Tamron SP AF 90 F2.8 Di  reviews

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: slo.Metallc   review date: April-27-13  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

350 € (new)

positive:

Excellent sharpness
Great, smooth and creamy bokeh
True macro (1:1)
Great colors
Good manual focus control
Focus limiter
lightweight

negative:

- very loud (not that I mind)
- slow AF

comment:

Well, this is my favorite lens.

I can’t compare it to other lenses but for this price you get more than you can expect.

Image quality is excellent and color reproduction is great. Bokeh is smooth and creamy.
My copy is sharp from F2.8 on.

Build is o.k. for this price. Yes, it has a plastic feeling but hey… it’s made of plastic.
At first you think it’s going to fall apart very soon, but after a while you get used to it and actually now I think that it’s build very well.
It has huge focus ring that allows you to control focus really good.
Front element is recessed which is good because you don’t have to use lens hood when doing 1:1 macro.

AF is very slow and noisy but I guess that is ok for a macro lens (anyway, I use it in manual focus mode most of time). You have the focus limiter to speed up AF if you use lens as portrait lens.

Due to recessed front element in combination with large lens hood I never had any problems with flaring.

There is little CA wide open but it’s not really problematic.

Overall this is fantastic lens which I recommend to everyone who wants to explore the world of macro photography. When it comes to sharpness, image quality, colors and bokeh, it easily competes with much more expensive macro lenses in range of 90-105mm. Actually I think it outperforms them.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Bas Mandos   review date: November-23-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

300

positive:

- Sharpness is great
- 1:1 macro!
- Colour quality

negative:

- Nothing

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: GlassEye   review date: September-03-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 52E

price paid:

350.00 USD (new)

positive:

Very sharp, true Macro. Great medium telephoto. Light. Focus limiter. Recessed front element. Sturdy enough for all but pro use.

negative:

Plastic build, does not report correctly in EXIF. Iffy AF.

comment:

This lens is a great upgrade from the earlier 52E 'macro'. It is very sharp and does just what you want it to. It's a real joy to use. It reports as a generic 100mm lens that has a 90mm focal length.
As to AF, this lens is a bit slow and noisy on my A55 and tends to hunt. Of course, for close up work you would use MF.
I had to choose between the Tamron and the Sony 100mm Macro and I just could not see my way to spending more than 2X the money for a very similar lens. I am happy with this lens and would recommend it to any amateur that demands high quality shots.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gooseta   review date: August-17-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

tamron
70-300
17-50 f2.8
28-200
sony
18-55&55-200 kit lenses
50mm 1.8
Lensbaby muse

price paid:

£350

positive:

*Smoooth creamy bokeh
*Very sharp even wide open
*Rich, detailed colors
*Lightweight (for an f2.8!)
*No CA or distortion
*Af is very quick with limiter on.

negative:

*Build feels slightly flimsy but is not a big deal-breaker

comment:

Great sharp lens, it provides creamy bokeh and has a good focal length for macro.
15/09/2012 : Got some great flower pics w/ this lens, also got loads of squirrel and dog pics in the park, af isn't too bafd :)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Hotdog   review date: June-26-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 100mm macro
Tamron 180 macro

price paid:

£300

positive:

Sharp
light
well made
no aberrations
No distortions

negative:

comment:

I have returned to a lighter macro lens after a period with the Tamron 180 macro ( a stunning lens but very big and heavy) This Tamron 90 lens is nice and light, has a focus limiter, focus speed is not bad for a macro lens and the image quality is top notch. Build quality is good and not too heavy, fine for hand holding. I am delighted with it. I find it more responsive than the Sony macro , a lot quicker to focus than the Tamron 180 too.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Joryn   review date: May-29-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Sony 16-50 f2.8
- Minolta 70-210 f4

price paid:

265 CAD

positive:

- SHARP!
- Great focal length for macro work
- Build/weight has a good balance on the A77
- Nice DOF and bokeh
- Great color reproduction

negative:

- AF/MF push/pull mechanism is annoying in that you can switch accidentally while manually focusing
- Slow focusing and definitely has trouble with all but well lit-subjects

comment:

A great macro lens that has really opened up my ability to shoot some of my favourite subjects up close and personal. It also is a good lens for portraits as well and for the cost is really tough to beat.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Alain   review date: May-05-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

beercan
sigma 70-200/2.8
minolta 85/1.4

positive:

sharp
nice color
nice bokeh
rather cheap
f 2.8
very long manual focus range (3/4 turn)

negative:

only 90mm
slow autofocus

comment:

For macro this is a very nice lens.
For people also, but the minolta 85/1.4 is much better

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mob81   review date: April-02-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

400

positive:

Sharp, Sharp, Sharp!
Cheap
Good Optic

negative:

Build (adequate for Price though)
Noisy!

comment:

This Lens is great. I just started enjoying macro and this lens is my first Macro (Full Frame Lens) on a900 and Minolta Film cameras this lens performs really great. No Regret what so ever. In the Future I just Hope For longer to enable more light

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mrggt   review date: March-31-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

min0 50f3.5
sigma 105mm m macroacro

positive:

sharp
nice colours
bokeh

negative:

comment:

very nice lens very sharp
good colours
lovely bokeh
very good value for money
much better than my compared too lenses

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: SLT   review date: March-22-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

USD 430 ( New)

positive:

wide aperture

overall a nice lens to own considering the price

negative:

Focus mechanism

comment:

Overall a pretty good lens, even though quality is not as good as tamron 17-50mm f2,8

Focusing tends to be slow, a built in motor would be nice,

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: robertsmx   review date: March-08-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm/2.8 macro
Sony 135mm/2.89[T4.5] STF

price paid:

220 USD (Used)

positive:

Sharp
Bokeh
Color
Price
Full Frame

negative:

Some CA wide open

comment:

I bought a pre-owned lens at what I would call a great deal for the money. The lens is very sharp and easy to work with. It is also light and a great fit on SLT-A55. I have no issues with build, despite use of plastic (the mount is metal). After all, expecting an STF like build would come with STF like weight. It is comparable in sharpness to STF with 4x greater magnification at MFD.

Considering that one can find these for about half of what a Minolta 100mm/2.8 costs, both in used market, this isn’t just a great macro lens, it is also a great bargain!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: digitalsniper   review date: March-06-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Beercan
Mini-Beercan
Sony SAL 1650F28
Minolta 25-85 F3.5 - F4.5

price paid:

SGD 370 (used)

positive:

Lightweight but sturdy
Excellent color
1:1 Macro
No flare
Price

negative:

Hunting
Color aberation

comment:

I bought this almost new T90 lens from a retiree who decided to shift to another system.

Price: For the price I paid, nothing can beat Tamron. Sony and Minolta macro lens is sure to be at least double the price even for a used set.

Sharpness: This lens is as sharp as a Gillette blade! Excellent sharpness of the subject and DOF of the foreground and background. This lens is excellent for portraiture photography as it highlights the subject due to its sharpness. This lens is a close 2nd to my beastly Sony 1650F28 SSM.

Color: After testing all 4 lenses using the same subject, I could say that this lens has a nostalgic color rendering. All my 3 minolta lenses has that vibrant colors while my Sony 1650F28 and T90 has that nostalgic and rich colors.

Build: Tamron decided to use polycarbonate with all their lenses and I could say that this is the right way for macro lenses considering that more weight can make our hands more shaky.

Distortion: The T90 lens has no distortion issue at all

Flare: The front element of the T90 lens is approximately 40mm deeper than the top portion of the barrel, one can surely expect no flare at all. As a matter of fact, I find the included hood to be totally useless, especially for macro shots as it might touch the subject when taking a 1:1 macro shot.

Conclusion: Get a copy now if you find one as it is not only very affordable compared to Sony or other manufacturer but most importantly, T90 delivers stunningly sharp image and rich, nostalgic colors. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: jmmmerwill   review date: February-18-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta AF 50 1.7

price paid:

380 EUR (new)

positive:

sharp
nice saturation
nice head shot lens (APS-C)

negative:

slow AF
AF hunts

comment:

I rarely use this lens but I will keep it. Expect more value on FF (Macro plus Portrait).

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: boyzone   review date: January-18-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100 F2.8

price paid:

300 USD (used)

positive:

- Sharp
- Light compare to Minolta
- ADI support

negative:

comment:

Compared to Minolta 100 F2.8, the color is not so rich (especially on green).
Besides macro photography, a lot of the people use as portrait lens as well.
However, sold it after bring in Minolta 100 macro lens.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Metasynthese   review date: September-26-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta Macro Rokkor 100mm F4, Cosina 100mm F3.5 Macro

price paid:

406€ (new)

positive:

-Price
-Build
-Sharpness
-Limit focus switch

negative:

-AF is very slow an inprecise
-Much CAs
-Useless AF/MF switch
-On infinity not as good as Cosina 100mm F3.5 Macro

comment:

This lens is over-rated I think.
It shows many chromtical abberations. AF is really annoying.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Delvey   review date: August-14-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Very Sharp
Easy manual focus
Lots of Uses

negative:

Slow Autofocus

comment:

Picked this up at a bargain price, with caps, hood and case
My first macro lens and I am very happy

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nicols   review date: April-10-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony AF DT 30 F2.8 Macro SAM SAL30M28
Sony 85 F2.8 SAM SAL85F28

positive:

SHARP!!!!!
Good manual focus control - lots of turn means easier to find the focus point.

negative:

A little noisy.
Slow autofocus - too much hunting.

comment:

Probably the sharpest lens I own. A true classic macro lens, it can also stand in as a decent portrait lens.. as long as you have software that can desharpen the image to make it more flattering :-).

The negatives are really negative for a macro lens, more annoyances when you use it as a non-macro.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jvs   review date: April-03-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

300 AUD

positive:

Very sharp. Good in low light.

negative:

AF is slow

comment:

This is a very sharp lens. The AF is slow but then again, for macro photography manual focus is the way to go. Its well built and I can't find much to fault this lens other than the AF.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 3 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Jlav   review date: March-20-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70 2.8
100 2.8 nikon macro
70-200 2.8 apo hs
18-70 kit lens
35-105 RS

price paid:

429 CDN (new)

positive:

Easy to read labels and focus display
Smooth and sturdy focus ring
Very nice out of focus areas

negative:

Pointless push/pull af/manual ring

comment:

It is, like other macro lenses, a solid bet. There isn't really a bad macro lens out there from the major makers.

The push/pull af/m focus ring is pointless from what I can tell, it doesn't disengage the autofocus unless you turn it off on the camera body.

The surprise to me was how good the out of focus is for portraiture. It is an equal to my 70-200 G for sharpness (sharper at 2.8) and bokeh, and with the focus limiter, it is fast enough to focus. It is not on par with any of CZ lenses, especially on the A900.

I got this for studio work where I need to get closer than the CZ 24-70 can (0.25x), and to see if I could reduce some weight for some portrait jobs.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Basil   review date: March-08-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Vivitar 100 3.5 "Plastic Fantastic"
Vivitar 90 2.8 MD (with adaptor)

price paid:

415 USD after rebate

positive:

SHARP!!!!!
Easy to focus
Good color
Consistent depth of field control
6 year warranty

negative:

Feels cheap, but is still sturdy.

comment:

I compared this to the Sony 100 macro in the store and decided that the Sony wasn't worth the extra $$.

It's sharp, as others have pointed out. It's sometimes slow to AF, but in good light it's really not that bad. It's a macro, after all.

It's light years ahead of the plastic fantastic in terms of build quality (but not as solid as my old Vivitar MD, which is a tank). This will be my new walk-around macro lens of choice. I can't wait for spring so I can go find some flowers and insects to get acquainted with up-close and personal.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Eric_D   review date: March-02-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 35 1.8

price paid:

450 USD New

positive:

Sharp

negative:

Slow Focus

comment:

One of my favorite lenses. Slow focusing but it is a Macro so that is kind of expected.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 1 

flare control: 4 

user: amin13   review date: February-12-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

250

positive:

sharp...good in low light setting
good can be use with macro lens conversion...

negative:

slow, hunting when AF, need to turn MF to achieve 1:1 ratio...

comment:

if mad about macro...this is the best lens!!! as well as potrait lens

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mydarkstars   review date: December-02-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

250 GBP

positive:

Sharp, easy to use MF, bokeh

negative:

Slow AF (but it is a macro)

comment:

My first macro lens, got for a bargain price. Tricky to get focus right on small insects but that's due to my inexperience. Practice and live view will make that easier. Great for portraits.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gustav7117   review date: November-12-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 60 f2 Macro

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: kawung   review date: September-20-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

minolta 100/2.8 macro 1st
minolta 50/2.8 macro

price paid:

350

positive:

super sharp
excellent CA control
nice grip
smooth DoF rendering
focus limiter
adequate MFD

negative:

no focus hold
not metal body, although quite acceptable

comment:

super sharp (should be, it's a macro..)
haven't see any CA on photos it reproduces

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mwildwood   review date: September-01-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Mi 50/1.7

price paid:

299.00

positive:

Excellent IQ, Seems to out resolve my a700

negative:

none so far

comment:

Excellent lens it complements my short range and 70-200 tammy zooms.

I love it for portrait and action dance shots. Beautiful prime. No problems with build quality. Bought used online from a retailer.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dca1213   review date: September-01-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro

price paid:

$450 USD NEW

positive:

Very sharp, razor sharp beyond f4

negative:

none, well maybe the sack, hard to get the lens in and out without extending the tube, and the AF/mf SWITCH.

comment:

Unlike the previous reviewer I have found this lens to be as sharp and functional as any lens I have ever used in the last 35 years. Extremly sharp even wide open and tack sharp fromn f4 to f11. This is a wonderful lens for macro and portrait work. I would recommend it to anyone.

When compared to the Sigma sharpness is about equal, the Sigma is a very sharp well built lens. I would rank this Tamrom above it only because of the focal length, 50 is just too short for many macro photography requirements.

A very good lens at a very good price. I gave the build a 4 only because I'm not too keen on the push pull MF/AF switching method. If 4.5 was available that is what I would have ranked it at.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jarnoshen   review date: August-31-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron AF 60 F2 Di II

positive:

Almost nothing, except AF is quick.

negative:

Very noisy when AF.
AF/MF toggling is not convenient.
Poor color especially when backlighting.
Not sharp enough even at F5.6.
Big out-focus when AF at macro.
Not useful focal length on APS-C

comment:

Generally, it's not a good lens in comparison with its popularity.
Especially, when I use this lens with Tamron 60 F2 together, I found the 60/2 is much better in color and sharpness and almost everything else.
It's 1/3 cheaper than 60/2 but I don't think it's a worth lens after all.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ghmcs   review date: August-30-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm f/2.8 macro

price paid:

$469 USD (new)

positive:

outstanding image quality
very useful focal length on full frame

negative:

none

comment:

Image quality is excellent, as you would expect for a prime macro lens. You do need to keep your expectations reasonable however; DOF is razor thin at f/2.8 on FF. Overall size and light weight make this an easy lens to carry. On full frame the focal length is very useful for animate subjects. I'm not a big fan of the push/pull ring for AF/MF selection - it's too easily moved when remvoing the lens from a bag - but that's an annoyance, not a real negative. A high performance-to-price ratio makes this lens a good value.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: eerikoo   review date: August-25-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

-DT18-70
DT 18-55
Minolta APO 200 2.8
Minolta 16mm 2.8

price paid:

500

positive:

-Very sharp
-Beautiful color tones
-Perfect for portraits

negative:

-Noisy
-Extends long
-Clumsy AF/M switch

comment:

It's a safe buy, rugged build, sharp and usefull for alot of things.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: SChurchill   review date: August-07-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

260 GBP (used)

positive:

The sharpness
Value for money
Focus limiter
Manual focus is easy
No CA issues (except with 2x TC)

negative:

Requires a two steps to use manual focus

comment:

I love this lens and is probably my most used lens out of the 14 lenses I own. Slow focus is to be expected as it is a macro lens, although I generally manually focus my macro shots.

However word of warning: it appears that I managed to damage the internal mechanism by accidentally using autofocus whilst the lens was set to manual and holding the focus ring. After a disturbing grinding noise the aperture mechanism failed.

I got it fixed by intro 2020 and has been working fine ever since.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: shamb   review date: August-07-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50 f1.8
Sony 18-250 f3.5-6.3

price paid:

250 GBP (new)

positive:

Very sharp
Cost
Makes a useful portrait lens as well as a macro

negative:

Its ugly! I hate the gold trim; it goes with absolutely nothing!

comment:

Note for UK readers; as of this writing (Aug 2010), its available from Jessops for only £250, quite a bargain!

I have a detailed review of this lens (used with a Doff DAF-14 ringflash) at http://howgreenisyourgarden.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/review-tamron-af-90f2-8-di-macro-dorr-daf-14-sony-alpha-mount/

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: marc-104   review date: June-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

400€

positive:

good and cheap macro lens

negative:

none really for that price

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Bill73   review date: June-13-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Other marco lenses I have used and owned over the years
SIgma 105
Hanimex 100
sony 100
sony 50
earlier iterations of Tamron 90

positive:

Uber sharp!
f2.8
Light
Nice hood - even though redundant
Recessed front element
Wonderful manual focus
1:1
Price
Price
Did I mention price!?

negative:

Auto focus can be painful (but thankfully has a limit switch and that improves things immensely)

comment:

Without a doubt one of the sharpest macro lenses ever produced. In this focal length (no ... in all focal lengths) it is sharper than the competition - perhaps the Sony 50mm macro can compete but I doubt it. It also functions as an excellent mid level prime. I would recommend this lens to anyone and everyone - it is that good. I know some reviewers/testers have experienced CA in very limited situations with this lens but I have NEVER experienced any CA ... ever (and I have clocked-up over 2000 exposures with it!). I would never be without this lens and my only regret is the fact that I put off the purchase of it for so long.
From a price perspective - this lens embarrasses the competition.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: zhuohui   review date: June-09-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 80-200 F2.8 HS APO G
KM 24-70 f3.5-4.5
Sigma 24-135 f2.8-4.5
KM 50 f1.4

price paid:

369 USD (Demo)

positive:

Sharp
Fast focus
Distortion is acceptable

negative:

Color not as rich as G lens.
Some time it can't focus when switching from full to limited.

comment:

Own this lens for about two weeks with hundred shots. This is a pretty sharp lens, no question about it. The best result come with F4 to F8. This is not only good for macro, is also good for portrait. The color is not as good as the G lens, but better than the rest, what could you say comparing price at $1500 vs $400. Some time it can't focus when switching from full to limited, turning on and off will solve it, I think is a design issue. Some times I have issue with brightness, it is one to two step over expose under bright light, which I can adjusted with software. It may be my camera setting, but I will do more test on it.
Updates, after more usage, I corrected the brightness issue by adjusting the camera setting and work fine for me. I am bump up the color rating from 4 to 5. I am strongly recommending this lens for all.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Kitschi   review date: April-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 28-135

price paid:

379 EUR

positive:

very sharp
lightweight
focus-limiter
focus-ring

negative:

no focus hold button

comment:

i was suprised about the sharpness of this lense and it's very good to as a portrait-lense

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: manukaing   review date: April-11-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

tamton 90 / 2,8

positive:

very sharp

negative:

nothing..

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: A.N.   review date: March-06-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta - MF 135 F2.8 T4.5 STF

price paid:

500 Euro (new)

positive:

Sharpness
Bokeh

negative:

The “plastic feel” of it

comment:

The sharpness is amazing, in par with the STF. Amazing for macro as well for portraits.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Yenen   review date: January-31-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

4500SEK

positive:

Easy to control manual focus still with both hands supporting/holding the camera

negative:

Loud autofocus, sometimes a bit slow too

comment:

Best macro I ever had. Have taken more than 20 000 pics last 7 months only with this lens, beautiful depth and colours.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: mambo   review date: January-17-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

min 50mm f/2.8 macro, beercan, min 200mm apo G hs, min 70-200mm f2.8 apo hs

price paid:

290USD

positive:

great light little, lens.

negative:

looks fragile

comment:

Fantastic little lens. A good $300 less than the sony/min equivalent

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: PaulaDawn   review date: January-02-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

None

price paid:

L282.49 (new)

positive:

Very sharp
Good contrast
No distortion
Bokah

negative:

Recessed front element

comment:

Fed up of seeing comments that Tamron lenses feel and look plasticky...if they're made of plastic what else are they going to feel and look like, doh! Very few, if any, lenses in this price range are manufactured in any other material and personally I'm more interested in the quality of the photographs they produce than the look and feel.

For the money this lens beats the opposition hands down

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Blobsmith   review date: January-01-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

pentacon 135mm
Kon minolta 17 - 35 D
zeiss panolar35/50mm
Takumar 55mm
Sony SAM 50 f1.8

price paid:

L330.00 (New)

positive:

Lots

negative:

nothing important

comment:

I purchased this on the strength of the reviews it has recieved - I have not been dissapointed.
Some call into question the build quality - all I can say is as far as I am concerned it is fine - at this pricepoint.
This lens is beautifully sharp, great colour/contrast, easy to use and live with. AF fine on my A700 - a little long winded but it is a macro! there is a lot of travel to wind in/out!!
I prefer to think of it as a 90mm prime with macro capabilities - a VERY useful lens, great for portraits - I use mine for street shots - always in my bag or on the camera.
Lightweight, well priced, user friendly and very good at what it does, if you are considering such a lens, this will serve you well - recommended.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 2 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: alesshans   review date: December-21-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 105mm f2.8
Pentax Takumar 50mm f4 Macro
Pentax Takumar 100mm f4 Macro
Vivitar 100mm f2.8 Macro

price paid:

413 USD (new)

positive:

Sharpness
Light Weight
Color
Affordable Price
1:1

negative:

Build Quality
Slow AF
Working Distance

comment:

Definately the best macro lens with the price u paid for...

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Marvol   review date: November-30-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 24-135
Tamron 70-300
CA 16-80 (@80)

price paid:

340 GBP (new)

positive:

Sharp
Sharp
Did I say sharp?
No distortion
Bokeh

negative:

Ugly :p

comment:

Can't add much to previous reviews!

The lens is amazingly sharp, as it should be, colours are very good, there is of course no distortion, and with that deep recessed front element AND a lens hood there is no flare. Good bokeh is a nice bonus.

I think that compared to its "main rivals" - the Sigma 105 and the Sony 100 - its price advantage is big enough that any slight difference in IQ is negligable. Having said that I have not used either of these lenses; just that the pics I get with the Tamron are so good, it's hard to imagine anything being that much better.

Mechanically, the sliding focus ring, allowing manual and autofocus at the same time works really well.

As to slight downsides, its plasticky built - but it still feels strong enough to last a long time.
It won't win a beauty competition either, but that's not what matters is it :)?

Finally, its 90mm focal length means it also functions really well as a medium tele lens, especially for portraits; and the aperture of 2.8 makes it fairly useful in low light too. Although I haven't tried it, it should be a good lens for star photography too.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Knipsaholic   review date: November-04-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

422 € (new)

positive:

Very sharp
Weight
Handling

negative:

Price
Build (Plastic feeling)

comment:

It´s a really sharp lens , I take it not only for "macro" but rather als Tele for Architecture and Street, works very well !!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: gillbod   review date: November-02-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 30mm 1.4
km85/1.4
km 135/2.8

price paid:

gift

positive:

fantastic value.
sharp.
reaonable bokeh

negative:

recessed front element.
quite long.

comment:

if your camera has locked focus, then it tracks reasonablly, since there's not too much glass for the af screw to move around. if it's hunting, then you'll probably miss an action shot.

it's quite a long lens, and it extends a lot, but such is expected of a macro focussing at short distances. if there was a way to make it much smaller, i'd use it much more often.

bokeh is of good, but not exceptional quality. it seems a bit schizophrenic on the bokeh front, but smooth on the whole. i'd definitely recommend it for those on a budget, but my km 85/1.4 is preferred over it.

excellent bang for buck. if you want to choose a different macro lens, it just won't be worth the extra money, unless you are getting something very special like the voigtlander apo-lanthars.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: alesshans   review date: August-27-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Pentax Takumar 100mm f4
Pentax Takumar 50mm f4
Minolta 100mm f2.8

price paid:

400 (New)

positive:

Sharpness
Lens Quality
Color
Light Weight

negative:

Build Quality
No Internal Focus
Loose Manual/Auto Focus Slide

comment:

One of the best macro lens in current market, 90mm might be too short for me sometime, with the price you paying, this lens is simply perfect, the IQ even better than the own brand of cameras.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: gipipa   review date: August-07-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 180 macro
sigma 105 macro

positive:

negative:

comment:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: drumsavant   review date: August-05-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$400 USD

positive:

-sharpness even at 2.8
-color and contrast
-doubles as a decent portrait lens
-BOKEH

negative:

-flimsy hood
-wish the focus ring was dampened
-recessed front element hard to clean
-CA wide open

comment:

I love this lens - macro photography opens up a whole new world of possibilities. This lens has beautiful bokeh with brilliant color and contrast.

The manual focus ring is fine but it would be even better with a bit of dampening. The only negatives for me are the flimsy hood and the deep recessed front element that is hard to get at too clean.

I got this lens used thanks to forum member "Entropy", who's review is also below.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: ponisch   review date: August-05-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 70-300/4-5.6 APO

price paid:

699 USD

positive:

Sharp is the word for this lens!

negative:

Gets pretty long, but doesn´t bug me so much!

comment:

The sharpness is great, even at f/2.8!
I think the lens sweet spot is at around f/5.6-8.
Fast and accurate AF on my A700, even in low light situations!

EDIT; After about a year of owning this lens, I can not be happier!
Performs excellent on my A700!

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: RDoe   review date: July-01-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Sony 50mmF1.4
- Minolta 85mmF1.4

price paid:

350E (new)

positive:

- Nice feel of the lens
- Good MF ring
- Good colors, neutral
- Sharp, sharp!
- Front element deep in lens (no hood needed)
- Focus Limiter, fast AF (with limiter)
- Light weight
- Decent size

negative:

- CA can be a problem wide open
- Build is ok, could be better (old minolta)
- Slow focus without limiter
- Inconsistent focus beyond 3m
- Extends when focussing

comment:

Sharpness
Well it is a macro lens and it is sharp! Even at F2.8 it is sharp, good for portraits. But there lays the problem, the AF beyond 2-3m till infinity is inconsistent and anoying sometimes. Couple that with a portrait with small DoF MF is a bit of a hassle.

Color
Color is good, neutral to warm. I like the color, more than the new sony lenses that are a bit more neutral to cold. But we all post process right? So no real problem.

Build
Build is ok, could be better. Compare this lens to old minolta lenses and it seems flimsy, but all in all it is light weight and sturdy. I don't know if this lens will survive 20 years as the beercan did for many people

Distortion
Well ... fixed lens so no distortion!

Flare
Haven't really tested it. In some occasions it can be better, but for now it is more than capable.

All in all a good lens, especially for the price around 350E as now a sony is around 650E (rip off). The only drawback is the AF (many macro lenses problems) it could do better at medium to infinity distance. Second the CA is sometimes a dealbreaker, but with true macro you would go to F8 or higher and then CA is no problem.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: jfan   review date: April-08-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 16-80mm
Sony 50mm/F1.4

price paid:

375 USD

positive:

Sharp
Build quality

negative:

AF speed - but I rarely use

comment:

This is the sharpest lens in my possession. For the price, you can't beat the value. AF is slower. But this is a macro lens, I almost always use manual focus for macro anyway. Build quality is excellent. Fits tight on my A700 body. I have a series of pictures with this lens on my web site as examples: http://photocreation.zenfolio.com/p811955205

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tnagy   review date: January-19-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 24-105

price paid:

435 € (new)

positive:

Sharp
color
lightweight

negative:

Plastic feel
Slow AF - this is a macro

comment:

It is the sharpest lens I own, very good color, very slight CA, sharpness stays from corner to center mostly the same, only slight differencies. Lightweight lens, cheap plastic feel. Mostly use stopped down to F5,6 but very sharp in F2,8-F16. Sharper like Min 24-105.
For the price it's a very good solution in macro.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Petronix   review date: December-14-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

none

price paid:

380 € new

positive:

Super sharp
nice color
nice bokeh

negative:

plastic outside look

comment:

fine easy in the pocketlens, not heavy en very sharp!.
No protectionfilter needed, first glass very deep inside the body!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pirate   review date: November-01-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

SAL 18-70mm
Vivitar 100mm f/3.5 Macro
Sigma 24-70mm EX DG Macro

price paid:

£210.99 (new)

positive:

Sharpness (IQ)
Weight
Build
Focus Limiter
Hood & Lens Pouch

negative:

Slowish AF (to be expected with a macro lens)

comment:

This lens is so sharp you could cut yourself on the images, and thus should carry a health warning! If only all lenses could produce such clarity and colour. A real benchmark lens. Not the fastest AF (it's a macro after all), but the plastic body is sturdy and build quality feels and looks good. The decent size lens hood ought to eliminate any flare. I would've marked build as 4.5 if the option was available, but 4 is (IMHO) about right.

This lens replaced both my Vivitar 100mm f/3.5 Macro and Minolta 50mm AF f/1.7, so it performs as a portrait/macro and general use lens, though I would love it in a 10-50mm form (if that was possible).

I couldn't be happier. Superb lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: wallyb   review date: October-01-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/3.5
Minolta 50/2.8

price paid:

400 USD New

positive:

Almost everything that could be positive about a lens:

-Light weight with solid build
-Sliding focus ring/collar lets you hold the lens stead while AFing from the body
-"Perfect" image quality, or very near
-Standard Tamron colors which are as good/better but still different than Minolta colors (a little more warm and not as much harsh contrast)
-Very fast AF (for a macro lens)
-Focus limiter
-f/2.8
-Di coatings and still full-frame

negative:

-Slow AF in general but, I mean, so is every macro on earth

comment:

It's perfect. Perfect build, perfect colors, perfect sharpness, perfect feel, perfect price, just perfect!

Sharpness is actually about 4.8 at any aperture other than f/5.6, but is a very earned 5.0 at f/5.6. AF speed is slightly faster than the Minolta 50s. Weight and build are great, just the way any lens made from high quality plastic should be made. No FF/BF issues.

Get one!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: tobyjay   review date: September-30-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm f/1.4
Minolta 85mm f/1.4 G D
Pentax Takumar 50mm f/4 macro

price paid:

L200

positive:

Extremely sharp
Excellent colour and contrast
Very light and portable
Good bokeh

negative:

Build not satisfying
Autofocus can be irritating

comment:

Beautifully sharp and reveals every detail.
Colours are very lifelike
Circular specular highlights and smooth bokeh
Images can take all kinds of tweaking without degradation

Filter thread unreliable
Rear lens cap a bit cheap
Push/pull MF/AF complicates things
Limiter speeds up AF - a little
Revealed backfocus problem in my A100 using centre spot.

This is a very efficient and likeable macro with lifelike colours and contrast even wide open.
Too sharp for portraits unless you want to see every pore
Light build a real bonus

Highly recommended for professional quality macro pictures.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: karaatanasov   review date: September-15-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Minolta 50 f1.7
- Tamron 17-50 f2.8
- Minolta 35-105 f3.5-4.5
- Minolta 70-210 f.4
- Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 APO DG

price paid:

241 Euro new (+40 Euro shipping)

positive:

- Very very sharp on f2.8
- Excellent handling
- Focus limit

negative:

- Slow focusing
- Hunts as DOF is shallow and camera gets lost now and then (combined with slow focus...)

comment:

This is an incredible lens - It produces enormous amount of detail and very sharp too. At 2.8 pictures are superbly sharp. f2.8 is decently fast for most situations and with combined with SSS 800 iso is enough in most situations. It does very good portraits and also Macro. Having in mind Sony's current line up lacking cheap 85 mm lens - Tamron has nailed it for me.

One interesting fact is that SSS seems particularly effective with this lens 1/10th of a second means you can get decent photo.

The lens comes with decent hood and pouch. I doubt the hood will be needed as the front element is deeply recessed 3-4 cm (more than an inch).

It has 55mm thread thus you can exchange filters with other lenses in Sony/Minolta line up - kit, 35-105, beercan.

Again sharpness wise none of my other lens come even close to the Tamron. Color also feels natural - maybe more Tamron than Minolta but ok.

Build is ok - metal mount. The lens has one interesting feature the focusing ring when pushed forward loosens and does not rotate while camera is focusing - quite handy as you can hold the front of the lens while focusing. The lens has focus distance and DOF indication (as seen on product photos).

The handling of the manual focus is great the lens has plenty of space and the friction of the focus ring is just right. DOF at f2.8 on 90 mm macro is also very helping in manual focus.

I own the 272E model made in Japan.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Love   review date: September-05-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sal 50 1,4

price paid:

600 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp!
Fast!
Color!

negative:

-changing lens size a lot while zooming!
-A bit plastic.

comment:

For that price, it's the best macro you can get!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: popo   review date: August-23-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron AF 28-300 F3.5-6.3 LD AD IF
Sony 50mm f/1.4
Carl Zeiss DT 16-80 F3.5-4.5

price paid:

280 GBP (new)

positive:

Sharp!

negative:

Lens front extends a lot when focusing close
Slow auto focus

comment:

Very sharp images when you get the focus right, made relatively easy by the fine control of the focus ring. Trading off this, AF is slow but there is a focus limiter.

The front of the lens extends a lot as you focus closer. Given the deeply recessed front glass element, this seems unnecessary.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Ekan   review date: August-12-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

AF:
Beercan
M42:
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135/3.5
Pentacon 135/2.8 MC
Yashica Yashinon-DX 135/2.8
SMC Takumar 50/1.4 + extension tubes

price paid:

3900 SEK (new)

positive:

Sharp wide open.
Neutral colours with great tone.
Nice gradation in contrast.

negative:

Extends quite a bit when moving in to 1:1.

comment:

It is well built - the mount, focus-limit switch, MF-ring and I suspect, important parts inside is made out of metall. The rest is high quality plastic. I don't like the feel and sound of the AF-MF clutch, but it has performed flawlesly so far (one year+ and countless operations). Manual focus works fine, though it is not as smooth as my old M42s. The inner barrel has a long way to travel between macro 1:1 and infinity, the focus limiter cuts of at 0.4 meter (1:3) and is most appreciated. AF hunts between 1:1 and 1:3, I always use MF here. AF is resonably fast between 1:3 and infinity, and very precise.

I have absolutely no complaints when it comes to optical performance! It is sharp wide open (across the frame on APS-C), peaks at f5 and diffraction creeps in at f16. Contrast is improved when stepping down to f3.2 and is exellent onward. Colours are neutral wiht great tone. The bokeh is really good, some bright lines are visible, overall pleasing though. Flare is not an issue - you don't need the hood! Purple fringing and green bokeh CAs is visible in high contrast areas, but you have to provoke it.

Comparisons:
[As general purpose]
It is sharper, has better contrast and AF is faster/less noisy than the Beercan, bokeh and colour is a matter of taste. The CZJ Sonnar is a fantastic lens (well, my copy at least) and shares many of the characteristics of the Tamron. The bokeh of the Sonnar is better and allmost perfect. The Pentacon is not as sharp and has warmer colours. The Yashinon is not as sharp and has cold, slightly dull colours plus less than perfect flare control.
[Macro]
The SMC Tak is also an impressive lens, and performs well with extension tubes - but you are limited to one magnification at a time.
The versatility of macro 1:1<->infinity in a heartbeat is indeed very nice!

Conclusion:
This lens continues to amaze me!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: nokiamia   review date: July-30-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

* minolta 50mm f/1.7
* tamron 17-50 f/2.8

price paid:

400 USD (NEW)

positive:

+ super sharp, even at f/2.8
+ reasonably priced!

negative:

- none

comment:

i've had this lens for 4mths now. tho i'm not such a macro man, i find that i really like this lens. i mainly use it for portraitures. it captures super sharp images even at f/2.8. it's got nice creamy bokeh and all for a very reasonable price.

the build quality is nice and it's quite light, which is good. but it's a little slow on focusing when compared to a non-macro lens; which is not such a good comparison to begin with. but, so that you know.

in short, this is a fine lens. it's cheap and super sharp. what more can a man ask for :-)

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: sporky   review date: May-26-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50/1.7

price paid:

380 USD (new)

positive:

Sharp
Light weight

negative:

comment:

Great macro lens. Since beginning to use it, I've never regretted this purchase. This is a high quality lens that delivers good results. The colors rendered by this lens are a bit more neutral than my Minolta glass, but I'm still pleased with the photos I get.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RicardoCalha   review date: May-15-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

I do not have another dedicated macro lens so it’s not fair to compare it with my other lenses!

price paid:

400 euro(new)

positive:

Extreemly sharp
Easy to handle
Versatile lens
Lightweight

negative:

None

comment:

I strongly recommend this lens it’s a wonderful performer for macro and portraits the image quality is outstanding!!!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Eugene   review date: April-12-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

210 GBP (new)

positive:

Sharp
Bokeh

negative:

Slow AF

comment:

Very sharp lens with nice bokeh. I use it as portrait lens as well and it gives good results.

Good value for money.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Rush2112   review date: February-10-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 50mm Macro

price paid:

Rented

positive:

Sharp
No barrel or pincushion distortion.
very good color and contrast

negative:

Lens is long, cannot use onboard flash for very close up work.

comment:

A-Mount Macro aficionado's will probably want to consider this lens for addition to thier kit. I find this lens falls smack dab in between the Sony 50mm 2.8, and Sony 100mm 2.8 in terms of performance and cost, all 3 being superior lenses in optical quality. In use, I found the focal length just a bit more sensitive to high frequency vibration that a smaller focal length macro lens. For me, I like ultra sharp macro shots. I prefer not to have to use a tripod if I don't have too, but I will if need be and in some instances I prefer it. I'll note that you will have to pay more attention using this focal length when it comes to the sharpness department than say, a 50mm Macro. This is a natural progression to longer focal lengths so just be forewarned.

For walkaround, this lens should mostly please even the pickiest of macro shooters. I found it to be a pleasant lens to use, and the more I used it the more it grew on me (isn't that true of well engineered designs?). I like the image quality quite a bit and the bokeh is really nice. I found that I liked the bokeh of the 50mm 2.8 a bit better though overall. The minimum focus distance is nice too, and I find it a nice medium between the 100mm 2.8 and 50mm 2.8. If you want to get close to subjects you can, and if they are easily frightened you can still keep your distance enough to get good close ups without frightening them off thus, making your shot. One of the better benefits of a longer focal length worth noting over the shorter focals.

The Tamron 90mm macro has certainly earned its reputation and our hands on results confirm this. Considering you can get this lens for about $450.00 dollars now, it seems a real bargain when compared to the more expensive Sony 100mm 2.8, but it will cost a bit more than the Sony 50mm 2.8 on the street. Overall, you gain more relief area from your subject with its 90mm focal length at a cost of a bit more movement of your subject on the sensor without really sacrificing image quality at a lower comparable cost over the 100mm 2.8.

-Carl
www.alphamountworld.com

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Dipsausje   review date: January-12-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony AF DT 18-70 F3.5-5.6
Sigma 70-300 F4-5.6 DG APO Macro
Sony 135 STF
Sony 70-200G 2.8

price paid:

€349 (new)

positive:

Very, very sharp
Nice bokeh and colors
Nice build quality, feels very solid
Manual Focus ring works very nice
Price
AF is actually quite fast when limiter is used
Nice limiter switch

negative:

AF/MF switch mechanism
Af-speed unusable on A100 (not so on A850)

comment:

I like all three lenses I own, but this is the only one I don't think about with what I want to replace it with. Two things amazed me about this lens, the sharpness and the AF speed. Compared to my other two lenses it is much sharper and when you set the AF to limit it actually focuses a lot faster than both, and it hunts less. For macro I often prefer MF, and the MF ring is large and feels very nice. MF works very well in my opinion.

The push/pull mechanism for AF/MF switch is nice if you don't want the focus ring to rotate when using AF. But if you don't like it you don't have to use it, AF also works when the ring is in MF position. I like the limit switch, you can operate it easily with your thumb when holding the lens. Much better than the switch on my Sigma 70-300. Overall the lens feels far more solid than the other two I own.

Image quality is very good, very sharp and nice colors and bokeh. I haven't noticed any flares or distortions.

There's only one negative I noticed, you can't use the on board flash on the A100 for 1:1 Macro shots with this lens. It extends too far so that the lens casts shadows onto the subject.


Update: with the Minolta 7 and A850 the AF is actually usable, which wasn't the case with the A100. I have lowered the mark on build and colour though. Colour certainly isn't up there with Minolta/Sony/Zeiss lenses. Also the AF/MF switch mechanism isn't nice, if you go from AF to MF you'll move the focus because of the force it takes, and you have to put the ring in AF mode when using AF otherwise it will make an awful noise and break (according to Tamron).

I often find myself using 70-200G or 135STF instead of the Tamron, only for 1:1 macro I grab this one.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: Yemble   review date: January-06-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Minolta 50mm f1.7
Minolta 28-105mm f3.5-f4.5
Beercan 70-210mm f4
Minolta 100-400mm APO f4.5-f6.7

price paid:

L200

positive:

Razor sharp (when in focus)

negative:

Build
Can be tricky to retain focus hand-held
Super slow AF

comment:

For the money, it was a toss up between a new Tamrom 90mm or a used Minolta 100mm, I plumped for the new lens. Macro is an adventure, rather than a priority, for me, so I was not really sure what to expect. The lens is undoubtably sharp, but at the same time almost impossible to use hand-held when close up, without a flash and/or a tripod. Focus is on a knife edge and I cannot stop breathing for long enough!

I am not convinced about its suitability for portraits, as DOF is still tight at full facial range, but I am still experimenting with this. Regardless of the f2.8 rating, the relatively small and deeply recessed 55mm front aperture requires lots of light for the lens to work at its best, in testing, I have noted a very small amount of CA at f2.8.

There is something about the build of this lens that I do not like. I am not at all sure why, but it just feels "cheap" (the AF/MF focusing ring perhaps?). This is strange, because I get exactly the opposite feel from my Tamron 17-50mm, whose build I rate highly.

AF is really slow, explaining the requirement for a focus limiter switch. Even with that, my 100-400mm APO is still quicker in this regard!

I think that this lens is definitely best described as being a specialist lens for a specific purpose, ie. macro, where I am certain that it excels. However, it is probably best left for others to pass judgement in this area.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: C_N_RED_AGAIN   review date: October-17-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100 2.8

positive:

Very sharp

negative:

None

comment:

Let me first say that i am not a macro guy. I use this and the minolta 100 2.8 for portrait shots. I shoot about 12 weddings a year and do various other portratier work. The minolta 100 2.8 was my original portrait lens but i decided to buy another with a tad shorter focal length because of the crop factor. And with the 100 being considerably older I wanted to extend the life of the lens a little longer. Between the two I can see no discernable difference in sharpness, bokeh, flare or distortion. The minolta lens has a slight advantage in color saturation but it is pretty slight. I use both lenses equally. For the price of this lens new I would buy this over a used Minolta 100 if for no other reason is peace of mind. you never no what kind of treatment a lens has recieved from its previous owner.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: polyglot   review date: October-07-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 28-75/2.8(D)
S 100-300/4
Minolta 85/1.4

price paid:

USD350 new

positive:

- omfg sharp
- light

negative:

- deeply recessed front element would be hard to clean
- lots of focus hunting
- annoying AF/MF clutch

comment:

This is a nice light lens (compared to my zooms) with excellent sharpness across the frame and reasonable bokeh. It's more than sharp enough to out-resolve the A100's sensor at any aperture until you reach the diffraction limit.

The shallow DOF in macro can make nearly any lens look good in the bokeh department but inspection of highlights from this lens shows darkening of the COC only slightly and in tiny patches near the edge near where the aperture blades intersect. 85/1.4 bokeh is certainly better but then this costs about 1/4 as much for a lens that will still give fantastic portraits.

The front element is WAAAY down inside so well protected, but I fear ever having to clean spatter from it, so I've now got a UV filter on mine. Flare doesn't seem a problem due to the deeply recessed front element.

Distortion is unnoticeable and I've seen no axial or lateral chromatic aberrations at all.

Update: tested on A700. Still very sharp and now it can track focus much much better than on the A100, to the point where AF can be usable for 1:1.5 macro!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Christel   review date: July-18-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

The minolta 100 2.8

positive:

Very sharp
Nice bokeh
Nice colours

negative:

AF slow and hunts quiet a bit

comment:

Price quality not possible to beat. Build is better than what you would expect. The minolta macro only performs sligthly better.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: twb119   review date: July-18-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

50mm 1.7
24-70 Sig
Kit
Beercan

price paid:

524usd(out the door)

positive:

Scary sharp, nice bokeh

negative:

AF hunts up close

comment:

AF hunts a little, up close better to just MF
If you like macros very nice lens
Would like to compare it to a Minolta/sony 100mm macro to see the difference.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Pavel   review date: June-03-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sal-1870
sal-75300
sal-500 reflex
sigma-15 F2.8 EX DG
sigma-20 F1.8 ex dg df rf

price paid:

400 EUR (new)

positive:

Almost everything

negative:

some CA
slow AF

comment:

Excellent lens.I can only recommend this very sharp piece of glass.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: MCNGUYEN   review date: May-28-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 35-105 3.5, 28-85 3.5, 70-210 3.5
Sony 18-70 3.5

price paid:

400 USD new

positive:

Very sharp
Beautifull Colors
Beautifull bokeh

negative:

Price
Focus a bit slow particularly in low light

comment:

I bought it from a HK dealer wiht a good price. It works perfectly for people and macro photo. It realizes very good macro photo with beautifull bokeh and colors. Very sharp, perhaps too sharp for portraiture particularly with women...

Very good lens. Must to have. Cost less than the Minolta or the new Sony.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Dopol   review date: May-26-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 50mm 1.7 with extension tubes

price paid:

370 euro (new)

positive:

sharp
easy to use, even with manual focus (AF focus easuly hunts)
great for taking portraits

negative:

none

comment:

love this lense.
used it on a wasp building it's nest (with extension tubes) distance couple of cm's. sharp
did extensive tests on magnification (with extension tubes). great results.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: TomekG   review date: May-24-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

1200zl (400 USD)

positive:

+ Scary sharp (even f2.8)
+ Good color
+ Good BOKEH
+ Plastic but good bulid quality
+ Focus limiter
+ Looks good
+ Acurate weight
+ 1:1 sharp

negative:

- some CA and contrast smaller under the sun at f2.8-3.2 but not much and not nagging

comment:

GREAT !!!
Lens worth every cent I paid.
Good bokeh.
AF speed is not fast, but surprisingly fast for a macro.
Here some my samples:

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: stickbreitling   review date: May-01-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Cosina 100mm

price paid:

650 AUD (new)

positive:

- very sharp lens
- good handling
- bokeh

negative:

- design (personal tastes)

comment:

A real pleasure to use this lens. The big focus ring makes it easy to get sharp pictures. The extra blade compared to the Sigma means that bokeh is more pleasant. Pictures are sharp with vibrant colours.

I prefer the more minimalist design of the Sigma 105mm however. Visual appearance aside, the ergonomics of the Tamron is very good.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Entropy   review date: March-26-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70 f/3.5-5.6
Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Minolta 100m f/2.8 D Macro (briefly)

price paid:

449 USD (incl tx)

positive:

Sharp
Sharp Wide Open
Smooth Bokeh
1:1 Macro

negative:

Slowish AF with limiter off
Slightly plastic build

comment:

Overwhelmingly impressed. Obviously individual use will vary, but it's just as easy to view this as a phenomenal portrait lens with macro capabilities as vice versa. MF-AF slider is not as nice as a full time clutch, but a smart workaround and intuitive to use. Manual focus is beautifully smooth. Using the limiter is highly recommended. I can see this lens spending a lot of time on my camera.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Thatkatmat   review date: March-24-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Beercan
50mm 1.7
Big Beercan
Tam 18-200

price paid:

340

positive:

Very sharp, Great natural color, Don't really need the hood. inexpensive

negative:

AF hunting

comment:

Great lens, Is much cheaper than Minolta or Sony. Gotta say, I love the Tamron. Love the Macro 1:1. Love the bokeh, I think even creamier than my 50mm 1.7. Hunts a bit in low light, seems Macros are known for that, the focus limiter helps. So far, the portraits I've taken have been nothing short of BEAUTIFUL, definately my best portrait lens. Set up a mini studio on my kithen table and shot some flowers, ....the bokeh created my flowers into a piece of art. Got many oooo's and ahhh's from the family...very nice:) MF is smooth and I kinda like how you click front to back on the focus ring to switch between AF and MF. Worth every penny at $340 US.....Thanks Kathy...Love it:)

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 1 

flare control: 4 

user: coffeebean   review date: March-23-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100/2, 35/2, 28-75D, 'Beercan' F4

price paid:

650.00 AU (new)

positive:

Sharp, sharp and sharp
great colours, very contrsaty
wonderful multipurpose lens
beautiful portrait lens

negative:

Slow AF sometimes.

comment:

I am so impressed with ths lens. I use it for all of my portrait work, especially outside. The creamy bokeh is just great. I would like a Sony 85 1.4 but this provides me ith the quality and colouring that I need. I am amzed at the lovely contrasty images that this lens creates. I also use the Minolta 100/2 and the 35/2, both wonderful lenses. Hightly recommended.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Litejk   review date: February-12-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 28-75
"Beercan"
Canon 70-200F4L
Nikon 18-70F3.5-4.5

price paid:

3700Norvegian kr

positive:

Extreemly sharp
Good enough build quality
Weight, and feeling
Focus ring, and limiter
Price!
Lens Hood

negative:

Some CA at F2.8 with flash, easy to fix
Not metal, but the weight is splended

comment:

This lens is the best I own, it's genious. The range is fantastic, (135 on 1.5crop) And I find the AF also good enough!

Thing you need to learn about this lens: Learn yourself to deal with slow autofokus, and make tricks to get it hit more easy. I can focus as fast with this lens as a guy can fokus with a good fokus lens, because I have learned good methods with my 5D.

Buy this lens, it's the second best macro in the world, after Minolta 100mm F2.8

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: calpon   review date: February-08-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

450 USD new

positive:

Sharp, sharp and sharp
Nice bokeh
good color
focus limiter switch
Did I say SHARP
Nice MF feel

negative:

Not enough ways to say sharp
Slow AF, but limiter helps
Tricky switching from AF to MF
No tripod collar

comment:

I don't know how a lens could be sharper than this one. I find the color appealing and the bokeh very good. I've read that the KM 100 2.8 has better bokeh, but it can't be leaps and bounds better than the Tamron.

I think I will find myself shooting a lot of macro soon.

sharpness: 5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: steem21   review date: November-05-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 100 2.8 Soft Focus
Minolta 28-80 & 70-300

positive:

Very sharp lens
Focus Limiter

negative:

Nothing much

comment:

I have the non Di version and I'm very pleased with it. The macro results are fantastic - sharp, nice punchy colours and good working distance with the 1.5X crop. Prior to the 100 Softy, I used this as a fast portrait/telephoto lens and it held up well - sharp at 2.8 and nice for candids from afar. The focus limiting switch was a great help in speeding AF up. Overall a very nice lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: audible   review date: September-25-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

affordable alternative to the legendary minolta 100mm
sharp
recessed front element
bonus range on cropped sensor great for insect closeups
can also double up as a portrait lens

negative:

annoying af-mf switch

comment:

this one's a must for insect enthusiasts (unless one is lucky enough to be the owner of the minolta macro).

the focal length, especially on a digital crop, is perfect. long enough to give you a decent working distance so you can get closeups without spooking the bugs. another important thing is that the lens is still light and hand-holdable, something much harder with the 180mm type macros.

i never use a hood or a filter with this lens, since the front element is very deep inside, and protected from knocks and flare.

the AF limiter is nice. it allows you to restrict the focus range of the autofocus so that you can use it as a somewhat slow focusing tele lens. what i dislike is how when you want to switch from AF to MF and vice versa, you have to throw two switches, one on the camera body and one on the lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: juggernox   review date: September-24-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 105mm Macro

positive:

-Optical Quality
-No vignetting or softness wide open

negative:

-lens extends a fair bit during focusing
-Plastic feeling body
-Flimsy focus limit switch

comment:

I tested this lens together with the Sigma 105mm macro. Then I went home to view the photos on my computer before deciding. The two lens were head to head in picture quality. However, after reading many reviews, most of them said the Tamron is better at wide apertures than the Sigma, and both are equally as good stepping down from wide open. Thus I decided on the Tamron, even though I much preferred the Sigma's superior built quality, but my photos are not going to boast build quality but optical quality. Let's just say I never wished I bought the Sigma over the Tamron.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: MarkyM   review date: August-26-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

250 USD (used)

positive:

Very Sharp
Focus Limiter
Great for Macro and Portraits
Value for the Money

negative:

Sharpness falls off a bit when stopped down past f/11

comment:

I just picked this (non-di 72E version) up on ebay in excellent condition for $250. I am extremely pleased with it so far. Build is plasic but quite solid and fairly lightweight. Good weight for the 5D. I don't mind the AF/M switch. It seems pretty sturdy to me. Outstanding portrait lens (poor man's 85 1.4) as it is very sharp at f/2.8. For macro, it would be nice to have the sharpness extend to f/16 and beyond because of the extremely narrow DOF but, that said, it is still useable up there.
Overall verdict: Absolutely Outstanding for the money!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 2 

user: tmoreau   review date: July-03-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX Pro
28/2, 24/2.8

positive:

Incredible image quality, 1:1 macro

negative:

Dosent handle extreme conditions well, poor autofocus

comment:

I have the non-di version, Superb image quality, best of any lens I've used. Clarity, color, sharpness, when the conditions are right this lens just 'pops' like no other.

Flare can be very bad, night street scenes are not even possible with this lens because the whole scene washes out badly. Sometimes a problem indoors with a window in the scene, etc. I've only seen purple fringing once or twice with a backlit scene, but it was very bad. Glad this is a rare occurance.

Autofocus is fast at standard ranges, I use manual focus for macro. In some conditions autofocus is unusable, it hunts and fails to lock on (usually indoors, combination of low-light and close ranges?).

When used for macro I have not seen these issues (except for occasional overexposure), very good performance here. Works great from wide open.

List of lens versions here: http://home.comcast.net/~tmoreau2/dyxum_90mm.htm

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: maskedman   review date: June-16-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

sharp
easy to handle
relatively inexpensive compared to other macros

negative:

not much

comment:

I love this lens! It's sharp, light, gives great bokeh and great colours. It's great for close-ups as well as portraits. The sunken front element is protected at all times and seldomly requires the lens hood. All macros are sharp but for the price, it sure beats out other comparable macros.

The only thing I don't really like is the sliding focus ring. The fat focus ring is great for manual focus and is easy to handle and sliding it away so it doesn't rotate during AF is pretty neat, but I just have a feeling that it'll be the first thing that gives out on the lens. It would have been better to have the focus ring automatically disengage during AF.

That little issue aside, this lens is a great macro - you won't be disappointed with it!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: seagr112   review date: June-15-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 50mm Macro

price paid:

190 USD (new)

positive:

VERY Sharp
Superb bokeh
Versatile lens
Nice working distance w/ crop factor
Simply an awesome lens, another "must have".

negative:

Focus travel (minor complaint)

comment:

I am thrilled to have bought this lens new about 18 months ago at a great price on ebay. I did some research at the time and found it to be a well appreciated lens by both users and bench testers. Mine is the previous version as well, the 72E.

What is not to like about this lens? It is SO sharp, produces 1:1 image reproduction, and has a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. It stays sharp at f/2.8, but talk about shallow depth of field! It has a much nicer working distance over a 50mm, especially with the 1.5x digital factor. In a recent photo of a bee, the veins in the wings were razor sharp and you could count the yellow and black hairs on the thorax. The background and foreground flower petals "cream out" beautifully.

If you'd like to have a look:

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=169099674&size=l

I've used the lens extensively, and every time I photoshop the images, I appreciate this lens' balance of sharpness, contrast and beautiful bokeh.

The 2 major issues that others have mentioned are the build and the focus travel.

Build is certainly not that of a first generation vintage Maxxum lens. But it is still well built and in trading off the metal, the lens is much lighter, although certainly not cheap. I don't consider build to be a negative. A lot of the VINTAGE Maxxum AF50 (2.8) Macros run into problems as they age due to a flaw in their design. Focus action can stiffen as glue works into the extension tube assembly. I've not read or heard of any design issues with this Tamron lens. Focus is smooth and quiet and it is a pleasure to use. Apparently, flare is more pronounced in this version in comparison to the Di version, but it's not been an issue in my experience.

The Tamron SP90 is not the fastest focusing lens on the block, but this is due to the fact that the lens is capable of such an incredibly wide focus range. It is essentially 2 lenses in one. You get a 90mm f/2.8 prime (135mm on a 7D) for portrait and regular shooting to infinity, plus a top notch Macro lens capable of 1:1 images very close up. You simply can't physically do all that without having the focus travel a fair distance and take the time to travel it. As others have noted, the lens has a Limiter Switch to reduce focus travel depending on which application the lens is being used for and this does help. In any case, AF time is certainly not a critical factor or even an annoyance that would sway me away from highly recommending this lens.

Many have mentioned that the Manual/AF Focus Clutch as a negative feature, but frankly, I like it. And the focus ring is wide and has a nice damped feel to it.

If you can get a new or used SP90 at an equal or better price, I'd take it over the Maxxum 50mm Macro simply for the working distance and the AF50 Macro's propensity to stiffen up with age. It would be interesting to compare this lens image quality to the 100mm Macro which runs about double the price.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: jimbo   review date: May-18-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron MF 90mm 1:2, Sigma AF 90mm 1:2

positive:

Lightweight, optical performance, sturdy

negative:

All plastic. Quite large and AF not much use, but both to be expected of a macro.

comment:

(I have the non-Di, model 72E)
In comparison to the original all metal Tamron 90mm (52B) it does feel cheap considering it's price, but I've found it to be as robust as any lens I've owned.
In terms of optical performance this and the Sigma 50mm are my best lenses. I generally use @f8, but I can open up for a shallower DOF without losing too much sharpness.
For film I've found 90mm to be a great allround length, but crop factor of the DSLR now makes it too long to be my only macro, hence the Sigma.
It's a shame they were unable to use the moving focus collar to fully switch AF/MF - Canon style. Maybe this will come in the future.
Bought 2nd hand, the hood was missing but that doesn't matter as the front element is so deeply recessed, I have never encountered flare/ghosting.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: ph0t0man   review date: March-15-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

70-210/4
50/1.7

positive:

Super sharp, Fun focal length, good design

negative:

slightly cheesey build
different than typical minolta lenses?

comment:

My first and only true macro lens. Well, I don't use it a ton for macro, but it certainly does that job well. I bought it so I would stop lusting after the 85/1.4, and it is working so far. This lens is pleanty fast to focus when the limiter is in place, so no worries about it being a typically slow focusing macro lens. Sharp wide open (like most every macro), so no worries about shooting it wide open when you want a smooth and creamy bokeh.
Build quality is a tad lower than I'd like, but I really like the design of the MF ring. Slide it forward and it spins freely (or stays stationary while the AF turns). If you want to MF, either leave it in the rear position and live with it turning while AF, or switch it back and forth. A full time MF ring with automatic clutch would be nicer, but this is one step away.
It is a great fun lens, and I am glad I have it. Might not be worth quite as much as they ask for it new...but that is my humble opinion.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: krug   review date: February-21-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Min 85 1.4 G
Sig 180 3.5 macro

positive:

negative:

comment:

In the rush to buy fast disappearing Minolta stock I missed out on finding a new Min 100 macro - shouldn't have delayed so long !
In two minds about the Tamron despite good reviews here - I need not have worried it is a great lens.
Crisp,suprisingly good bokeh,easy to use and despite negative comments in some reviews about build quality it feels solid in the hand and given sensible care should be fine.
Macro is excellent - optical quality superb.
For non-macro it doesn't compare with the 85G but that is not suprising however it is not all that far behind for general work.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: G4hout   review date: January-10-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

very sharp, very good lens!

negative:

comment:

It's my first macro lens, and I really like it, I uses it foro some prtraits also, very nice results!

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: omerbey   review date: January-10-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 28-75, Sigma 50mm Macro, Carl Zeiss 135mm 3.5

positive:

Bokeh quality, sharpness

negative:

none. It would be great if this was a 10-200 2.8 zoom lens though.

comment:

This is based on the non Di model. The build is not that bad IMO. It may be very plain and plastic but it is robust and stable. Glass is amazing. Wonderful warm colors. The bokeh (blur) you get from this lens is wonderful at any OOF case. The only equal I can find is the zeiss 135mm. Much better and more reliable than 28-75

You want out of focus? Get this. Now.

Everybody mentions this but this is really a sharp lens. Don't cover it (the glass is deep inside the barrel and with the hood it is untouchable except by dust and etc.) and you will not use any USM on the result image.

Macro use is also great but that is not what I use it for.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: DenisG   review date: December-05-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Used many in this range.

positive:

Tack sharp
Handleability
Size and weight

negative:

None

comment:

Some negatives in other reviews are focus speed and build quality. This is a macro lens and while admittedly a little slower than the Minolta lens I also had, I have not personally found this a problem with this lens. It is pretty much the same or better than most other 90-105 I have or have used. The build quality is either subjective or perhaps variable by batch being third party. Mine I think is excellent.

The manual focus push pull switch is, imho, a good design point and the limit switch spot on. Considerable use on the 7D in the field during summer has produced first class results and this lens has become almost a permanent fixture on one of my 7D bodies.

Effectively 135mm, can be used with Olympus B300/Tcon17 telecon, cul's and tubes to great effect. Great portrait lens too.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: dCap   review date: November-10-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sig 50 + 105 macro. Nikkor 55 micro. Minolta 50/2.8 & 3.5 macro

positive:

sharpest macro lens I've ever used

negative:

build, I've been tough in the rating

comment:

Stunning optically

MF/AF push-pull is not good. Tough to get it in/out of a small bag without moving the ring/clutch

limiter is good.

AF is woeful. But all macros are slow.

Build - not that you are going to break it, its just not solid. It is very plastic.

For the optics alone I would take the Tam 90 over any other 90/100/105 macro lens. Shame about the build.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: Iggy1965   review date: October-26-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 105/2.8 macro and KM 100/2.8 macro

price paid:

€ 359

positive:

Sharp, cheap, good build quality

negative:

af-m focusring

comment:

Good lens, a must have

perfomance is great both on APS-C and FF

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: BertG   review date: October-26-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Very sharp. Nice bokeh. Reasonable fast AF.

negative:

Focus limitar isn't working properly with the 7D and AS.
Because of the focal length, you have to be close to the subject. But a good compromise between 50 mm and 180/200 mm

comment:

For macro work it's an excellent lens. But also for portraits and street photography it's realy a good choice. Should be in everybody's bag. I never go out without it. In that respect it's a fast 90/2.8 prime lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: BartonFlyer   review date: October-11-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

Rapidly becoming my favourite lens - pin sharp images, I mainly use it in manual focus for close-ups of fungi

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: simima   review date: October-08-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Sharp like crazy
Well built
Accurate AF, fast enough

negative:

comment:

I have shot images where the objects in the foreground want to jump out of the picture. Incredibly sharp lens, imho superior to the KM 100/2.8.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: former member   review date: February-16-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Extremely sharp, cheap, nice bokeh.

negative:

I don't like the AF/M-switch.

comment:

My favorite lens. Excellent for macro, and equally good for landscape and portrait. It is extremely sharp, and given its relatively low price it is a fantastic piece of glass. A must have.