#1 Best Micro/Macro Lens

#1 Macro Lens – Nikon 105mm Micro

Our choice of the best macro lens for Nikon cameras is the ever-popular Nikon 105mm f2.8 VR Micro lens from Nikon. It is specifically designed for close-up macro work, while also providing a very practical 105mm fixed focal length.

Key features of this lens are its rugged construction, fast internal focusing (important for macro photography), 1:1 life-size reproduction ratio, advanced vibration reduction technology, and a great minimum macro focus range of about 12 inches.

This Nikon lens consistently gets outstanding reviews from users. Most complaints are not about performance but about price (you get what you pay for when buying camera lens) and size/weight (this is not a lens built with cheap plastic parts). You can certainly buy cheaper lens but you won’t get the quality and performance of this lens.

Let’s look at some of the highlights of user reviews and professional evaluations:

• “ This lens consistently produces beautiful, even toned and complimentory Bokeh to my images ….”

• “Focus is very fast and quiet. Build quality is solid! ….”

• “In this crop of lenses there are two areas where the Nikon excels: 1) the 105VR is constant length and when you are this close to things, it makes a difference; 2) AF-S (quiet focusing) ….”

• “As with all pro Nikkor lenses, this one is heavy duty with superb built quality and unparalleled resale values compared to any other brand ….”

• “What an amazing piece of photographic equipment! There are no areas that this lens is less than superlative. Incredibly sharp focus, pleasing, consistent bokeh, excellent portrait lens. This is one extraordinary lens, and should be a part of any photographer’s arsenel ….”

• “If you want to dabble in macro photography and are thinking of buying a macro lens, just go ahead and pick up one. Money well spent ….”

• “THE RESULTS ARE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TYPE QUALITY ….”

If you are looking for a medium fixed-focus macro close-up lens for your Nikon digital SLR camera, you simply won’t go wrong with the Nikon 105mm f2.8 VR Micro lens from Nikon.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OTHER TOP RATED MACRO/MICRO LENS FOR NIKON DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS

About Micro/Macro Lens

Most manufacturers call them "macro" lens while Nikon calls them "micro" lens, but they do the same thing — they allow you to take very sharp close-up photographs at reproduction ratios of up to 1:1.

Not to be confused with add-on close-up filters or extension tubes, macro lenses are optimized for close-up distances while still allowing focus at long distances too.

When buying a macro lens, there are some things you need to consider, all of which can affect cost, useability, and photo quality.

Consider how far away from your subject you want to be. Generally, the smaller the focal length of your lens, the closer you must be for maximum magnification. Also consider the speed of your lens; a fast f2.8 lens will allow you to work at higher shutter speeds in lower light. Fast auto focus is important but, in macro work, you may want to use manual focus. An internal focus is also important in macro work since the length of the lens doesn't change as it does with external focus. Vibration reduction can be important for hand-held work but you'll likely be using a tripod, making VR not quite as critical. Look for good construction quality, which can often make a lens heavier and more costly, but well worth the sacrifice.

Best Micro/Macro Lens

We read and analyze actual customer user reviews and pro evaluations from all over the Web — so that you don't have to — and show you the top-rated products.

#1 Macro Lens – Nikon 105mm Micro

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Don't miss these two resources to help build your macro photography skills!

Digital Macro Photography

Understanding Close-Up Photography