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August 16, 2007
[REVIEW—TAMRON SPAF 90mm Di Macro lens]
Price: $800
Highly Recommended
The low-down: This 90mm fixed focal length lens is a relatively fast f2.8 optic that can be used as a normal, focus-to-infinity lens, and also as a macro lens capable of 1:1 reproduction. It is well made with a simple push-pull clutch mechanism for changing from auto to manual focus. Manual focus is smooth but should be better damped. The lens barrel extends up to 53mm when it is focussed at its closest point and the extension feels solid with no suggestion of a wobble. There is a limit switch on the barrel that restricts focus search either to the close-up range or the range from 4.5 centimetres to infinity. When mounted on a camera with an APS sized sensor, such as a Nikon or Canon, the effective focal length is 135 mm which is ideal for portraits.
Like: This lens focuses quickly and quietly. The “bokeh” – the out of focus background highlights – is particularly attractive. Images are sharp, with good contrast and neutral colour. Overall the optical quality of the lens is excellent.
Dislike: We found that the rear lens cap would not fit on our other Nikon mount lenses. It is not a calamity but it is annoying not to be able to simply swap rear lens protectors when changing lenses.
Verdict: The Photozone survey of owners shows a high level of satisfaction with the Tamron. It is rated highly for build quality and optical and mechanical performance with no nasty surprises in distortion or chromatic aberration. In its own objective test Photozone rates the Tamron as the optical equal of the more expensive Canon 100 mm macro and we would compare it well with our own Micro Nikkor 60 mm lens on all points except mechanical refinement. All in all this is a fine lens and is highly recommended.
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Posted by terry at August 16, 2007 12:38 AM
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Comments
Cheap but good. Works for me!
Posted by: Daniel Gara at August 16, 2007 11:13 PM