The Tamron SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro is a medium telephoto macro lens designed for APS-C size digital SLR cameras. It boasts a fast maximum aperture of f/2.0. The SP AF 60mm f/2.0 covers an equivalent angle of view of 93mm when converted to the 35mm format. With a fast maximum aperture, this macro delivers dramatically attractive blurred background effects. The amazing feature of this lens is that it offers 1:1 magnification. The object you're shooting a close-up of is the same size as the image on the digital sensor.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 60 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.0 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 26° - 11° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.06" (23 cm) |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 55 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.87 x 3.15" (73 x 80 mm) |
| Weight | 13.40 oz (380 g) |
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I am a pretty novice photographer - I got my first dslr (canon 60D) a few months ago and have been using the kit lens since (18-135 IS). So my experience with...Read complete review
I am a pretty novice photographer - I got my first dslr (canon 60D) a few months ago and have been using the kit lens since (18-135 IS). So my experience with other lenses to compare this to is very limited.
That said, I am happy with my purchase. I got this lens because I wanted to be able to take macro photos and also have a good general use/portrait lens. I am finding it is great for both. The f2.0 is fantastic for giving portraits that 'meaningful' look via the blurred background - as well as keeping shutter speeds fast in relatively low light situations. At f2.0 I am finding it is still very sharp - it seems noticeably more so over the kit lens I was using.
For macro, I am totally new and still trying to work on technique. Even so, I am taking some decent pictures. With this lens you apparently get a little more working distance compared to other 60mm macros - around 4 inches. I've been able to creep up that close to bugs without disturbing them - though I'm sure a longer lens would make it easier. Outdoors during the day, even in the shade or on overcast days, I am finding that I can stop the lens down to f9 or f11, sometimes higher and still take sharp handheld photos. And of course if I am having trouble getting the shot blur free I can go as open as f2.0 and sacrifice some depth of field. Don't listen to people who tell you that you must use a tripod to take decent macro photos - they are wrong! I've seen some fantastic macro shots that were handheld and having to set up a tripod can be very prohibitive.
In good lighting, the autofocus is fast and accurate. The motor is not silent, but relatively quiet - the only situations I could see it being a problem is in scaring off a bug that is 4" from the front of the lens - but even then it still may not matter and chances are at that close you will be manually focusing anyway. In very low light conditions or when you are pointed at a solid colored object, like a wall or something, the lens will sometimes hunt for focus and may not be able to find it at all. This is of course also true of my kit lens, and I'm guessing pretty similar for any lens. The full time manual control is great - when the lens is autofocusing the focus ring does not turn, and if it misses you can just grab the ring and adjust it. One thing to point out is that it takes quite a lot of turning to focus from 1:1 macro to infinity. This means it can be slow to get from one end to the other manually. It also means more control, though mostly on the macro side. At 1:1 the focus scale shows .75ft (.23m) - with the ring turned about halfway you're only at around 1.25ft (.4m). I would say this makes sense though, I tend to use autofocus a lot more for portraits or more distant shots, whereas for closeups and macro work it is usually better to stick with manual for more control and nice to have that extra room on the focus ring to fine-tune.
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Most Liked Negative Review
AF system noisy, slow, and hunts
I was attracted to this lens because of it's f2.0 aperture. The lens is plenty sharp but the AF is slow, noisy, and often "hunts even in decent light. That's my only comp...Read complete review
I was attracted to this lens because of it's f2.0 aperture. The lens is plenty sharp but the AF is slow, noisy, and often "hunts even in decent light. That's my only complaint, but it's an important one and I returned it for that reason. Build quality is decent.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I have been really happy with the picture quality that I have gotten out of this lens. The AF can be a little finicky, but this is my first true macro lens and I understand they can be that way. I just switch to manual focus when it comes to those scenarios. The manual focus is really nice.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Looking for a fast portrait lens? Tamron has done well with this one. Very sharp wide open with just a bit of decentering that softens the image near one edge of the frame. Macro performance is equally satisfying. Nice and lightweight but solid construction. Plastic with a metal mount, of course, but good quality. Autofocus fast and quiet. Large rotation manual focus provides tight microcontrol. Good contrast and minimal flare. A pleasure to use.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Bought this lens for my rebel xs. Am taking photography classes at a local community college, thus I am quite "entry-level". Have turned in a portfolio for a class using this lens. Bought this because I didn't have the money for the canon 100 mm IS lens that I really wanted!! This is a great lens. Have been quite satisfied with the results. The professor doesn't like off-brand lenses but he was impressed with this one. It's a winner for entry level users.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Works well as a fast prime with a little longer focal length which is nice in some situations. Great portrait lens and fast enough to shoot in low light at parties, weddings, etc.
Macro is sharp though I have not used it a lot.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
There are no conceivable concerns
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Great optically, very sharp low distortion.
Very light. The only 2 things that hurt this lens are no image stabilization and mediocre auto focus performance. The lens will hunt for focus for quite a while before locking the focus.
Other than that it is a great lens, great for macro and for portraits.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Good choice for macro photo. Focusing is kind of slow, but it works fine for regular distances; for macro I use manual focus.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I recently purchased the SP AF60mm f/2.0 Macro, another great Tamron lens for my collection. I have a 17-55 f/2.8 wide angle zoom and a 28-300 f3.6-5.6 telephoto that I love. Little did I realize that my little Macro lens was soon to become my FAVORITE tool. I have discovered the wonders of the MACRO world when paired with a Canon 60-D. The detail and clarity of the subject is amazing. It took about 1 hour to figure out how to use this lens for both Macro and Landscape photography.
The only difficulty I had was with the auto focus,it was slow or not at all depending on the subject or background. I am accustomed to using auto focus and vibration control with my other lenses,however, the manual mode with this lens identifies when I have secured acurate focus so it is a win win. I don't miss vibration control either.
I will continue to support Tamron products the price range and quality meet my needs and the photographs that I can produce a comparable to the professional shots that I aspire to create.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Super macro lens that is super fast. Focus is fine given the size of the objects and the central point f focus up close. Also nice and light weight.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I have been using this lens since the moment I got it. I have used it both indoors and out to take still shots, landscapes and to photograph people. It takes such a sharp macro photo I couldn't ask for a better product. The only thing I wish it had was a better user guide. I wasn't familiar with how to use a macro although it is easy to use, I prefer to read and learn.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I am a pretty novice photographer - I got my first dslr (canon 60D) a few months ago and have been using the kit lens since (18-135 IS). So my experience with other lenses to compare this to is very limited.
That said, I am happy with my purchase. I got this lens because I wanted to be able to take macro photos and also have a good general use/portrait lens. I am finding it is great for both. The f2.0 is fantastic for giving portraits that 'meaningful' look via the blurred background - as well as keeping shutter speeds fast in relatively low light situations. At f2.0 I am finding it is still very sharp - it seems noticeably more so over the kit lens I was using.
For macro, I am totally new and still trying to work on technique. Even so, I am taking some decent pictures. With this lens you apparently get a little more working distance compared to other 60mm macros - around 4 inches. I've been able to creep up that close to bugs without disturbing them - though I'm sure a longer lens would make it easier. Outdoors during the day, even in the shade or on overcast days, I am finding that I can stop the lens down to f9 or f11, sometimes higher and still take sharp handheld photos. And of course if I am having trouble getting the shot blur free I can go as open as f2.0 and sacrifice some depth of field. Don't listen to people who tell you that you must use a tripod to take decent macro photos - they are wrong! I've seen some fantastic macro shots that were handheld and having to set up a tripod can be very prohibitive.
In good lighting, the autofocus is fast and accurate. The motor is not silent, but relatively quiet - the only situations I could see it being a problem is in scaring off a bug that is 4" from the front of the lens - but even then it still may not matter and chances are at that close you will be manually focusing anyway. In very low light conditions or when you are pointed at a solid colored object, like a wall or something, the lens will sometimes hunt for focus and may not be able to find it at all. This is of course also true of my kit lens, and I'm guessing pretty similar for any lens. The full time manual control is great - when the lens is autofocusing the focus ring does not turn, and if it misses you can just grab the ring and adjust it. One thing to point out is that it takes quite a lot of turning to focus from 1:1 macro to infinity. This means it can be slow to get from one end to the other manually. It also means more control, though mostly on the macro side. At 1:1 the focus scale shows .75ft (.23m) - with the ring turned about halfway you're only at around 1.25ft (.4m). I would say this makes sense though, I tend to use autofocus a lot more for portraits or more distant shots, whereas for closeups and macro work it is usually better to stick with manual for more control and nice to have that extra room on the focus ring to fine-tune.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I use this for portraits and macros mainly, but it could be used for anything. You just have to remember that a 60mm focal length with a 1.6 crop factor puts the lens at 96mm which is a much smaller field of view. Its great for low light conditions since it goes down to f/2.
Overall when I'm not using my 28-135, Im using this one.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Macro photography. Love the large 2.0 aperature
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
This is the first macro I've purchased. As a full time college student price was a huge factor in my decision. I am not disappointed at all. This lens is very clear, lightweight, and fun to use. It does search a little in some situations. I use mostly manual focus and that is fine for me.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
This is a great lens for all around use. I mostly use it for portraits, though. Nice, crisp image. Autofocus is a tad slow but I'm working on my patience so it's no big deal...definitely no deal breaker. I've grown very fond of Tamron lenses.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Still learning how to shoot macro, but have enjoyed working with this lens.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
Excellent low light macro & portrait lens. Tamron includes lens hood. BRAVO
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I have been looking for a decent macro lens and stumbled across this guy in my research. I decided to purchase this lens based on a few factors, first and foremost the 1:1 ratio for macro shots which has allowed for great closeups. Another positive that this lens had going for it was the glass, f2 is pretty good and a nice balance for the price. Finally, other reviews indicated that it was great for portrait shots, and it has definitely not failed in that regard, was able to get some great shots in over Christmas.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
I had wanted this lens for some time. When I saw the $100 rebate, I jumped at the chance to get it for less than the price of the Canon 60mm f/2.8.
I've now had a few chances to use the lens in both macro and portrait settings on my EOS 50D. I am generally quite happy with it.
Macro shooting was at a conservatory, using a tripod. Light was fairly low, so the default aperture tended to be wide open. The depth is, of course, quite shallow. Bokeh is very smooth and pleasing, for me at least. I took multiple shots, at successively smaller apertures, of the various subjects. Viewing them in sequence shows very noticeable vignetting wide open. At one stop down it is almost eliminated. I don't find it objectionable. I often add vignettes to images anyway. I am very happy with the sharpness. It is quite acceptable even wide open. At the middle apertures it is excellent. Even at f/22 the images look sharp at 100% viewing.
The other situation I shot in was a family holiday dinner. While I've become very spoiled by Image Stabilization, I found that the wide aperture of this lens made up for the lack. In such a situation I would have been using my Canon 17-85mm (f/4 max). The Tamron 60mm f/2 did very well with normal household ambient light....without IS.
Since I wrote my "First Impressions" I have found that the autofocus does hunt, and sometimes miss in lower light levels. However, the manual focusing works very smoothly. I used the lens in that mode for a lot the macro shots in the conservatory. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked at very close range.
I would certainly recommend this lens for those like me who cannot afford L series. I can't compare it to the Canon 60mm, but the extra stop of speed is very nice, and the shallow depth can be very useful given the smooth bokeh.
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Comments about Tamron G005 SP AF60mm f/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon EOS:
GREAT FOR MACRO
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