Tamron SP 90 AF f/2.8 72E Review

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Introduction

The SP 90 72E, Was the first true 90mm 1:1 AF macro lens from Tamron, this popular lens has been upgraded 2 times, to the new AF 90mm f/2.8 DI SP. But this "old" lens still performs more then well enough. Good enough to compete against Nikons micro Nikkor's, which in itself says quite a bit, Since the micro Nikkor's, are said to be the sharpest of the Nikkor lenses (at least the MF ones).This lens features a focus clutch-mechanism, push/pull to enable/disable AF. The lens almost doubles its length when you reach 1:1 magnification, not uncommon for macro lenses. This lens also have a Focus limiter, to prevent to much AF hunting ( 0.28cm-0.40cm and 45 cm-3m(infinity).As you can see in the picture this lens have been banged up a bit, that has nothing to do with the build quality of the lens, but the crapness of lowepro`s backpacks.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 10 elements in 9 groups.

Picture Angle: 27 Degrees (FF)

Filter Size: 55mm

Lens Hood: C9FH

Included accessories: Lens hood, lens cap, rear cap

Size and weight: 403g

Diaphragm: 9 bladed

price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.tamron.com

Positives

• Sharp, up there with the best of the best.
• Manual focus, very nice feel to the focus ring.
• Color/contrast.
• Price.
• Infinity Focus. Allot of macro lenses gives bad results on infinity, not this one.
• Aperture lock. you can even unlock the aperture ring on this lens with gloves on.
• DOF scale. Something that is missing from pretty much all newer lenses, regardless of manufacturer, go figure

Drawbacks

• Changing between MF and AF, the lens rotates just enough to throw a macro shot OOF
• Rubber on focus ring. I'm really nitpicking here.
• Infrared, Hot-spots @ f/16

Verdict

A solid performer, this lens Might be "old" but it sure still performs, I never bothered upgrading this lens, since the performance of it is so good.( I had a hard time finding something wrong with this lens) I usually upgrade to Nikon lenses, but this time there simply wasn't any good reason to do so, since the Tamron performs so good. The only thing you gain from upgrading to the Nikkor, is AF speed (and VR). But who uses AF for a macro lens anyway?

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di. From: $459.95 USD (rebate available)

Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR. From $899.95 USD

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG. From $479.00 USD

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D- From $399.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 30, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.

Tamron 90mm @ f/2.8

Tamron 90mm @ f/5.6

Tamron 90mm @ f/11

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