How do you tell whether a macro lens is 'professional' or entry-level?

Question

Macro lenses from Canon and Nikon often look similar on paper: many are prime lenses with around a 1:1 macro capability and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. So what actually separates an entry-level macro lens from a professional one, aside from focal length?

For example, with zooms and normal primes the distinction is often clearer: variable-aperture consumer zooms versus constant-aperture pro zooms, or a 50mm f/1.8 versus a 50mm f/1.4. What features or design choices make one macro lens more 'professional' than another?

user4191 · Accepted Answer

I don't think there is a big difference between consumer grade and professional grade when it comes to macro lenses, since as you say they are mostly f/2.8, prime lenses, and all very sharp. With zooms you have big differences in maximum aperture, fixed aperture vs variable, and so on.

For Nikon:

the DX lenses (40mm and 85mm) could be excluded on the basis that they won't work on professional FX bodies
the PC-E lenses would certainly be considered professional due to the tilt-shift capabilities (and cost!)
for the most part, I'd consider the lenses with ED glass to be pro lenses. This includes the PC-E lenses mentioned above, the 200mm f/4, the 105mm f/2.8 VR (but also the 85mm f/3.5 VR DX lens)

Nikon Professional Services requires ownership of two pro bodies, but the lens requirement is not specific (can include DX lenses), so I'm not sure Nikon themselves categorise their lenses as consumer or pro grade.

For Canon:

probably easier to differentiate. The L-series lenses, with UD glass and USM would be obvious "pro" lenses.

How do you tell whether a macro lens is 'professional' or entry-level?

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