Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF USA

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

This was the first lens I ever purchased that wasn't a "kit lens". It was never dropped. Always handled with care. Stored properly away from extreme cold and heat. After having it for about two-three months it stopped working with my Nikon D90. Camera no longer recognizes it and no one can offer a reason why. Huge waste of money.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I needed a "middle" macro lens (already have a 60mm, 150mm, and a 200mm. This one is living up to the comments I read online--takes sharp pics with a little more working distance.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I have the older version of this lens, without the built-in focusing motor, which I purchased in early 2008. I sold my old Vivitar 100mm f3.5 macro lens, which was a decent (read good, not great) lens, but had atrocious build quality. My wife was expecting then, and I also thought that that the Tamron would make a good portrait lens, especially given the fact that my existing 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor is limited in its minimum focusing distance (required for close-ups of our little one). I had heard great things about the macro capability of the Tamron macro, its bokeh and also the fact that it doubled as a great portrait lens as well, so I took the plunge.

Almost four years later, I still have the Tamron in my bag, and have some wonderful things to say about it. The lens is razor sharp in macro mode (close-up focusing), and sharp to very sharp at longer focus distances. Don't let the slight drop in sharpness at longer distances put you off – this aspect is actually very desirable for portraiture. (Also, I would imagine that the lens would be much sharper than all the large-ratio, micro-aperture, similarly priced consumer zooms out there at all focusing distances.) The bokeh of this lens is very smooth, soft and buttery. I actually prefer the bokeh of this lens to my Nikkor 85mm f/1.8, which does produce harsh bokeh under some conditions. The Tamron 90 works perfectly with my D90 and SB-900 flash, even in commander mode, with very consistent flash exposures. As an earlier reviewer mentioned, the Tamron 90mm macro functions very well with the Kenko extension tube set. Especially on a cropped-frame/sensor camera, the Tamron 90 with a full Kenko extension tube stack allows for some pretty incredible magnification. The aperture blades (I think there are a generous 9 of them) remain circular when the lens is stopped down, which is great since out-of-focus highlights remain circular, thereby maintaining the great bokeh even when the lens is stopped down. This is a big deal – my 85mm Nikkor does not have a circular diaphragm, and it starts producing polygons in out-of-focus highlights when stopped down, which I find objectionable.

People have lamented the fact that the lens is made of plastic, but I will say this – the fit and finish of the lens is excellent – on handling the lens, one does get the impression that it is finely crafted. I am a fan of the gold lettering that Tamron uses to designate their high performance lenses. The focus ring is smooth, but not silky like the manual focus lenses of old days. Still, smooth is better than not, and I also like the long, generous focus throw that allows for precise manual focusing, especially in macro mode. I do not use the full/limit switch, but I can see it being useful for some people – a nice addition to have. Coming back to the focus ring, I do like the AF/MF implementation (I believe some people don't). I find it very easy to switch back and forth between AF and MF mode with an easy click of the ring. Further, there are some subtleties that can be introduced into focusing. First, such an implementation of the ring allows for easy focus fine-tuning, as follows. Set the lens to AF, let the camera get a rough focus point, then flick the ring to MF and fine-tune focus (all on a tripod, of course). I find it easier to switch from AF to MF using the ring rather than the AF/MF switch on my D90 with another lens. On the other hand, if the camera is in AF mode and is hunting for focus, then flick the ring to MF, give the camera an approximate focusing distance using manual focus, switch the lens back to AF with a quick flick of the ring, and then allow the camera to take care of the rest (assuming of course, that the subject is "focusable"). Finally (and I really like this aspect), I like the fact that when the ring is set to AF, it completely disengages from the focusing mechanism on the lens. This can be used to lock focus in the following manner. Achieve focus using either AF or MF, then, if you are in MF mode, switch the ring to AF. Next (this can be done only if your camera has an AF/MF switch, such as the D90), switch the camera's switch to MF. Then, the camera cannot drive the lens to focus, and any amount of rotation of the lens focus ring does not change focus either. Ergo, focus lock! Very slick!

I would like to take a some time and touch upon the issue of the indicated aperture value dropping to f/5.6 as the focus is racked out, as some folk are greatly bothered by this (hey I spent money to get f/2.8, but my lens shows f/5.6… I feel cheated!). EVERY macro lens, when racked out, exhibits the phenomenon of light loss. This is an unavoidable physical phenomenon. Thus, the lens is programmed to display the EFFECTIVE aperture based on the corresponding light loss. The shutter speed will still be computed correctly by camera TTL metering systems. My point is that even if the lens was programmed to read f/2.8, the displayed shutter speed would still be the same as when it displays f/5.6 based on the amount of light hitting the meter. At the end of the day it all depends on whether you are comfortable seeing a particular number on your LCD display or not, but there is more to it than that. If you are a person who does manual flash calculations based on guide-numbers and exposure factors for bounced flash (as I did many years ago with my Canon A-1 loaded with Fujichrome Velvia), the honest indication of aperture values is indispensible. An f/2.8 indication would lead to an image underexposed by two f/stops. Now, given the exposure latitude of slide film... you get the picture (a very dark one, in this case). Bottom line – don't worry about the f/5.6 indicated aperture, and just focus (pardon the pun) on enjoying this fine macro.

Other nifty touches – the included lens hood, which also mounts in reverse for easy stowaway. The front element is deeply recessed and when the lens hood is on, is well protected from the external elements (pardon the pun again).

I have used this lens to get some great macro shots, and it worked as advertised for portraits back then of my newly born daughter. I would not have been able to get those shots otherwise. (Possibly with my 85mm and extension tubes, but who wants to go that route anyway?) Field flatness is excellent, as are the low distortion and absence of lateral color aberrations. What is present, however (and this, IMHO is the only significant weakness of this lens) are longitudinal chromatic aberrations (LOCAs), which show up on high contrast subjects when the lens is shot wide open, and can be seen as annoying purple/green fringes when they do appear. These LOCAs disappear on stopping down. Don't let this get you, though, as a lot of lenses (particularly large aperture lenses) exhibit this problem. For most subjects typically shot with this lens, you won't see these issues – my flower and bug photos turn out just fine, but I do have some issues when I shoot my wife's jewelry or if there is, for example, a metallic object in the picture. Just something to keep in mind when shooting. Also, the focusing of this lens is on the slower side, so I wouldn't imagine it would do well shooting action, sports, moving kids and so on.

Complaints about no VR? VR is typically useless for macro photography. Also, I wonder how photographers got great photos in the age of no VR. VR/IS is a convenient feature, not a necessity IMHO, and not something that one should be dependent on. The extra money saved over the Nikon 105mm VR macro could buy another lens. Speaking of which, several reviewers have noted that the Tamron 90 is as good optically as (or even better than) the Nikkor. The only thing you lose with the Tamron other than VR is the fact that it focuses slower than the Nikkor, and (this does bother some folk, not me) the fact that the lens extends when racked out. The Nikkor maintains its physical length over the entire focus range. Still, I could give up these features, since for me, the bottom line is still optical quality, which the Tamron delivers in spades.

Enough rambling… you probably know how I feel about this lens. I summarize by saying that for the asking price, the lens is a bargain – excellent optical quality coupled with a nice, lightweight, compact package. Would more could anyone ask for?

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

This is a good lens for close up shots and portraits. Images are clear and for the price it is an overall good lens. This is a lens I carry in my bag at all times.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

Ver y good focus even in my D 40, sharp image.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

The few pictures took so far are great, sharp and clear. Solid feel.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I'm very please with this lens. Sharp clear images. A bit slow to auto focus. That is all I can complain about else a great addition to my kit

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I love this lens. I was afraid to get a non-Nikon brand to go with my D700, but wanted to see how it was. I love it! It is a tad slower at focusing and the aperture seems a little off, but I love the photos I have taken with it! Love the bokeh!!

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

After weeks of comparing and contemplating this lens with its competitors, I am completely happy with my decision. I am using this lens for product shots (food and jewelry) and portraits. I have also played with it on 1:1 and the results are beautiful. If I were a bug photographer, I might be a tad concerned about and extension of this lens though. Bug people may want to invest in something with internal focus, but I'm no expert in this topic.I was drawn to this lens for its weight, fast aperture, bokeh and versatility. The VR on the Nikon 85mm macro seems great, but the bokeh isn't quite as nice for portrait work because of it's "cat-eye" shaped bokeh (out of focus highlights). The 2.8 vs 3.5 is also a nice edge - more helpful with portraits than macro. The Tokina 100mm also looks great, but it was a little long for what I needed and the weight makes a difference for me since I prefer to travel light. Another consideration was that the shorter the focal length, the easier it is to get in-focus hand-held shots. This lens is super SHARP even at 2.8. The sharpness is just as good as my nikon 60mm (non-VR). The colors are breathtaking. My D7000 is in love with this lens and so am I! It will not disappoint!

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

Close-up nature/flower work. Lens produces clear detailed photos with no hassle. Coupled with my Nikon(tm) 5100 it is a winner.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

After many hours of reading forum talk and viewing example photos, I didn't hesitate to purchase this lens. Very sharp photos, great bokeh, and when paired with Kenko's extension tubes, the magnification is awesome.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I bought this lens because I have always wanted a macro lens and, the focal length & aperture make it a great portrait lens.

I missed where it becomes an f/3.2 lens when you get in the macro focusing range. That was a bit of a disappointment, but not that big a deal. I have read where the lens is as sharp wide open as it is stopped down. In my tests, where I shot a resolution chart, I found it is very sharp at f/3.2, with only a little color fringing noticeable around high contrast stuff in the picture. Of course, the chart is only white and black, so it is all high contrast. The fringing was gone by f/5.6. Not really any sharper, just the color artifacts were gone. That alone will make it appear sharper when it is stopped down.

The lens will stop down to f/36 and it doesn't start to soften up (hitting diffraction limits) until you get past f/22.

In practice, the lens performs well wide open. In hand-held macro shots at f/3.2, I haven't noticed any of the color fringing and if I can hold still or use the tripod, the results are really good.

I did some shots of the Golden Retriever jumping for a tennis ball. Those were tack sharp. I read that auto-focus is a bit slow on this lens, but it kept up with the dog, no problem. If it can do that, it should be more than adequate for routine use.

Overall, I am pleased with the lens. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is not finding out the lens maximum aperture isn't actually f/2.8 when in macro mode and I really dislike Tamron back lens caps. I immediately replaced it with a generic back cap!

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

Overall, this is a good lens for macro, I haven't really tried it for portraits. I believe that my relative inexperience at macro photography makes this lens more difficult to use than it might otherwise be, but it's still not too bad.
Its best points are: Very sharp, good manual focus, light weight, and it's almost the perfect focal length for general photography as well as macro.
It does have a few flaws though: The build quality, while not terrible by any means, is definitely on the flimsy side, The photos are good to very good in general, but in areas of high contrast they often exhibit moderate to high levels of CAs, and, and in my opinion it's the biggest problem, the autofocus is sometimes off slightly even on normal, non-macro photos - usually not enough to be noticeable in the viewfinder or on the LCD, but easily seen when looking at the photos on a computer.

Overall however, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a lower-priced alternative to the high end Nikon macros; as long as they don't expect it to be perfect, they shouldn't be disappointed.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I can find nothing negative about this lens in any fashion and B&H as always do their job in an outstanding way. You cannot go wrong with this purchase.

Partner it with B&H # POPLMRL LED Ring Light and you have a match made in heaven for macro photography.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

Love this lens! I had been waiting for a Canon 500D lens to convert a travel lens to macro work, but finally gave up and bought the Tamron 90mm. What a crisp image. Most of my shots are spontaneous and hand held, so while a Nikon with VR might have made more sense, I am completely satisfied. I have added a Velbon Mag Slider rail to my tripod and am working for even finer detail of plants and insects. My only concern so far is that the manual focus ring seems a little lacking in resistance which I hope doesn't eventually lead to lens creep. A UV filter makes it easier to keep the recessed lens clean.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

This lens does 1:1 macro with excellent DoF control. One feature I do quite like is the ability to lock focal range to either close in for macro or standard to use the lens as a regular lens. This improves autofocus time and performance immensely. At the minimum f stop (f/2.8), performance can be varied, especially for macro, but if the aperture is stopped down just a bit this becomes less of a problem.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

Bought this for macro and haven't looked back since. It is true that the 2.8 does not hold true at every distance, but that is inconsequential for macro. What DOES matter is you can get that aperture down to f40 to get some incredible clarity and sharpness. Autofocus reviews: like every other lens I have, it will have trouble when things get dark. The manual focus ring is right there and easy to use. Bokeh on this lens is phenomenal. My other option was the Nikon105, and I couldn't justify the price. This Tamron is a winner for macro.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

Great for Macro and Portraiture.
The fast aperture of f/2.8 is brilliant in low light situations and creates good bokeh.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

I bought this lens for its' 1:1 macro, but it is also a great portrait lens.It focuses fast and accurately, and the bokeh on the wildflower close-ups I took is really nice. This lens belongs in everyone's camera bag.

Comments about Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF:

The 90mm is an ideal macro for a DSLR
for 1:1 close-ups to relaxed portraits.
All at an affordable price.