Hunting for the best macro lens for Canon is certainly not easy. You may find yourself overwhelmed by all the choices, or you might just not be aware of what to keep in mind when picking out that ideal macro lens.
This guide will help you get a firm grasp over the fundamentals of macro lenses and end your search for the best Canon macro lens.
Related: Best Canon Lenses
Best Canon Macro Lens: Our Top Three
Key Features of a Canon Macro Lens
Maximum Magnification
True macro lenses have a minimum reproduction ratio of 1:1. Hence, this implies that the sensor will be fully filled by the subject, regardless of how small a flower or insect it is. Higher-end lenses that are more expensive can also have a magnification of 2 times or 5 times.
Focal Length
Macro lenses are prime lenses and typically have fixed focal lengths. They generally have long focal lengths as well because they let you capture close-ups from a distance. High-quality macro pictures require you to use a lens that is around 200mm ideally, or at least 100mm. A shorter lens will result in you blocking the source of light because you have to get too close. It can also potentially disrupt or scare the subject. However, if you’re looking for a wider field of view, then a lens with a shorter focal length should be the choice.
Auto/ Manual Focus
Autofocus is an incredibly handy feature that is found in numerous macro lenses. They are terrific at ensuring sharp and beautiful shots. It makes shooting photos simple and hassle-free. Having said that, the lack of autofocus isn’t typically a turn off as a lot of macro photography uses a tripod.
Image Stabilization
Subjects tend to slide in and out of focus, even with the smallest of motions of the camera. This is very pronounced in macro shots due to the shallow depth of field in macro lenses. In such situations, image stabilization has a dramatic impact on the final image, giving a clear and reliable shot.
Best Canon Macro Lens: Summary Table
Best Canon Macro Lenses:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 77.7mm x 123mm
- Weight: 625g
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Focal Length: 100mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8 – f/32
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 79mm x 122.9mm
- Weight: 600g
- Filter Size: 62mm
- Focal Length: 90mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8 – f/32
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 Macro
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 81mm x 98mm
- Weight: 710g
- Filter Size: 58mm
- Focal Length: 65mm
- Image Stabilization: No
- Autofocus: No
- Aperture: f/2.8 – f/16
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 72.9mm x 62.85mm
- Weight: 335g
- Filter Size: 52mm
- Focal Length: 60mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 96mm)
- Image Stabilization: No
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8 – f/32
Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 609mm x 45.5mm
- Weight: 130g
- Filter Size: 43mm
- Focal Length: 28 mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Stepping monitor and Hybrid IS for smooth photography
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/3.5 – f/22
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 79mm x 82mm
- Weight: 465g
- Filter Size: 72mm
- Focal Length: 17 to 70mm
- Image Stabilization: No
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8 to 4 – f/22
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens for Canon EF
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 70.8mm x 105.8mm
- Weight: 515g
- Filter Size: 49mm
- Focal Length: 70mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8 – f/22
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 74.4mm x 62.78mm
- Weight: 305g
- Filter Size: 52mm
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/1.8-f/22
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 78.3mm x 126.4mm
- Weight: 725g
- Filter Size: 62mm
- Focal Length: 105mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8-f/22
Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 69.2mm x 55.8mm
- Weight: 190g
- Filter Size: 45mm
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Image Stabilization: Yes (Hybrid)
- Autofocus: Yes
- Aperture: f/2.8-f/32
Conclusion
We trust this article assisted you in choosing the best macro lens for Canon while giving you an overview of all the factors that characterize the ideal macro lens.
Stefano Caioni is a photographer from Sydney, Australia. Founder and editor of Pixinfocus, his passion for photography helps him explore new places and live new adventures. Thanks to photography he reconnected with the outdoors and was able to travel the world and take photos of some of the most beautiful places on Earth.