1. Canon
Canon is one of the world’s biggest camera and lens makers. Founded in 1937, Canon had 88 years of optical experience by 2025 and is widely chosen for its built-in colour science, optical design and broad macro line-up. Canon’s well-known macro lenses include the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (long the professional standard), the newer RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM for EOS R mirrorless, and other specialist optics. Pros and working photographers like Canon macro lenses for consistently sharp images, reliable autofocus in everyday use, and strong after-sales support in Italy through Canon Italia. Canon is a safe choice when you want factory service, warranties and local availability of new RF/EF macro-optics.
Address: Canon Italia S.p.A., Strada Padana Superiore 2/B, 20063 Cernusco Sul Naviglio (MI).
2. Nikon (Nital / Nikon Italia)
Nikon’s optical business traces to Nippon Kōgaku founded 1917, so in 2025 Nikon’s group had 108 years of optical engineering history. Nikon’s NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 Micro (and other Micro/Nikkor macro models) have long been favorites with studio and nature photographers for excellent sharpness, natural rendering and reliable build. In Italy Nikon products are supplied and supported through Nital S.p.A.Milan photographers can order through Nital’s national service channels or try lenses at Milan camera retailers that stock Nikon gear. Clients praise Nikon’s optical performance, especially color and micro-contrast, and the long product life of classic Nikkor macro-optics.
3. Sigma
Sigma is founded 1961, they are very active in Italy via Sigma Italia and local dealers. Sigma’s Art line and Global Vision lenses include high-performance macro-capable primes, Sigma also makes 70mm/90mm+ macro designs and very high-resolution Art primes that perform extremely well close. They are praised by reviewers for optical sharpness and value for money; their Art-class optics frequently match or exceed first-party rivals on image quality tests. Photographers often highlight Sigma’s optical engineering and competitive pricing, while noting that AF behavior is improving generation by generation.
Address: Sigma Italia — Via A. Gagliani 4, 47814 Bellaria Igea Marina (RN).
4. Tamron
Tamron is founded in 1950; it is a third-party optics maker that builds very good macro lenses for example Tamron 90mm/180mm macro models and mirrorless AF macro-optics. In Europe Tamron is distributed in Italy through Polyphoto S.p., so Milan buyers can get local stock and support. Tamron’s macro lenses are widely praised for a strong combination of optical quality, compactness and competitive price, many reviewers and buyers note Tamron’s steady improvements in AF and optical coatings. If you want a high-quality macro for less than the first-party price, Tamron is a practical choice.
Address: POLYPHOTO S.p.A., Via Cesare Pavese 11/13, 20090 Opera (Milano)
5. ZEISS
ZEISS is an old European optics house and is best known for exceptional optical design and premium build. Zeiss macro and close-focus optics are prized for micro-contrast, color neutrality and mechanical quality. In Italy, Zeiss operates locally, and Milan photographers can access sales & B2B support at the local office; Zeiss also supplies its lens lines through specialist Milan retailers. Users who want manual-focus precision and a premium rendering often choose Zeiss, the price is higher, but reviewers and professional buyers often praise Zeiss for consistent optical character and long service life.
Address: Carl Zeiss S.p.A., Via Varesina, 162 — Milan
6. Leica (Leica Store Milano & Leica Camera Italia)
Leica produces high-end optics and a smaller but very refined set of close-focus lenses. Leica’s Italian subsidiary and its Leica Store Milan let you test lenses in person; Leica glass is known for outstanding micro-contrast, tactile build and premium finishing. Clients praise the Leica look and long-term service, though prices sit at the top end.
7. Laowa (Venus Optics)
Laowa (Venus Optics) has become a go-to for unusual macro-optics like extreme magnification, zero-D lenses and specialist close-focus solutions. Founded in 2013, Laowa is younger but popular among macro specialists for unique designs (e.g., 2:1, 5:1 optics and compact 65mm/100mm macro lenses). In Italy Laowa is promoted by local reps and specialist distributors, clients love Laowa for optical creativity and unusual capabilities, though AF and user ergonomics can be manual-focus centric.
8. Samyang / Rokinon
Samyang (also sold as Rokinon in many markets) makes affordable manual macro-optics and increasingly autofocus lenses for mirrorless mounts. Founded 1972, Samyang’s macro and close-focus primes are popular with hobbyists and budget-conscious pros. In Italy Samyang products are available through local distributors and Milan camera shops; reviews commonly note excellent sharpness for price and that manual-focus Samyang macro lenses deliver high detail, while AF variants are improving. Milan photographers can find Samyang at major camera stores and online sellers that ship to Milan.
9. Tokina
Tokina is founded in 1950 with 75 years of experience which makes them durable third-party primes and macro lenses compatible with Canon/Nikon/Sony mounts. Tokina’s optics are known for robust build and good optical performance; in Italy Tokina/Tokina-branded products are available through their official distributor list and specialist Milan stores. Buyers who want dependable mid-range macro glass often consider Tokina for balanced value and reliability.
10. Sony
Sony’s camera systems include strong macro-options for E-mount (Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS and others). Sony founded in 1946 supports Italian customers via Sony Italia with offices & service in Milan; Sony mirrorless macro lenses are praised for AF, OSS (stabilization) and integration with mirrorless bodies for focus-stacking and stacking workflows. Milan photographers can buy and service Sony macro lenses through the official Sony Italy channels and many Milan camera stores that stock E-mount glass.
0 Comments