9 Must-Have Macro Lenses for Nikon in 2024

If you want to take quality close-up shots, you need to have both a Nikon camera and a macro lens in the 85 to 180 mm range.

The following macro lenses for Nikon are both in the budget-friendly pricing range of about $400 and in the professional segment that will send you back over $1,500. Besides, you’ll find Sigma and Tamron options that are supported by your camera and can be attached with the help of an adapter.

The best projectors under 700 USD are also robust enough for you to enjoy Xbox and PlayStation games in high quality. Moreover, the most interesting options are as equally well-suited for 3D viewing as they are for 2D images. Thanks to the huge selection of contrast ratios from 3000:1 to 15000:1 and Full HD support, you’ll be able to receive a clear image even in a room with natural lighting.

Dimensions (inch): 3.72 x 3.72 x 4.17 | Weight (g): 984 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/1.4 - f/16 | Minimum focus distance (ft): 3.3

This model is one the best Nikon lenses in the macro series. It offers a high-speed maximum aperture that is perfect for portrait and indoor events in various challenging lighting conditions. This short telephoto model excels at artistically defocusing the backdrop while isolating the subject with impeccable style.

You can use this lens to take stunning photos with minimal aperture and depth of field while taking advantage of the Advanced Wireless Lighting with Auto FP High-Speed Sync feature when needed.

The lens has a 9-blade aperture that creates a beautiful bokeh effect with big, smooth spheres and gradual alterations. The provided focal length (105 mm on FX cameras and 158 mm on DX models) offers the optimal operating distance for working with small subjects.

Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.4 x 5.6 | Weight: 630 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/2.8-f/32 | Minimum focus distance: 0.96

It is the first macro Nikon lens to offer a 1:1 reproduction ratio, which captures the subject in the same size as seen by the photographer without any distortions. It provides terrific edge-to-edge sharpness, great picture quality, reliable optics, and wonderful bokeh.

This model is a great choice for full-frame cameras from Nikon because of its high resolution and contrast, which have become the key distinguishing features of high-end S-Line lenses.

The unique optical build of the lens as well as its refined multi-focus feature allows you to take clear, sharp photos with zero chromatic aberrations and color fringing.

Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 | Weight: 789 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/3.2 -f/32 | Minimum focus distance: 1

VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is among the most attractive low light lenses for Nikon. It has a high-speed f/2.8 aperture that can handle low-light environments with ease while the 105 mm focal length is ideal for ensuring your photos have a realistic perspective.

This model employs the second-generation vibration reduction system Nikon (VR II), which allows you to use the camera in handheld mode while setting the exposure up to 4 steps higher.

The implemented SWM technology and IF (internal focusing) system ensure the lens focuses quickly and quietly to avoid scaring off living subjects, which is particularly important for genres like bird photography.

Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.87 x 2.87 | Weight: 353 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/35 -f/32 | Minimum focus distance: 1

The Nikon 35mm f/3.5 is a solid contender for the title of the best macro lens for Nikon cameras. It’s equipped with the brand’s second generation Vibration Minimization system that allows you to use the camera in handheld mode in conditions that would previously require a tripod.

The lens also has a convenient focus ring that is perfect for photographers who prefer manual focusing. This model is ideal for macro, nature, and portrait photography.

The lens barrel is made of high-quality plastics that you'll usually find in Nikon's midrange products. Another advantage of this model is its weight which ensures the camera will remain steady even when using a mini tripod.

Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.87 x 2.87 | Weight: 426 | Auto focus: N/A | Aperture range: f/2.8 | Minimum focus distance: 0.6

It was developed with the DX DSLR series in mind, including the D40, D60, D80, D90, and D300. It’s capable of taking vibrant photos with fantastic edge-to-edge sharpness and zero distortions.

However, it does suffer from vignetting that dims the edges at wider apertures. The barrel is made of black polycarbonate enhanced with gold accents while the mount is metal.

By pairing this lens with a quality camera for macro photography you can negate the lack of stabilization that it suffers from.

The focus ring has a rubberized surface that makes it very convenient to hold and operate. The close focus distance of this model that offers a 1:1 magnification ratio is 7.3”.

Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.11 x 3.11 | Weight: 548 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/3.5 -f/6.3 | Minimum focus distance: 1.6

The DX Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED is among the leading Nikon super zoom lenses that can be conveniently used even if you don’t have a tripod. Its vibration minimization system excels at ensuring most of your photos aren’t wasted while the colors remain realistic and lively.

It also comes with a lock switch that ensures the zoom remains on the 18mm mark, which comes in handy when the camera is on your side and you have to prevent gravity from creeping out the barrel.

The lens also offers a convenient switch that lets you go from manual to autofocus in a blink of an eye to accommodate dynamically changing shooting conditions.

Dimensions: 5 x 3.07 x 3.07 | Weight: 725 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/2.8 -f/22 | Minimum focus distance: 1

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro comes with an F mount, which allows you to pair it with F-type cameras. This model supports internal focusing and has an additional aperture blade that minimizes vignetting and enhances the created bokeh.

Another advantage of this lens is the Optical Stabilizer which makes it suitable for taking beautiful handheld close-up shots.

This model also employs Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and High Refractive index (HR) glass to fix field curvature and minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. Meanwhile, the Super Multilayer Coating enhances contrast by lowering flare and ghosting.

Dimensions: 4.61 x 2.48 x 2.87 | Weight: 607 | Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/32 | Minimum focus distance: 0.98

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is made for Nikon, Canon, and even Sony cameras so you won’t have to buy any adapters as long as you get the right version for your camera. This lens is equipped with the Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) high-torque motor that allows you to enjoy a quick and highly precise autofocus system.

Its 3-coil electromagnetic VC picture stabilization offers an up 4-stop advantage that will help you take sharper photos.

The lens offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio, optical picture stabilization, a durable body, and several other advantages for only $486, which is why it’s arguably the best Nikon lens for macro photography among all the third-party options.

Dimensions: 8.03 x 3.74 x 3.74 | Weight: 1642| Auto focus: yes | Aperture range: f/2.8 - f/22 | Minimum focus distance: 1.5

This model has a wide max aperture and a convenient operating distance that allows you to take photos of even the tiniest subjects in high quality. The lens is also equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that provides quick, precise, and silent focusing while supporting manual override.

Here you also need to pick a version designed specifically for Nikon to avoid using additional adapters. The increased focal length of this lens makes it simple to photograph jewelry or other subjects that require a smaller lens reflection and minimal lighting interference.

This Sigma lens has an Optical Stabilizer that drastically reduces camera shake when taking photos in handheld mode. Lastly, the “floating lens” built-in focusing system excels at dealing with color aberration.

If you don’t know what aspects to consider before you choose camera lens, especially if you’re looking for Nikon closeup lenses, then check out the recommendations below.

Macro Lens Ratios. Picking a lens that offers a 1:1 ratio will allow you to approach the subject closer and capture it in its real size.

For instance, if you’re taking photos of a butterfly that is 35mm long, that butterfly will have a length of 35mm on the camera’s sensor. Meanwhile, if the lens has a 1:2 ratio, then the same butterfly will only have a length of 17.5mm on the sensor.

Focus Distance. Ordinarily, a smaller focal length equals a shorter minimum focusing distance. In most cases, the tinier the subject, the lower the minimum focusing distance you need. That said, even when taking photos of minuscule subjects like insect photography, you might get more mileage from a lens with a longer minimum focusing distance so that you can place the camera further away to avoid scaring the subject or affecting its behavior.

Silent Auto Focus. Regardless of what kind of DSLR camera you own, the lens’ autofocus creates noise that can frighten or distract your subjects. Thankfully, most Nikon macro lenses come equipped with Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology that significantly minimizes the noise produced by the autofocus system.