Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Review (The Phoblographer)

Tamron 90mm f/2.8
Image courtesy: The Phoblographer

The Phoblographer reviewed the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC US lens (price & specs). A Canon EOS 5D Mark II (price & specs) was used for the test. With a price tag of $799 this lens is rather affordable. The review comes with lots of sample images, it’s definitely worth to be read if you are looking forward to get this lens.

Pros

  • Extremely sharp image quality
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Simple design
  • Fairly compact for a long lens
  • Extremely light
  • Included lens hood just makes the images look so much nicer
  • Fast focusing except when going down to the macro levels
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Our version needed a bit of micro-adjustment
  • We wish there was weather sealing incorporated into the lens

Conclusion:

Macro lenses are very fun to use. Not only do they give you some outstanding close focusing abilities, but they’re also usually characterized as being extremely good as portrait lenses. In our time with the lens, we couldn’t find a single reason to not purchase this lens if you’re in the market for a telephoto macro optic. One potential flaw may be that one may want an f2 lens instead of f2.8, but keep in mind that you’ll get the best results with this lens (and mostly any lens) if you incorporate the use of flash to emphasize the specular highlights that really make this lens shine.

Indeed, it was a pleasure to use this lens. It breathed lots of life into my Canon 5D Mk II and I’m going to miss the lens. However, I personally don’t shoot enough macro images to justify this purchase. And as far as portrait lenses go, I’m very happy with Sigma’s 85mm f1.4 EX–which is in some ways a competitor to a lens like Tamron’s latest addition.

But in the end, this lens renders color so well, we’re pleased to say that it is right up there with Zeiss and Rokinon. Though the three companies render color totally differently, the colors from this lens will appeal to many pros interested in a lens like this.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC US price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

  • 90mm Macro Prime Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-32
  • 1:1 Maximum Reproduction Ratio
  • Vibration Compensation
  • Internal Focus System
  • Ultrasonic Silent Motor Drive
  • eBAND Hybrid Lens Coating
  • Extra-low Dispersion Optical Elements
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction

Tamron 90mm f/2.8

[via The Phoblographer]

New Lens Arrivals (Tamron 70-200mm, Tamron 90mm) And Discounts (Bower 14mm)

Tamron 70-200mm

New lenses in stock at B&H and Adorama.

Let’s start with the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD lens, sold for $1,499 (click here). Limited stock available. The core specs:

  • 70-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-32
  • Ultrasonic Silent Drive Motor
  • Advanced Vibration Compensation
  • Extra Low Dispersion Lens
  • Moisture Resistant Construction
  • Compact Design

The lens can also be pre-ordered at Adorama (click here).

Next, we have the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Lens, sold for $749 (B&H | Adorama). Limited stock.

Tamron 70-200mm

The core specs:

  • 90mm Macro Prime Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-32
  • 1:1 Maximum Reproduction Ratio
  • Vibration Compensation
  • Internal Focus System
  • Ultrasonic Silent Motor Drive
  • eBAND Hybrid Lens Coating
  • Extra-low Dispersion Optical Elements
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction

Finally, it is worth to note that the Bower 14mm f/2.8 Ultra Wide Angle has a $50 instant rebate, and is sold for $329 (click here). Core specs:

  • For Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
  • Manual Focus – Fixed f/2.8 Aperture
  • Optimized for APS-C Size Sensors
  • 89° Angle of View (APS-C)
  • 114° Angle of View (Full Frame)
  • 14 Elements/12 Groups Construction
  • Two Aspherical & Two ED Lens Elements
  • Close Focusing Down to 11″ (0.28 m)

Tamron 70-200mm

[Photokina] New Tamron Lenses: 70-200mm f/2.8 VC USD and 90mm f/2.8 Macro VC USD

Two new lenses by Tamron, ready for Photokina 2012. The 70-200mm f/2.8 VC USD and 90mm f/2.8 Macro VC USD lenses. Price and specs not known for the time being.

Model: F004
Focal length: 90mm
Maximum aperture: F/2.8
Angle of view (diagonal): 27°02′ (with full-size SLR cameras)
17°37′ (with APS-C sized sensor digital SLR cameras)
Lens construction: 14 elements in 11 groups
Minimum focus distance: 0.3m (11.8 in)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1: 1
Working distance: 139mm (5.5 in)
Filter size: 58mm
Length*1: 114.5mm (4.5 in)*
Entire length*2: 122.9mm (4.8 in)*
Diameter: 76.4mm
Weight: 550g (19.4 oz)*
No. of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F/32
Standard accessory: Lens hood
Compatible mounts: Canon, Nikon, Sony
Moisture & dust resistant: Yes

 

Model: A009
Focal length: 70-200mm
Maximum aperture: F/2.8
Angle of view (diagonal): 34°21′- 12°21′ (with full-size SLR cameras)
22°33′- 7°59′ (with APS-C sized sensor digital SLR cameras)
Lens construction: 23 elements in 17 groups
Minimum focus distance: 1.3m (51.2 in)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1: 8 (at f=200mm: MFD 1.3m)
Filter size: 77mm
Length*1: 188.3mm (7.4 in)*
Entire length*2: 196.7mm (7.7 in)*
Diameter: 85.8mm
Weight: 1470g (51.9 oz)*(including detachable tripod mount)
No. of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F/32
Standard accessory: Flower-shaped lens hood
Compatible mounts: Canon, Nikon, Sony
Moisture & dust resistant: Yes

[via canon-board]