What Budget Camera Should I Get for Macro Photography in 2025?

I often get asked which camera to start off with as a beginner by followers and friends, and tend to gravitate to the 5D Mk II, despite hearing few people recommend the same. In my opinion, it is a great choice for beginners who want an affordable pro-level full frame camera.

In 2025 there are so many amazing deals to be had on used pro-level cameras and lenses. When people ask for the best budget camera for macro photography, photographers often recommend the newer Sony mirrorless cameras such as the a6X00 or A7 models. Although these cameras are great and amazing starting cameras, they are pricey. I always think about all the capable pro-level DSLRs out there that are almost a quarter of the cost of new cameras. These cameras used to be the top of their time and offer new photographers an excellent platform with endless potential. Personally I have shot with the Canon 5d Mk II for around 11 years and have had minimal complaints. Only recently have I considered switching over to Sony for the modern autofocus system, smaller form factor, and higher MP count for studio work. Despite these benefits I find it difficult to fully switch away from my 5D Mk II for all my macro and frog photography and still recommend this camera body as an entryway for beginner photographers. 

Phyllobates terribilis – Taken with 5D MK II and Tamron 90 mm f2.8

Dendrobates tinctorius ‘azureus’ – Taken with 5D MK II and Tamron 90 mm f2.8

Best Beginner Budget Camera Body for Macro Photography 

The 5D Mk II may seem like a dinosaur since its debut in 2008 for an MSRP of $2699, however, it still boasts an impressive 21 MP full frame sensor capable of 1080p HD video. This is the pro camera that turned the DSLR world upside down at its release. It was a mainstay in professional photography for years to come. The 5D Mk II is an absolute beast of a camera despite its dated tech and holds its own when taking photos in 2025. The main reason I would recommend this camera is the affordability coupled with its capability. You can now find a decent condition body anywhere from $150-$300 if you keep an eye out online for deal. For this price it is impossible to find a comparable new full frame camera. I typically use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and MPB to find most of my deals.

Canon 5D Mk II with Tamron 90mm f/2.8 72E purchased for $120 including shipping eBay

Disadvantages for the 5D Mk II and Older DSLRs in 2025

The one major downside to these cameras compared to modern day mirrorless cameras are the lack of creature comforts (tilty flipout screen, SD cards, high quality rear LCD, advanced autofocus systems, etc.), however, for a beginner who is just learning photography they offer a strong starting point. Additionally, because the EF lens system has been out for so long you can also get incredible deals on pro level glass including Canon’s “L” line. 

The Canon EF Ecosystem has a Large Catalog of Affordable Secondhand Lenses

High quality consumer/amateur EF lenses are also readily available for an affordable price. With Canon’s shift to RF lenses in their new mirrorless cameras, an increasing number of professional photographers are selling off their old L and EF lenses. This unfortunately, means if you are investing in the Canon EF ecosystem and eventually make the switch to a Canon mirrorless camera you will require an adapter.

The 5D Mk II offers exceptional affordability and a strong value proposition. With a vast selection of secondhand lenses readily available, it remains an ideal choice for beginners looking to dive into photography.

Episcia Cupreata ‘Brazil’ – Taken with 5D MK II and Tamron 90 mm F2.8

Budget Lens for Macro Photography

One of my favorite budget friendly combos is the Canon 5d Mk II and Tamron 90mm f2.8. I have used this lens extensively in the beginning of my macro and frog photography journey.

The Tamron 90mm f2.8 is a storied 1:1 macro lens that has had multiple versions. The ones I am specifically referring to are the much older versions (72E, F004, F017, etc.). These older, albeit affordable, models do not have lens stabilization (VC) and have poorer build quality than newer versions. However, what these lenses lack in features, they make up for in price with deals online for under $100. At the time of writing this article I found multiple Tamron 90mm f2.8 72E lenses for around $100 with shipping. I extensively shot with this set up before updating to a used Canon 100mm F2.8 L lens. You can see example photos throughout this article using these exact combos.

Best Budget DSLR Camera and Lens – The 5D MK II and Tamron 90mm Macro

With both the Canon 5D Mk II and Tamron 90mm F2.8 72E you can have an incredibly capable set up for $250-350. I would argue that this is one of the cheapest “pro” level macro set up you could learn on. There are some disadvantages to a set up like this though. The major ones being the archaic autofocus system of the 5D Mk II, especially compared to the newer mirrorless cameras. 

This set up is also geared more for photography as it does not have continuous autofocus in video. As previously mentioned, the older Tamron lenses do not have the best build quality and have slower autofocus when compared to something like the Canon 100 F2.8 L lens. Another good budget option is the Canon EF 100mm F2.8. Although prices may vary on this lens depending on condition and age.

 Despite these flaws, the Canon 5D Mk II and Tamron 90mm F2.8 p can capture high quality images at the fraction  of the cost of a newer set up. Even for myself it is hard to justify buying top of the line gear when I am no longer shooting for clients. When considering a set up you should also consider the output of your photography. If you end up solely posting on social media or doing smaller prints a 21 MP camera like the 5D Mk II will be more than enough. 

Bee on flower – Taken with 5D MK II and Tamron 90 mm F2.8

Oophaga pumilio ‘Boca Colubre’ – Taken with 5D MK II and Canon 100mm F2.8 L

So should you buy a Canon 5D Mk II in 2025?

In my opinion the 5D Mk II is an excellent camera in 2025 and offers an unbeatable value proposition. If you are learning photography and want an extremely capable camera with a large selection of second-hand lenses I would point you in the direction of the 5D Mk II.

If you have a larger budget, the 5D Mk III offers advantages that can compete with some current cameras. Obviously the 5D Mk II is a 17 year old digital camera and technology has come a long way. I personally own and love using my a6100 and A7r II. However, for a beginner with a limited budget I do think the older Canon DSLR cameras such as the 5D Mk II and 6D offer incredible value and should not be overlooked.

So the short answer is yes, you should buy a Canon 5D Mk II in 2025.