13 Macro Lens Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for macro lenses as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 13 macro lens manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked macro lens companies as of November, 2024: 1.SUGITOH Co., Ltd., 2.Shenzhen Dongzheng Optical Technology Co Ltd., 3.ARRI AG.
Table of Contents
What Is a Macro Lens?
Macro lenses are specialized camera lenses optically optimized to handle very close focal distances, allowing you to capture sharp, detailed images of microscopic subjects.
They typically have a magnification of 1:1 and a minimum focusing distance of around 30 cm.
Unlike other lenses, macro offers a high reproduction ratio.
This means that the ratio of the size of the subject on the sensor surface is equal to or greater than the actual size of the subject.
Macro lenses are primarily used for close-up photography.
Uses of Macro Lenses
Macro lenses can be used in a variety of situations.
It is ideal for photographing newborns to capture small details such as the baby's eyelashes, fingers, and toes.
This lens is also ideal for product photography.
The macro lens can also be used as a portrait lens.
It captures details and maintains focus correctly, even when standing very close to the subject.
It can also be used for portraiture as it captures an ideal focal length for portraits.
Principles of Macro Lenses
Macro lenses also have a range of focal lengths.
Because macro photography is done at very close focal lengths, the best macro lenses are generally long-barreled, usually 40-60 mm or less.
45-65mm - The best macro lens focal lengths for product photography, small subjects that can be approached without fear, and scenes that require a natural background perspective.
90-105mm - Macro lens focal length ideal for shooting insects, small animals, flowers, plants, and other small subjects that can still be photographed from a comfortable distance.
150-200mm - This is the best macro lens focal length for capturing insects and other small subjects that need to be shot farther away while still maintaining the closest focal length.
Variable focal length - the best macro lens focal length for multipurpose macro photography.
Ideally, a macro lens should be primed. Macro lenses come in both zoom and prime varieties, but primes are better if you want 1:1 magnification.
Macro Lenses for Smartphones
Macro lenses are unique in their ability to capture the small world in large, clear images. Although smartphone camera technology has advanced remarkably in recent years, it still cannot compete with macro lenses for SLR cameras. But did you know that there are macro lenses that can be attached externally to smartphones as well?
Not only are they compact and portable, but there are also many models that can be easily attached with a clip. Not only that, but it is surprising that macro lenses for smartphones have recently appeared in 100-yen uniform stores as well.
There is a wide range of choices, and while the plastic lenses sold at the aforementioned 100-yen uniform stores are plastic lenses, glass lenses with a luxurious feel and high resolution are also available from various manufacturers.
All models can be attached to the lens with a clip, making it easy, but be aware that misalignment may occur. Misalignment may cause vignetting in the periphery, resulting in a darker image.
If vignetting occurs, it can be corrected by cropping the image, but be careful not to misalign the lens because the image size will be reduced.
Using a Macro Lens
Macro lenses are often misunderstood as lenses that allow you to get closer to the subject, but it is important to understand that a macro lens is a lens that allows you to take a large picture of the subject, not a lens that allows you to get closer to the subject.
One of the reasons for this misunderstanding is a lack of understanding of image magnification. Magnification is the ratio between the size of the image on the imaging surface (CMOS image sensors are the most common in recent years) and the actual size of the subject. Unlike telephoto lenses, most macro lenses have an image magnification of 0.5~1x. Serious photographers often choose equal magnification (1:1).
It is important to note that macro lenses can increase image magnification and are not lenses that allow you to get close.
List of 13 Macro Lens Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
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Shenzhen Dongzheng Optical Technology Co Ltd.
Macro Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
Shenzhen Dongzheng Optical Technology Co Ltd. is a provider of optical solutions specializing in large target areas, large magnification, and high-resolution imaging systems, founded in China in 2013. The company is a developer and manufacturer of industrial lenses offering products such as line scan lenses, telecentric lenses, CCTV lenses, M-mount and F-mount area scan lenses along with macro lenses, VR lenses, infrared lenses, 3D oblique lenses, and precision parts. With a 100,000-level-optical assembly production line in Shenzhen complying with ISO9001 and China Quality Network, it provides imaging solutions for industries such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and new energy.
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RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
Macro Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. established in Japan in 2011, is a seller engaged in integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support workplaces. Their product line includes cameras, lenses, binoculars, telescopes and accessories. The company's products are used in professional photography, filmmaking, journalism, wildlife and nature photography, sports photography and event coverage. The company has distribution in more than 200 countries in 5 conitinets as well as partnerships with camera manufacturers.
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Nikon Corporation
Macro Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
NIKON CORPORATION was founded in Japan in 1917 and is a global manufacturer of imaging products, optics, precision equipment, and instruments. The company's main product offerings include the Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, and COOLPIX. It also offers consumer and professional accessories such as NIKKOR brand optics, Speedlights, system accessories, and software products, along with premium sports and recreational optical products, including full-line binoculars, Fieldscopes, and rangefinders. The company complies with international standards such as ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, catering to industries such as photography and videography, healthcare, manufacturing, and research.
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ARRI AG
Macro Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
ARRI AG, established in 1917 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a manufacturer of motion picture and television equipment. The company specializes in manufacturing a wide range of products, including optimal-quality digital cameras, lighting equipment, camera accessories, and post-production tools. The products are used for robust image quality, durability, and precision, making them an important choice for cinematographers, filmmakers, and broadcasters worldwide. These tools find applications in the film, television, and broadcast industries, enabling professionals to create captivating visual content, shape the future of filmmaking and imaging technology, and bring artistic visions to life.
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STEMMER IMAGING AG
Macro Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
STEMMER IMAGING AG is a manufacturer of machine vision systems and components, founded in 1987 and located in Graz, Austria. The products include cameras, optics, illuminations, image acquisition, and software. The cameras are area scan cameras, 3D cameras, line scan cameras, and smart cameras, as the optics are fixed clear lenses, modular lenses, telecentric lenses, and macro lenses. The tools are used in food & agriculture, sport, transport, packaging, and factory automation. The company offers hardware assembly, software & configuration, labelling, and documentation.
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Cnomax Vision Technology Co., Ltd.
Macro Lenses
Manufacturer Overview
Cnomax Vision Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2013 and headquartered in Guandong, China, is a manufacturer of comprehensive industrial lenses. The company specializes in the manufacturing of precision optical components and imaging solutions, including industrial lenses, telecentric lenses, macro lenses, and anti-vibration lenses. These optimal-quality optical products are designed to provide robust clarity, accuracy, and stability, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in industries such as manufacturing, robotics, machine vision, and medical imaging. The lenses enhance image quality, reduce distortion, and ensure precise measurements, making them essential tools for quality control, automation, and inspection processes.
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SUGITOH Co., Ltd.
Spinoza series TS-93030 Macro zoom lens
Manufacturer Overview
Sugitoh Co Ltd, established in 1906, and based in Fujisawa, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of optical instruments. The product portfolio includes a diverse range of optical components like optical lens, prisms, special lens, C-mount metal component, beam splitter and other optical instruments. The company also offers optical parts for CCTV and lens, microscope, loupe, image equipment, test equipment, and glass process. The products are used mainly in the medical industry.
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MIRUC OPTICAL CO.,LTD.
Machine Vision Lens
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FUJIFILM Corporation
Macro Lenses
Company Overview
FujiFilm Corporation, founded in 1934 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of a wide range of products, including instant photo systems, electronic materials, and medical systems. The company provides products and services for the healthcare, materials, and imaging sectors and has over 250 worldwide consolidated subsidiaries. In 1948, the company entered the camera and optical devices business when it launched its first camera called the FUJICA SIX IA, and in 1949, its shares were listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In 2008, it entered the pharmaceuticals business when it acquired Toyama Chemical Co. Ltd.
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Navitar
Zoom 7000 Macro Lenses
Company Overview
Navitar, started in 1946 and based in Rochester, New York, is a manufacturer of optic solutions that include optoelectronic and optomechanical assembly and sub-assembly systems. The company is part of AMETEK and ZYGO, and some of the products it stocks include projection lenses, cameras, and custom microscope objective lenses. It accepts custom design requests and can provide custom products to researchers and OEMS in various applications such as confocal microscopy, deep tissue imaging, and atom trapping. The company is ISO 9001 and ISO 13385 certified and exports to over 45 countries in several industries, including semiconductor and life sciences.
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Myutron Inc.
Compact Macro Lens for Large format
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Canon Europe Ltd
Macro Lenses
Company Overview
Canon Europe Ltd, founded in 1957 and based in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and London, UK, manufactures printers and digital cameras for homes and businesses. Its customers include videographers, photographers, professional printers, medical imaging experts, office workers, and more. The company handles marketing operations and regional sales of Cannon for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and shares a quarter of Canon’s global revenues annually. Its products include cameras, scanners, camcorders, facsimiles, printers, personal copiers, document imaging, and office print and copy solutions.
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Opto Engineering
Macro Lenses
Distributor Overview
Opto Engineering, founded in 2002, is an Italian supplier of optical imaging technologies and solutions. They specialize in designing and manufacturing optical components, systems, and software for machine vision applications. Serving industries like automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, their product range includes lenses, filters, illuminators, and imaging software.
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Macro Lens Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUGITOH Co., Ltd. |
26.7%
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| 2 | Shenzhen Dongzheng Optical Technology Co Ltd. |
20.0%
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| 3 | ARRI AG |
8.9%
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| 4 | RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. |
8.9%
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| 5 | Opto Engineering |
8.9%
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| 6 | Cnomax Vision Technology Co., Ltd. |
6.7%
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| 7 | Navitar |
4.4%
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| 8 | Myutron Inc. |
4.4%
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| 9 | Nikon Corporation |
2.2%
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| 10 | STEMMER IMAGING AG |
2.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the macro lens page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Canon Europe Ltd: 22,166
- Nikon Corporation: 18,437
Newly Established Company
- Shenzhen Dongzheng Optical Technology Co Ltd.: 2013 (11 years ago)
- Cnomax Vision Technology Co., Ltd.: 2013 (11 years ago)
- RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.: 2011 (13 years ago)
Company with a History
- SUGITOH Co., Ltd.: 1906 (118 years ago)
- Nikon Corporation: 1917 (107 years ago)
- ARRI AG: 1917 (107 years ago)
Global Distribution of Macro Lens Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Japan
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3 | 37.5% |
China
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2 | 25.0% |
Germany
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2 | 25.0% |
Italy
|
1 | 12.5% |
