These are the best Tokina macro lenses when you want razor micro-contrast, faithful color, long-enough working distance for lights/flags, and smooth, precise manual focus for insects, flowers, products, jewelry, and tabletop video—and here’s what to look for as you buy: prioritize true 1:1 magnification, flat fields for edge-to-edge product frames, clean longitudinal CA so highlight edges don’t fringe, long focus throws with readable scales, and solid build with a focus limiter; most Tokina macros are unstabilized, so plan on IBIS or a tripod/rail for critical work, and standardize front diameters where possible so one quality CPL (for cross-polarization) and a VND (for video) cover the kit. Full-frame prime heroes: FiRIN 100mm ƒ2.8 FE Macro (Sony E) with 1:1 magnification, crisp micro-contrast, and generous working distance—superb for beauty/product and macro portraits; atx-i 100mm ƒ2.8 FF Macro (Canon EF/Nikon F) is the classic all-rounder with 1:1, limiter, and neutral rendering—adapt it to mirrorless with a quality EF/F adapter; legacy AT-X 100mm ƒ2.8 Pro D Macro remains a sharp budget path on DSLRs/adapters. APS-C specialty primes: AT-X M35 Pro DX 35mm ƒ2.8 Macro (true 1:1 with a unique “environmental macro” look—great for food, sets, and context-rich close-ups) and AT-X 60mm ƒ2 DX Macro (1:1 with brighter ƒ2 for easier focusing and pleasing background melt on crop). Cine/production tool: Tokina Cinema 100mm T2.9 Macro 1:1 (PL/EF) delivers buttery mechanics, long throw, matched 95 mm fronts, and beautiful contrast for tabletop, beauty, and product—ideal when you need repeatable pulls and cine-friendly gearing. Practical buyer tips: build a two-lens spine around a 100mm 1:1 (FiRIN 100 FE or atx-i 100 FF + adapter) for insect/jewelry/product and add the 35/2.8 DX (crop bodies) for environmental macro versatility; if you’re heavy into video or commercial tabletop, the Cinema 100 T2.9 is the ergonomic upgrade; pair any 100 mm with a sturdy rail for stacking, keep an achromatic +5/+10 diopter in the pouch for supermacro, and use cross-polarization (linear gels on lights + CPL on lens) to tame glare—rotate back a touch to keep “sparkle.” Macro shooting tips: on a tripod kill IBIS, switch to MF with peaking + magnification, and stack 5–40 frames around ƒ5.6–ƒ8 for depth without diffraction; for insects, use short-duration flash at low power (~1/200–1/250 s, ISO 100–400) and approach at dawn when subjects are still; for jewelry and glossy product, flag with black/white cards to sculpt edges, clean relentlessly (blower, microfiber, putty), and keep backgrounds distant for creamy color fields; for handheld field work, brace and “rock” focus at ƒ5.6–ƒ9 and raise ISO rather than let motion smear; for video, hold a 180° shutter with a good VND, favor linear MF pulls on the long throw, keep moves small, and avoid stacking filters that invite flare; whether you’re chasing dew-beaded petals, iridescent beetles, plated desserts, or premium watches, the best Tokina macro choices combine 1:1 capability, disciplined optics, and smooth, repeatable focus—so your micro-world stays sharp, color-true, and beautifully sculpted.