Choosing the best macro lens for your Nikon DX camera enhances your close-up photography. It helps capture fine details with sharp focus and vibrant colors.
Macro lenses let you photograph tiny subjects like flowers and insects clearly. Nikon DX cameras need lenses made for their smaller APS-C sensors. Several options fit different budgets and shooting styles. The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2. 8G offers sharp images and easy handling.
The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1. 7 suits mirrorless users needing wide apertures. Extension tubes like Mcoplus add macro ability to existing lenses. Wide-angle lens attachments from Altura Photo provide extra creative options. This guide covers top choices and accessories that improve macro shots for Nikon DX cameras.
Table of Contents
Nikon Af-s Dx Micro-nikkor 40mm F/2.8g Macro Lens

The Nikon – AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Macro Lens with the included Filter Kit, Cap Keeper, and Cleaning Kit is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals who want to explore the world of macro photography with precision and ease. This lens is perfect for those who need a compact, lightweight, and high-quality lens to capture detailed close-up shots of small subjects like insects, flowers, or intricate textures.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
- High-quality macro lens with 1:1 reproduction ratio for true close-up photography
- Fast f/2.8 aperture allows excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur
- Includes essential accessories such as a filter kit, cap keeper, and cleaning kit for lens protection and maintenance
- Silent Wave Motor (AF-S) ensures fast and quiet autofocus
Cons:
- Fixed focal length limits versatility compared to zoom lenses
- May not be suitable for general photography needs beyond macro shots
- Limited working distance may require careful handling around sensitive subjects
The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Macro Lens stands out with its sharp optics and true 1:1 magnification, allowing users to capture incredibly detailed images. Its fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 not only enhances low-light shooting capabilities but also creates a pleasing bokeh effect, isolating subjects from their backgrounds. The lens’s compact size and lightweight build make it an excellent companion for photographers who want to travel light without sacrificing image quality.
Additionally, the included Filter Kit, Cap Keeper, and Cleaning Kit provide valuable tools for protecting and maintaining the lens, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. The Silent Wave Motor technology offers smooth and near-silent autofocus, making it suitable for capturing subjects without disturbance. Overall, this lens kit is a comprehensive solution for macro photography enthusiasts seeking precision, convenience, and professional-grade results.
To buy this product, click here.
Altura Photo 55mm 0.43x Hd Wide Angle Lens With Macro

The Altura Photo 55MM 0.43x HD Wide Angle Lens with Macro is ideal for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists who own cameras with a 55MM filter thread, especially those using Nikon DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DSLR or Sony E mirrorless lenses. This lens attachment is perfect for users looking to expand their creative possibilities by capturing wider scenes and detailed close-up shots without investing in a new camera body.
Pros:
- Provides a 0.43x wide-angle view to capture expansive landscapes and group photos.
- Includes a macro feature for detailed close-up photography.
- Easily attaches to the 55MM filter thread without the need to remove the original lens.
- Compatible with popular camera lenses like Nikon DX NIKKOR 18-55mm and Sony E mirrorless lenses.
- Compact and lightweight design measuring 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.86 inches for easy portability.
Cons:
- Not compatible with camera bodies directly; requires a 55MM filter thread lens.
- May cause slight distortion at the edges typical of wide-angle lenses.
- Limited to lenses with a specific 55MM filter thread size, restricting universal use.
The Altura Photo 55MM 0.43x HD Wide Angle Lens with Macro enhances your photography by allowing you to capture wider scenes without compromising image quality. Its high-definition glass elements ensure sharp and clear images, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and group photography. The added macro capability provides versatility, enabling photographers to explore detailed close-up shots with the same lens attachment.
Designed with convenience in mind, this lens easily screws onto your existing 55MM filter thread lens, eliminating the need for complicated setups or additional equipment. Its compatibility with popular lenses from Nikon and Sony makes it a valuable accessory for photographers looking to broaden their creative horizons without purchasing multiple lenses. Overall, this accessory offers a cost-effective way to diversify your photography style and improve your shooting experience.
To buy this product, click here.
Nikon Nikkor Z Dx Mc 35mm F/1.7

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals who use APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras and seek a versatile macro lens with excellent low-light performance. This lens is perfect for those who want to capture detailed close-ups as well as everyday shots with a beautiful background blur, thanks to its large f/1.7 aperture.
Pros:
- Large f/1.7 aperture for superb low-light capability and shallow depth of field.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle.
- Versatile macro functionality for close-up photography with sharp details.
- High-quality optics from Nikon ensure excellent image clarity and color reproduction.
- Perfectly optimized for DX format Z series mirrorless cameras.
Cons:
- Limited zoom range as it is a fixed 35mm prime lens.
- May require additional lighting for extreme macro shots in very low light conditions.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 offers photographers a powerful combination of a fast aperture and macro capabilities. Its large f/1.7 aperture allows for exceptional low-light shooting and beautiful bokeh, enhancing portrait and close-up photography. The compact size and light weight make it an excellent travel companion, ensuring users can carry it comfortably for extended photo sessions.
Designed specifically for the DX format Z series mirrorless cameras, this lens delivers sharp images with minimal distortion. The macro functionality opens up creative possibilities for capturing fine details in nature, products, or small subjects. Overall, it’s a versatile and reliable lens that meets the needs of both hobbyists and professionals looking for quality and performance in a lightweight package.
To buy this product, click here.
Mcoplus Extnp Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set For Nikon Af Af-s Dx Fx Slr Cameras

The Mcoplus Extnp Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set is ideal for photographers who want to explore the world of macro photography without investing in expensive macro lenses. This set is perfect for Nikon users with AF, AF-S, DX, and FX SLR cameras looking to capture detailed close-up shots with ease and precision.
Pros:
- Includes three extension tubes (12mm, 20mm, 36mm) for versatile magnification options
- Maintains full auto focus and aperture control with Nikon AF and AF-S cameras
- Lightweight and compact design in black finish for easy handling and portability
- Compatible with both DX and FX Nikon SLR cameras
- Enhances close-up photography without the need for additional lenses
Cons:
- Extension tubes do not contain optics, so image quality depends on the attached lens
- May not be compatible with some older or manual focus Nikon lenses
- Reduced working distance between the camera and subject can make lighting challenging
The Mcoplus Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set offers a practical and affordable way to achieve macro photography with your existing Nikon lenses. By increasing the distance between the lens and the camera sensor, these tubes allow for significantly closer focusing distances, enabling users to capture intricate details of small subjects like insects, flowers, and textures. The set includes three different tube lengths (12mm, 20mm, and 36mm) which can be used individually or combined to customize the level of magnification and working distance.
One of the standout features is the preservation of auto focus and aperture control, a crucial benefit that simplifies shooting and improves the overall user experience. Photographers can easily adjust settings without manual intervention, ensuring sharp and well-exposed images. Moreover, the compact and lightweight design in a sleek black color makes the extension tubes convenient to carry and use in various shooting scenarios, from outdoor nature photography to studio close-ups.
To buy this product, click here.
Altura Photo 52mm 0.43x Hd Wide Angle Lens With Macro

The Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x HD Wide Angle Lens with Macro is ideal for photographers who own DSLR cameras with a 52MM filter thread and want to enhance their photography by capturing wider scenes and detailed close-ups. This accessory is perfect for Nikon users, specifically those with models like the D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D3300, D3200, D3100, and D3000, who seek to expand their creative possibilities without investing in multiple lenses. It’s also suitable for amateur photographers looking to experiment with wide-angle and macro photography affordably.
Pros:
- Attaches easily to the 52MM filter thread, no need to change the camera body.
- Offers a 0.43x wide-angle view for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.
- Includes a macro feature for detailed close-up photography.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
- Compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras.
Cons:
- Only fits lenses with a 52MM filter thread, limiting compatibility.
- May cause slight image distortion at the edges due to wide-angle effect.
- Not suitable for professional photographers needing ultra-high optical quality.
This Altura Photo wide angle lens enhances your photography by increasing the field of view, allowing you to capture more in each shot. The 0.43x magnification is perfect for landscape shots, architecture, and tight spaces where stepping back isn’t possible. Additionally, the built-in macro capability enables you to explore intricate details of small objects, bringing versatility to your lens kit without the need for multiple lenses. Its easy attachment to the 52MM filter thread ensures quick setup and minimal hassle.
Designed with portability in mind, the lens is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent travel companion. The black finish complements most DSLR designs, maintaining a professional look. While it excels in providing wide-angle and macro capabilities, users should be aware of minor edge distortions, which are common in wide-angle lenses. Overall, this accessory is a practical and cost-effective solution for Nikon DSLR users looking to expand their photographic range with high-definition quality.
To buy this product, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Macro Lens For Nikon Dx Cameras?
The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2. 8G is ideal for Nikon DX users. It offers sharp close-ups and excellent image quality. Its compact design suits DX-format DSLRs perfectly, making it a top choice for macro photography enthusiasts.
Can I Use Extension Tubes With Nikon Dx Lenses?
Yes, the Mcoplus Extnp Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set works well with Nikon DX lenses. It increases magnification for close-up shots without losing autofocus. This affordable accessory enhances macro capabilities without needing a dedicated macro lens.
How Does The Nikon Nikkor Z Dx Mc 35mm F/1.7 Perform?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1. 7 offers versatility with a large f/1. 7 aperture. It excels in low light and delivers sharp macro images on Z series mirrorless DX cameras. Its lightweight design suits everyday and macro photography.
Are Wide-angle Macro Lenses Suitable For Nikon Dx?
Wide-angle macro lenses like the Altura Photo 55mm and 52mm attach to filter threads, not the camera body. They offer creative close-up perspectives but require compatible lenses. They are useful for capturing wide scenes with macro details on Nikon DX cameras.
What Accessories Come With The Nikon Af-s Dx Micro-nikkor 40mm Lens Kit?
The kit includes a filter kit, cap keeper, and cleaning kit. These accessories protect the lens and maintain image quality. The cleaning kit helps keep the lens free from dust and smudges, essential for sharp macro photography results.
Conclusion
Choosing the best macro lens for your Nikon DX camera depends on your needs and budget. The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2. 8G offers sharp images and great value. For wider shots with some macro ability, Altura Photo’s 55mm and 52mm HD Wide Angle Lenses are good options.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1. 7 lens is ideal if you want a bright aperture and versatility. Extension tubes like the Mcoplus set help you get closer without buying a new lens. Each option has strengths for different styles of photography.
Think about what you want to capture and how much you want to spend. With the right lens, your close-up photos will look clear and detailed. Take your time to pick the lens that fits your Nikon DX camera and helps your creativity grow.