These are the best Zeiss macro lenses when you want exquisite micro-contrast, neutral color, disciplined CA control, long, silky focus throws, and reliable working distance for insects, flowers, jewelry, product, and tabletop video—and here’s what to look for as you buy: prioritize true 1:1 (life-size) or at least 1:2 magnification, APO or near-APO correction for clean speculars on metals and gems, long focus throws with hard stops (great for rails and repeatable pulls), de-clickable apertures where available (Loxia/Touit), and barrels that accept common step-ups so one CPL for cross-polarization and a good VND (video) cover the set; pair unstabilized glass with strong IBIS or a sturdy tripod, favor generous working distance (90–120 mm class) for lights/flags, and check focus limiter behavior if you need AF. Full-frame DSLR/adapted heroes: Milvus 100mm ƒ2 Macro (1:2) and Milvus 50mm ƒ2 Macro (1:2)—modern T* coatings, velvet mechanics, reference-grade color, and long, controlled throws; the classic Makro-Planar T* 2/100 and 2/50 (ZE/ZF) deliver that signature Zeiss bite and creamy transitions with 1:2 reproduction in tougher, all-mechanical housings—ideal adapted to mirrorless. Native Sony E manual-focus star: Loxia 65mm ƒ2.4 Macro (1:2)—close, clinical detail with compact size, declick switch, and linear-feel MF for precise racks; pair with Loxia 85/2.4 for tele context. APS-C mirrorless true macro: Touit 50mm ƒ2.8 Macro (1:1 for X/E)—light, sharp, with clean color and a workable working distance, great for field and product on crop bodies. Medium-format legends (adapt or stay native): Makro-Planar 120mm ƒ4 (Hasselblad V/Contax 645) and S-Planar 60mm ƒ2.8 (Hassy V)—studio-staple rendering with generous space for lights; adapt to digital for sumptuous product/beauty. Cine-ready Zeiss macros for motion: Compact Prime CP.2 50mm T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100mm T2.1 Makro (PL/EF) bring matched 95 mm fronts, long throws, low breathing, and the Zeiss look—perfect for tabletop and beauty inserts with true lens data on XD versions. Close-focus “near-macro” companions worth having in a Zeiss kit: Batis 40mm ƒ2 CF (AF, 1:3.3) for hybrid stills/video detail B-roll, and Apo-Sonnar 135mm ƒ2 (not macro, but clean CA control and flattering compression for beauty crops). Practical buyer tips: build a two-lens spine (100/2 class for working distance + 50/2 class for larger context) and add Loxia 65/2.4 for compact field work; if you shoot medium format or crave maximum working distance and flatness, add Makro-Planar 120/4; video teams should consider a CP.2 macro pair for unified mechanics and 95 mm filtration; standardize fronts with step-ups so one CPL (for cross-pol) and one VND fit everything, keep a low-profile focusing rail for fore–aft control, and stash a quality +5/+10 achromatic diopter to push magnification when needed. Macro shooting tips: on a tripod kill IBIS, switch to MF with peaking + magnification, and stack 5–40 frames at 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; for jewelry/product, cross-polarize (linear gels on lights + CPL on lens) to tame glare, then rotate back slightly to preserve sparkle, and flag with black/white cards to sculpt edges; for handheld field work, brace and “rock” focus at ƒ5.6–ƒ9 and raise ISO rather than let motion smear; for video, lock a 180° shutter with a good VND, favor the long throws for precise racks, enable breathing compensation when available, and keep moves tiny; whether you’re rendering diamond fire, plating desserts, mapping butterfly scales, or filming tactile brand beauty, the best Zeiss macro choices—centered on the Milvus/Makro-Planar 50/2 and 100/2, Loxia 65/2.4, Touit 50/2.8 1:1, and CP.2 Makros—combine APO-level discipline, luxurious mechanics, and that unmistakable Zeiss micro-contrast—so your micro-world stays sharp, color-true, and exquisitely refined.