just great for macro shots, but also for travel snaps, portraits, and a whole lot more. If it is close-ups you are interested in, this lens obliges; it features impressive close focus capabilities, Image Stabilisation, and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 - this means it is not just good for life-size representation, but also larger-than-life!

Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM

  • Compatibility: APS-C EOS DSLR
  • Max aperture: f2.8
  • Closest focus: 0.2m
  • Magnification ratio: 1:1

Designed for APS-C format EOS Digital SLR cameras, the EF-S 60mm provides a macro-friendly 96mm equivalent focal length - this means you can get up close and personal with your subjects without making them feel intimidated or crowded. The 1:1 magnification of this lens allows you to create life-size representations of your models, while the closest focus of this lens is an impressive 20cm.

Considering the long focal length, the f2.8 maximum aperture of this lens makes it a great option for producing bokeh with your Canon DSLR, while once again a USM AF system has been included for speedy and quiet performance. You will want to keep this portable lens in your daily photography kit, as it is not just great for close-ups but can also be implemented for stunning portraiture.

Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM

  • Compatibility: EOS R Mirrorless
  • Max aperture: f2
  • Closest focus: 0.35m
  • Magnification ratio: 1:2

For Canon’s premium full-frame Mirrorless cameras, comes this suitably high-performance macro lens; the RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM. The macro functionality of this lens is abundant, from the larger-than-life 1:2 magnification ratio and 35cm closest focus to the built-in Image Stabilisation system which helps you keep blur at bay so you can even practice your macro skills without mounting your camera on a tripod.

Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022

The telephoto focal length and bright f2 maximum aperture of this lens will appeal to close-up lovers and anyone wanting to use the lens for other purposes - it is perfect for portraits, for example. The Canon RF 85mm macro lens features an excellent optical design for sharp and detailed images, a fast and quiet STM AF motor, and a customisable control ring - users can assign this ring to control common shooting settings such as ISO, aperture or exposure compensation, whichever is the best fit for their shooting style.

Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM

Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022Canon Macro Lens Roundup - 2022
  • Compatibility: EOS R Mirrorless
  • Max aperture: f1.8
  • Closest focus: 0.17m
  • Magnification ratio: 1:2

Another option for Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras is this lens; the RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM. This lens delivers good close-up performance on your full-frame camera, with an impressive closest focus of just 17cm as well as a 1:2 magnification ratio - this means the smaller objects that you frame can be reproduced in half-size on your image sensor. Once again, this lens allows you to try some of your macro skills without the help of a tripod, thanks to its built-in Image Stabilisation system and fast f1.8 maximum aperture.

A versatile prime lens, this lens will not just appeal to macro enthusiasts but a range of other photographers using the EOS R system; the 35mm focal length is a classic that suits landscapes, general purpose shots, travel photography and more. Rounding out the features of the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM lens is a fast and quiet STM AF system, a customisable control ring for a pleasing user-experience, and an excellent optical system with advanced coatings applied - all this, from a lens that weighs a little more than 300 grams.


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Macro photography is an immersive subject that can be enjoyed in the great outdoors, and in the comfort of your own home. Hopefully, this roundup has helped you find the perfect partner for close-up shooting with your Canon camera.

Follow Ted’s photography blog for more product roundups and lens recommendations, as well as hints on tips on how you can become a better photographer.


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