Macro on a budget

Starting out in macro photography needn't break the bank. Tracy Calder asks three top photographers to share their best buys, and looks at lenses and accessories that will help you to create captivating close-ups

-  Tracy Calder

Best current affordable macro lens

• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
• £1,089
• www.canon.co.uk

Javier Lafuente 

It was a passion for wildlife, and a desire to go out and capture what he found in the countryside, that led Javier to nature photography.

He was drawn to close-up photography due to its endless creative possibilities and the fact that you can practise it close to home, in any season of the year. Most of his photography takes place in Spain. See Instagram @javierlafuentephoto

What are your favourite subjects to photograph?

I enjoy photographing plants, flowers, fungi and intimate landscapes, but if I had to choose, I would say my favourite subjects are insects. Working with insects is not always easy, but it can be very satisfying. It's also an excellent way to gain a better understanding of this animal class.

What is your favourite lens/camera combination for macro work? 

My favourite lens for close-up photography is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. I've been using this lens for more than ten years and I'm still happy with it. I have used it with reflex cameras and I now team it with mirrorless cameras - mainly my Canon EOS R6. I also have a small collection of vintage lenses that I love to use for close-up photography.

Why did you choose the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM in particular? 

Relatively speaking, it's not an expensive lens. It's also quite lightweight and portable - even for long walks. The image quality is fantastic: sharpness, definition and bokeh are excellent. The image stabilisation works well too, which is handy when you are shooting handheld.

What do you like/dislike about this lens?