Macro photography opens the door to a fascinating world that often goes unnoticed by the naked eye. Whether you’re into flower photography, insect photography, or simply capturing textures up close, the right macro lens makes all the difference. At the Galway Camera Shop, we stock some of the best macro lenses in Ireland, from Canon, Nikon, and Sigma — available for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Each lens is designed to deliver sharp detail, stunning colour, and the close-focus ability that makes macro photography so captivating.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the standout macro lenses we carry, highlighting their key features and what makes each one a great choice for your creative journey.
Best All-Round RF-Mount Macro Lens: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
If you’re serious about macro photography, the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a real standout. It’s the world’s first lens to offer a class-leading 1.4x magnification, letting you get closer than most other macro lenses can. That means even more detail in flowers, textures, and tiny subjects you might otherwise miss.
What makes this lens extra special is its Spherical Aberration Control ring, which allows you to shape the look of your bokeh and even add a soft-focus effect — great for creative portraits as well as close-ups. Add in a fast f/2.8 aperture, Dual Nano USM motors for quick, silent focusing, and up to 5 stops of image stabilization, and you’ve got a versatile lens that excels both in macro and portrait photography. Built to Canon’s L-series standards with weather sealing, it’s ready for just about anything. This lens has quickly become a favourite among those searching for the best Canon RF macro lens, and it’s available now at the Galway Camera Shop.
Best Budget-Friendly Macro Lens for DSLR Cameras: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
If you’re shooting with a Canon or Nikon DSLR and want excellent macro performance without breaking the bank, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 is a fantastic option. It delivers true 1:1 life-size magnification with a close focusing distance of just one foot — perfect for capturing fine detail in insects, plants, or products.
The optics are designed with two SLD elements to keep colours accurate and minimize fringing, while a super multi-layer coating improves contrast in tricky lighting. On the practical side, you’ll appreciate the optical stabilization for sharper handheld shots and the Hyper Sonic Motor for fast, quiet autofocus. Compact, sharp, and reliable, this is a great go-to lens for macro beginners and enthusiasts alike. If you’re after a budget-friendly DSLR macro lens in Ireland, this Sigma 105mm is hard to beat, and we’ve got it in stock for both Canon and Nikon mounts
Best Macro Lens for General Purpose Photography: Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
For photographers who love versatility, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is a gem. It’s small, lightweight, and ideal for street, travel, and everyday shooting, but it also doubles up with macro capability up to 1:2 magnification for those close-up detail shots.
With its bright f/1.8 aperture and up to 5 stops of image stabilization, this lens performs beautifully in low light and keeps handheld shots sharp. It also includes a customizable control ring, giving you quick access to settings like ISO or aperture. Whether you’re shooting architecture in the city, food in a café, or fine detail in nature, this lens offers a wonderful balance between creative flexibility and macro precision.
Ideal for photographers who want one lens for travel, street, and macro photography in Galway, this 35mm option is a fantastic everyday choice.
Best Macro Lens for Close-Up Portraits: Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
If portraits are your focus but you’d like the option of macro too, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM strikes the perfect balance. With a flattering short-telephoto focal length and 1:2 macro magnification, it’s excellent for both close-up details and beautiful portraits.
The fast f/2 aperture creates lovely background blur, while Hybrid IS with up to 5 stops of stabilization helps keep your shots steady. Autofocus is smooth and quiet thanks to the STM motor, and you still have the option of full-time manual focus for precision. Add in Canon’s Ultra Low Dispersion glass for crisp image quality and a handy custom control ring for quick adjustments, and you’ve got a lens that’s as versatile as it is sharp.
Perfect for anyone asking ‘what’s the best lens for close-up portraits?’, the Canon RF 85mm F2 is a versatile pick for both portrait photography and macro work
We’re here to help you find the perfect macro lens for your camera and your creative vision. Whether you’re shopping for Canon, Nikon, or Sigma lenses in Ireland, or just looking for advice on macro photography tips, call into us At the Galway Camera Shop in the heart of Galway City and let us help you capture the extraordinary in the everyday..