We have selected the best Canon macro lenses available for your DSLR. They all have excellent image quality, are great for both outdoor and indoor macro photography, and aren’t overpriced.
True macro lenses have a 1:1 ratio, which means your subject appears as big as it is in real life. If the ratio is 1:2 or anything less than 1:1 but still has macro in its name, then that’s false advertising (quite common with cheap zoom lenses). Anything more than 1:1 (like 2:1) and you’re even more macro than what most lenses offer, which is amazing but rare.
A big positive thing about macro lenses is that it’s next to impossible to get a bad one, because they’re all razor sharp and come with amazing optical quality.
The biggest “issue” is actually deciding on what focal length to get, and whether you need Image Stabilization or not. We wrote for each lens specifically where it shines at, but remember that longer focal lengths require faster shutter speeds to get sharp shots, and that sometimes means you need to use a tripod, unless you’ve got a flash or are shooting on a bright day.
Lenses we covered:
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM is the only EF-S macro lens, meaning its field of view on APS-C is equivalent to a 100mm lens.
It’s got a closest focusing distance of 0.65 feet, takes 52mm filters and features Ring-type USM for fast, silent and accurate auto focusing. While focusing, the lens does not extend, making it good for photographing subjects that could easily get scared.
When it comes to image quality and sharpness, the 60mm f/2.8 is one of, if not the sharpest EF-S lens out there. It’s the shortest and lightest of all the lenses on this list, so it’s a great choice for traveling and photographing for hours without a tripod.
Who is this lens for? If you want a high quality macro lens that can be used more or less without a tripod, this is it. You can obviously do professional stuff with it, but it’s the best on the list for casual macro photography (non planned, easy to carry around).
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews here.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro
Macro lenses are notorious for being sharp, and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is no exception! The focal length is perfect; not too short so you won’t easily scare your subjects, and it’s not too long either (even on an APS-C camera).
A lot of people think macro lenses are only for small products or animals, but you could honestly use this lens for almost anything, from portraits to sports. With f/2.8 maximum aperture and telephoto length, your backgrounds will look creamy and colorful, and you will also be able to shoot in darker conditions.
Focusing wise, the Ring USM offers very quick and silent auto focus, a must for photographing in the nature. Its closest focusing distance is 1 foot (0.30m), it takes 58mm filters and weighs 21.1oz/598g.
Who is this lens for? Portrait, product, bugs, animal photographers. I’ve used it for sports and action as well (subjects far away) and had no complaints regarding the AF speed.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews here.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro is the best if you’re looking for the best quality, weather sealing and Image Stabilization.
It’s a workhorse and features IS that makes photographing without a tripod much easier, thanks to Hybrid IS that stabilizes your images in all directions. This of course works only if your subject is not moving, like with all other Image Stabilization systems.
Want to know whether to get this one or the version above? While the price difference is not that big, I’d only recommend you to get the L version if you absolutely need Image Stabilization and would like a slightly better looking bokeh (9 vs 7 aperture blades). Other than that, the image quality is 99% the same.
Who is this lens for? Same as the 100mm above, but with the ability to sometimes shoot without a tripod. The IS also makes it a bit better for portraits and other non-macro telephoto work. For tougher outdoor conditions, the weather sealing is a big plus (rain etc.)
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews here.
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Lens
The Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 is quite unique, and is even more “macro” than all lenses above. The MP-E mount is designed to work on both APS-C and FF cameras, so if you own any Canon’s DSLR you can use it without any issues.
There’s no auto focus, but you won’t need it. Forget about photographing without a tripod, as it’s quite hard to get accurate focus when working at such close lengths.
You’ll also need plenty of light (outdoor, studio lights or a flash), but once you’re all set up and have the patience to focus, you can get some absolutely stunning macro photographs. It offers a 5:1 ratio, which is 5x closer than any of the lenses above, but everything gets dark and it’s hard to work at those settings.
Who is this lens for? Want to get extremely close to your subject and absolutely love macro photography? This lens truly allows you to discover a whole new world.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews here.
2 More Recommended Macro Lenses for Canon DSLRs
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro – This telephoto macro lens is an absolute beast, but you’ll usually need a tripod for shooting.
Sigma 180mm f/2.8 EX APO DG HSM OS Macro – One of the sharpest lenses ever made, and also the most expensive on this list. Still, if you love macro photography and want the best, it’s worth every dollar!
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