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.
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 your camera — whether it's a Canon EOS DSLR or Mirrorless model.
In this roundup:
Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM
- Compatibility: EOS R Mirrorless Range
- Max aperture: f/2.8
- 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 f/2.8 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 f/2.8 maximum aperture of this prime lens produces stunning bokeh, and when used correctly it emphasises key features of your macro image. 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: f/2.8
- Closest focus: 0.3m
- Magnification ratio: 1:1
If you own a full-frame Canon DSLR, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS lens should be at the top of your macro lens wishlist. As well as a telephoto focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture — great for producing beautiful bokeh — this lens features a premium optical design for consistently sharp results, a hallmark of Canon's high-end L series lenses.
Macro photography often relies on incredibly accurate focus, so sharpness and stability are paramount. While you will often use a tripod for 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 RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM
- Compatibility: EOS R Mirrorless
- Max aperture: f/2
- 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 f/2 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 practise your macro skills without mounting your camera on a tripod.
The telephoto focal length and bright f/2 maximum aperture 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 that users can assign to control common shooting settings such as ISO, aperture, or exposure compensation.
Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM
- Compatibility: EOS R Mirrorless
- Max aperture: f/1.8
- Closest focus: 0.17m
- Magnification ratio: 1:2
Another option for Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras is the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. This lens delivers good close-up performance on your full-frame camera, with an impressive closest focus of just 17cm and a 1:2 magnification ratio — meaning smaller objects can be reproduced in half-size on your image sensor. Built-in Image Stabilisation and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture allow you to practise macro skills without the help of a tripod.
A versatile prime lens, the 35mm focal length is a classic that suits landscapes, general purpose shots, travel photography and more. Rounding out the features is a fast and quiet STM AF system, a customisable control ring, and an excellent optical system with advanced coatings — all from a lens that weighs a little more than 300 grams.
Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM
- Compatibility: APS-C EOS DSLR
- Max aperture: f/2.8
- 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 — meaning you can get up close and personal with your subjects without making them feel intimidated or crowded. The 1:1 magnification allows you to create life-size representations of your models, while the closest focus is an impressive 20cm.
The f/2.8 maximum aperture makes this a great option for producing bokeh with your Canon DSLR, while the USM AF system delivers speedy and quiet performance. This portable lens is not just great for close-ups but can also be used for stunning portraiture — a worthy addition to any daily photography kit.