Photography Reviews

For many, digital photography is a very magical process, but using a macro lens will take you to an entirely different realm of creative magic. You’re able to bring the lens and camera within inches of small objects and subjects and record an image that is a 1:1 ratio, meaning the object/subject is rendered at life-like scale on your camera’s sensor.

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1. The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 is the latest in a long line of macro lenses at this focal length that has made Tamron famous. With this next-generation macro, Tamron focused on improving resolution, chromatic correction and glass element coatings to create a reliable and lightweight lens at just 2.8 x 3.8” (71 x 97mm) and 14.1 oz. (400g). This lens can be mounted to Nikon (built-in AF motor), Canon, Sony and Pentax/Samsung cameras.

2. With these small dimensions and light weight, the Tamron 90mm MACRO is very convenient to carry into the field for a long day of patiently waiting for insects to remain still or the breeze to calm, so flowers and other tiny natural objects don’t move. Many digital photographers also like to use this lens for macro portrait work because of the 1:1 ratio.

3. The Tamron 90mm MACRO’s minimum focusing distance (MFD), or the distance between the sensor and the subject, is 11.4” (290mm). Its minimum working distance, or the distance between the lens' front element and subject when the lens is set at 1:1 magnification, is 3.0” (99mm).

4. Photographers will like the smooth operation of the manual focusing ring and how well it fits the fingers. Plus, the auto-focus is activated/deactivated with a push or pull of the focus ring. No control setting needed to switch on or off.

5. The lens’ auto-focus technology is approximately average for a lens of this type, and at this price point. It is quite precise even when the AI Servo mode is selected. The focus ring also remains in position during AF operation.

6. An excellent benefit of the Tamron SP 90mm MACRO is a focus limit dial instead of the more common switch. With this mechanism, you’re less likely to change the setting accidentally. Select “limit” and the auto-focus will operate between 11.4” (290mm) and 15.75” (400mm) or 17.7” (450mm) and infinity. You’ll discover that this significantly limits how much time the AF takes to find the correct focus point.

7. A major benefit of most MACRO lenses is that they are very crisp and clear, and such is the case with the Tamron model. At its widest aperture, the SP 90mm delivers that sharpness and remains so at narrower apertures.

8. Lens flare, chromatic aberrations, distortion and vignetting are not issues. If you’re picky, then you might notice some CA in the corners at f/2.8.

9. Bokeh, or the quality of the background blur, is important to top quality macrophotography; and the Tamron SP 90mm produces the good three-dimensionality you want with its 9-blade aperture.

10. You’ll also like how Tamron designed this lens with a considerably recessed light-gathering end, so the front element is well protected.

11. The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 MACRO Lens is certainly a specialty choice for most enthusiasts and hobbyists, but if you are passionate about exploring the sub-category of macrophotography and portraits, then it is an above-average choice, given its price point.

Photo copyright Tamron USA, Inc. Copyright (c) 2012

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