Tamron SP AF 60mm F2 Di II LD (IF) A-mount lens reviews

reviews found: 28   
reviewer#21445 date: Dec-3-2015
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.3
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro
Sony A 50 F2.8 Macro
Minolta AF 50 F2.8 Macro RS
Minolta MD 50 F3.5 Macro
Minolta AF 50 F3.5 Macro
Sigma 60 F2.8 DN Art
Sigma 65 F2 DG DN
Sigma EX 70 F2.8 DG Macro
Tamron SP 90 F2.5 Macro
Minolta AF 100 F2.8 Macro RS
price paid:183 USD (used)
positive:Modest size and weight
AF accuracy
Quiet internal focusing
Full-time direct manual focus
Mostly covers full-frame
negative:Sloppy focus clutch
Axial CA
Borrows the Lens ID of the DT 1.8/50 SAM
comment:I capriciously bought another copy of this lens. I did regret selling the previous copy. "Made in Japan"

This lens has an impressively large front element for a small macro lens. The front element is nearly flush with the front of the body. The included plastic hood is small for the focal length, but probably generous for the working distance. The hood bayonet is a larger diameter than the similar ones on the Sony 55 mm filter size lenses.

At close focus the 60/2 has a tighter field-of-view than the 18-55 at 55 mm, but is slightly wider than the short end of the 55-200 and considerably wider than the short end of the 55-300. The Minolta 35-105 and 28-105 report the focal length as 60 mm. The 16-105 reports 70 mm.

Image quality is good except some minor lateral CA at the edges of the frame and some softness on the right side. Rendering at non-macro distances is also very nice. It mostly covers full-frame especially at close focus, but it is not very sharp outside APS-C crop. The least vignette is around f/5.6.

The slop in the manual focus mechanism is worse than the similar amount of slop in the 16-105 because the feel is extremely masked. The manual focus ring has little feeling of being attached to anything, almost like it is focus-by-wire setup, which it isn't. The manual focus grip continue to rotate with the same resistance after the mechanism has hit the stops.

This seems to have been the first Tamron A-mount lens with a built-in motor. It came out the same year as the Sony DT 1.8/50 SAM and uses the same Lens ID. This caused a problem a couple of years later when Sony added in-body Lens Compensation. It works more like an SSM lens with full-time manual focus. It is quieter than the SAM lenses even the 18-135. It focuses just as quickly as the SAM lenses. It is a bit prone to hunting. AF actually works quite well at macro distances unlike the 30/2.8.

Mounting the 30/2.8 reversed using a 49 mm to 55 mm coupler on the front of this lens results in a decent 2:1 macro.
reviewer#11842 date: May-22-2014
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.4
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sony DT 35 F1.8
Soligor 100 F3.2
price paid:280 EUR used mint
positive:Sharpness
Versatility - portrait and macro
Bokeh
negative:Slow AF, sometimes hunts through full range
For 1:1 macro - very low distance to subject, insects usually fly away
Some CA, easily fixed in post.
comment:It's a perfect portrait/macro lens for limited budget. Perfect for both tasks, maybe a bit more suited for portrait work as for 1:1 macro a very close distance to subject is needed.
AF is leisurely, sometimes it hunts back and forth through the full zoom range, so it can be annoying. When it locks though, it's perfect.
Macro work is best done with manual focus anyway and for portraiture the AF is usually OK.
The motor in the lens is quiet, much better than the SAM drive in Sony lenses.
Sharp wide open, tack sharp at F4.
Bokeh is delicious.
If it wasn't obvious yet, I love this lens. Since I own it, my Sony 35 F1.8 is much less used - to the point of considering selling it.
reviewer#11735 date: Mar-19-2014
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 17-50 F/2.8
Sony 35 F/1.8
Sigma 70-300 OS
Sigma 17-70
price paid:340€
positive:Sharp
Silent AF
Good working distance at 1:1
Quite small
Doesn't extend when focusing
Direct focus override
Nice bokeh
Good contrast
F/2.0
Works great as a portrait lens
negative:Focus ring is a bit stiff and as some play
Not actually F/2.0 when focusing closely
Some exposure problems when stopping down
comment:This is a fantastic lens!

This is the sharpest lens I've used. And this is the quietest lest I've ever used too - significantly quieter than the Sigma 17-70. Coupled with the smooth AF, it makes a great lens for video.
The lens is made of plastic, but this is ok in my opinion, as it probably help to keep the weight low.

I'm having two problems with that lens though:

* I had to adjust the AF by +10 on my A77 to get sharp results. This would have been a deal breaker with a camera with no AF adjustment

* The shots tend to be overexposed when stopping down. I guess this is related to the lens not actually be F/2.0 when focussing closely, even though the camera think it is, thus messing up the exposure computation.

reviewer#11734 date: Mar-19-2014
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 50mm 2.8 Macro RS
Minolta 50mm 1.4
price paid:$424 after rebate
positive:Short enough to work well with pop-up flash - No extending during focus.
Quiet focus compared to older macro lenses - In lens AF motor.
Working distance at 1:1
Sharp as hell.
f/2
Smooth bokeh.
Excellent hood.
D lens.
negative:Negatives? Fugedabowdit!
Well, a focus limiter switch would have been great.
Does not function on Novoflex Balmin-AF Bellows.
comment:BRILLIANT LENS!!!!!!!!!!!

This lens is an instant stud in my stable of great glass. What a lens. One of my favorites. A very capable macro lens and also a great walkaround f/2 prime. Loving the f/2. Very nice results wide open. Stopped down a fuzz she can split hairs. Took this lens and the Minolta 135mm 2.8 on a trip to the zoo. Worked very well as a short and lightweight one-two punch. A zoom would have saved hassle, but there is no comparison to macro shots in an environment such as a zoo.

When used as a regular prime for candid shots, the AF can be abit annoying at times. If you take a picture of something a few feet away and then want it to focus on something considerably farther away, it is slow to get its bearings. Also it will hunt in low light, just like other macros do. The focus is internal, but like any macro it does travel farther than a standard prime from one end to the other. The bottom line is that AF is less ideal than a standard prime when using it as such. I refuse to hold any of this against it because it is a macro lens. The fact remains that it is a good walkabout prime though. The only time I now carry my 50mm 1.4 is when I know I do not want macro shots, or if I anticipate wanting to auto focus in low light. The Tamron is better when it comes to flash photgraphy because it has all eight contact pins for ADI. Bokeh of the Tamron does not take a back seat to the Minolta 1.4

In comparison I would say the Minolta 50mm 2.8 Macro RS focuses a wee bit faster in some settings, not all. But it is also considerably louder. The Tamron has almost the same colors. If I try hard enough, I find myself prefering The Mino's colors in some comparison shots, not all. It is nearly even and they both deserve a 5. The Tamron has a better working distance at 1:1, which can make for some easier macro shots and opens up more lighting options. However, when used for macro, I do prefer lenses that have magnification markings on the barrel, or near the focusing ring. The Tamron has markings that move inside the little window. You won't know when you're at 1:1 without looking at the window. This is because when turned by hand, the focusing ring never stops turning. With a macro that extends while focusing, like the Minolta, you can quickly extend it all the way out manually. It is therefore a little easier and faster to know you're at 1:1, before you start moving your setup to and from the subject to attain focus.

One other thing I should mention. The Tamron did let me down when i tried using it on my Novoflex Balmin-AF bellows. The camera did not recognize there being a lens mounted. This means I cannot use it with the bellows because there is no way to control aperture. On the other hand, the Minolta works beautifully on the bellows.

No distortion worth mentioning. Flare is very well controlled with the hood, and is not at all bad without the hood. Unless you try your damndest to induce flare, you simply will have none. The plastic build leaves nothing to be desired. She is solid and nice looking.

At the time of this review, this is my only aps-c lens, amongst a great many older FF lenses. I see this lens as my multi-purpose lens becasue it is so versatile. I get a great walkaround prime, a macro, great bokeh & DOF, razor sharpness, ADI flash, quieter AF than screw drive, modern coatings... need I say more? I love my old Minolta, but damn, I would miss this lens if I sold it. Probably on my camera more than any other lens.

Get it when Tamron offers their $100 rebate and it is a deal you should not pass on. Worth full price too. I can't recommend this lens highly enough.
reviewer#11198 date: Jun-18-2013
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.6
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 50 F2.8 Macro
Minolta 50 F1.4
Zeiss Tessar 45 F2.8
price paid:200€ (used)
positive:Sharp
F2
Internal focusing
Bokeh
Object distance at 1:1
negative:Plastic build
Auto focus can hunt
comment:The lens is light, sharp, has a beautiful bokeh and doubles as a good walk around optics.

Compared with the old and cheaper Minolta 50 F2.8 Macro, the Tamron is similarly sharp but shows less contrast and I prefer the slightly more vibrant Minolta colours. Auto focus of both lenses is comparable but the Minolta hunts much less.

If it wasn't for the bokeh and portrait capabilities I would drop the Tamron and keep the Minolta.
reviewer#10795 date: Dec-22-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:$425 USD (new)
positive:very sharp
internal focusing
matches well with 1.4x teleconverter (see below) to become 84mm f2.8 macro
6-year warranty
negative:none
comment:I love this lens for both macro work (especially flowers) and portrait. One thing to add to other reviews is that I’ve found the Kenko MC4 GDX 1.4x teleconverter to be perfectly matched to this lens – meaning I get a 84mm f2.8 macro as well as the 60mm f2.0 macro with great resolution. Thus I don’t have to choose between having a 60mm and a 85mm lens – I have both. And the 84mm macro gives me better than 1:1 magnification. The combo cost me $573 ($424 for lens, $149 for teleconverter), after the $100 rebate for the Tamron.

Below are some links to see photos of a spider using the tamron 60mm with and without the 1.4x teleconverter. The spider was about 20” away – I couldn’t get closer as it was outside my window that has security bars. The first is the 60mm lens alone, the second has the 1.4x attached.
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab44/Williamgdc/Tamron%2060mm%20macro/01T6060mmDSC07811crop1.jpg
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab44/Williamgdc/Tamron%2060mm%20macro/02T6084mmDSC07805crop1.jpg

Next are two crops: 1st the 60mm (600x900 pixels); 2nd the 84mm (900x1350 picels)
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab44/Williamgdc/Tamron%2060mm%20macro/03T6060mmDSC07811crop2600x900.jpg
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab44/Williamgdc/Tamron%2060mm%20macro/04T6084mmDSC07805crop2900x1350.jpg

Next are two even-closer crops: 1st the 60mm (233x350 picels); 2nd the 84mm (333x500 pixels)
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab44/Williamgdc/Tamron%2060mm%20macro/05T6060mmDSC07811crop3233x350.jpg
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab44/Williamgdc/Tamron%2060mm%20macro/06T6084mmDSC07805crop3333x500.jpg

One more advantage with the 1.4x is you can get better than 1:1 macro.

I hope you find this useful.
reviewer#10790 date: Dec-17-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Previous Minolta Lens
price paid:425 (after rebate)
positive:Sharp, Fast, great color. Quiet motor.
negative:The focus ring seems to have a little play in it.
comment:This is a very pleasant lens to use. It's a great focal length for not only macro work but for general photography when you need about a 90 mm lens. But it is really nice in macro use. The internal focusing is great as you don't have to get 'on top' of your subject at 1:1. I'm overall very pleased with it.
reviewer#10784 date: Dec-14-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sigma 105 EX Macro
Sigma 50 AF Macro
Olympus 35/3.5 Macro
price paid:500 USD
positive:Insanely Sharp
Nice Bokeh
Fully usable wide open
Fully internal focusing
Full-time manual focus override
Silent AF
negative:No focus limit switch
comment:Recently I've bought a Tamron 60/2 Macro lens.

I must say I am very impressed with it! It's small and lightweight, the IQ is great - insanely sharp but not harsh, perfectly usable wide open (2.0), great bokeh.

The AF is not that fast, but not slow either. Tamron dos not claim it has USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), but it behave exactly like 70-300 USD, which I also own. Full-time manual override is GREAT for macro shots, very convenient.

The main feature of this lens for me (after f=2.0 of course!) is that it does not change it's size when focusing at 1:1 macro shots. As i know it is the only one macro lens that does not change it's size when close to 1:1. Because of this actual distance from subject to the front element is the same as Sigma 105 has. And as the lens itself alot (!) shorter then fully extended Sigma 105, even 1:1 macros can be illuminated with a built-in flash. I find this to be very useful.
reviewer#10628 date: Oct-28-2012
sharpness: 4
color: 4
build: 3
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:sony 16-50
sigma 70-300
sony 100 macrof2.8
price paid:350 Euro (New)
positive:Colors
Sharp
light
nice f2
negative:not so sharp for macro
comment:Very nice lens, light, fast butc ould be better, very good for portrait and flowers :)...good f2

update:
i went to calibrate my tamy with a77...surprise, service replace my copy with a new one. impossible to calibrate. for 1st one i did +10 microadjustment...2nd i need just +2 so i will request a new calibration :)
reviewer#10521 date: Sep-20-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:$450 USD (new)
positive:Small & Light
Sharp
Works well w/built-in flash
Full-time manual focus
negative:Slow auto-focusing
comment:A great lens. Very sharp. I use it mostly for macro work, but also a great walk-around lens.

It works especially well with my A330's built-in flash for aperture-priority macros in LV mode because I can get great depth of field at small apertures. The lens is so small & short with the hood removed that it doesn't block the flash, even at 1:1 (because of its internal focus).

Auto-focusing is not its strong suit. It tends to hunt, but this is not a big deal to me because I generally use MF for macro work.

I do like that it has a built-in focus motor and full-time manual focus, though.

Build is unimpressive -- I had one short period when the focus ring started grinding a little but fortunately that passed (although it is always a little stiff). If you "baby" it, like I do, I think it will be fine. Besides, in the US at least, you have Tamron's 6-year warranty to fall back on!

A bonus for me is that it works great with Kenko's 1.4x MC4 DGX teleconverter. This gives it extra reach, as well correctly reporting the exif data as an 85mm/F2.8 lens.

The Tamron 60 f/2 Macro is both an affordable and high-performing lens. Highly recommended!
reviewer#10439 date: Aug-8-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:SAL 16-105
SAL 35
SAL 18-55
price paid:400 USD (new)
positive:So sharp
Light and well balanced
negative:Hunts a lot when trying to focus
comment:It produces fantastically sharp shots
It is a macro but still seems to hunt too much on my a55 so I use manual focus which works well
reviewer#10245 date: May-28-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 90 f2.5 (old...)
price paid:450
positive:Light, internal focus no lens extension. Bohek.
negative:For me, working distance too short.
comment:I haven't used this much for macro work; I've gotten used to "tele-macro" using a 70-300G. I'll have to get a longer focal length macro in the future. This lens makes an excel prime lens for non-macro work; sharp and great bokeh. Have used it in place of my minolta 50/1.7. I've used it primarily with the A55; makes for a very light camera/lens combo. This lens plus the 16-80Z, and 70-300G makes for a light travel kit with lots of range.
reviewer#9885 date: Feb-4-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sony 50mm 1.4
price paid:399 USD
positive:Sharp
DMF
Doubles as portrait lens
negative:Slow Auto focus
Auto focus can hunt
comment:This is one of my favourite lenses. It is my first Macro lense. I like that the internal focusing means that the distance from the front of the lens is the same as the Tamron 90mm macro lens at 1:1 ratios. The fast 2.0 aperture also means that it doubles as a portrait lens.
It is clearly sharper then my Sony 50mm f1.4 lens and has rendered this redundent.
My copy had a slight front focus issue, that the micro adjust on the A77 has resolved. The peaking function of the A77 also makes manual focusing incredibly easy.
reviewer#9856 date: Jan-27-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Sigma 70 f2.8 macro.
Minolta 50 f1.7
Sony 35 f1.8
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Tamron 70-300 usd
Minolta 35-105-n
Minolta 35-70 f4
price paid:349 Euro (new)
positive:Sharp!
F2
Fast Autofocus!
Internal focus
Full manual overide for focus
negative:Can hunt sometimes in low light.
Gave a 4 for build qual because of al the plastic.
comment:(Please forgive my English as it is not my native language)

Positve:
I realy like this lens,
It is fast (F2) and produces nice sharp images from f2 and shines from f2.8 and up on mine A580.

The autofocus did suprise me, i tought it would be slower but it is realy fast. Also it has internal focus, fulltime manual focus override and and a internal focus motor (a plus as i like to use contrast af over Phase detect af)

I like the fact that it has a 55mm filter thread, just like many sony/ minolta lensen.

Negative:
Maby it could use a focus limiter swich because it can hunt a bit in low light but i don't mind.

I gave it a 4 for build quality because it feels a bit cheap after holding the Sigma 70.
reviewer#9766 date: Jan-8-2012
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 4
overall: 4.4
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:Gift
positive:Tack sharp
Focus down to 1:1
Lightweight
Full time manual focus
Fast F2.0
negative:All plastic construction
APSC only
comment:Got this lens for Christmas so I could convert some old 2x2 sides to digits. Worked well with light table to convert the slides. Very sharp with accurate colors. Took it out today for the first time for some field shots. Really impressed with the overall sharpness of the lens. Plan on using it as my portrait lens for some event shoots. Was also pleasantly surprised that this lens has a built in focus motor and does not rely on the camera's screw drive. IMO this leads to a faster focusing lens.
reviewer#9587 date: Nov-15-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:30mm SAL Macro
Tamron 17-50
price paid:370 USD (new)
positive:colors
sharpness
weight
negative:none so far
comment:I am much happier with this lens over the 30mm sony. faster auto focus, better bokeh, and good image quality. I also find it much easier to manually focus this lens.

I have used it as a portrait lens also and have gotten some very pleasing results. I thought about getting the 90mm version but since I will be staying with aps-c for the foreseeable future this lens is really great.

I use it as a walkabout lens when I want to get some really nice street shots. The sharpness, accuracy of colors and depth of field gives the images a nice pop.
reviewer#9479 date: Oct-8-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 70-210 F4 (beercan)
Tamron 17-50 F2.8
price paid:€ 369
positive:Razorsharp
Beautifull colors
Lovely bokeh
F2
Good macrolens
Price is low for this quality
negative:Perhaps sometimes too sharp for portraits, but that can be fixed
comment:This really is by far my favorite lens. At first I was sceptical towards the tremendous score here on Dyxum.
From the moment I worked with this lens, it blew me from my feet at several occasions.
This is a realy great lens. I can recommand it to everybody

For pictures see
https://picasaweb.google.com/104365956247770957565/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGZgtXrtY-77AE#

https://picasaweb.google.com/104365956247770957565/7O55GYHE?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyfoOWkj5e8WA#5661091072070886674
reviewer#9292 date: Aug-1-2011
sharpness: 4
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.6
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Zeiss Sonnar DT 16-80/3,5-4,5
Sony G 70-300 SSM/4,5-5,6
Minolta AF/100 F2
Minolta AF/50 F1.7
Minolta AF 28-135 F4-4,5
Minolta AF 35-105 F3,5-4,5
price paid:€ 380 (2010)
positive:Great optics, especially at low light; fast autofocus motor;
internal focus is great benefit, in particular at close range
negative:Sometimes difficulty to find autofocus point (therefore deduction of one point); AF performance is significantly slower than native Sony or good old Minolta lenses (both screw driven and SSM); tends to hunt through entire focusing range even when already near optimal focus.
No (leather) lens bag included
comment:Great sharpness, no visible distortion, fully usable to full aperture; great bokeh; at low light and due to limited depth of field camera has difficulty to find focus point; this lens on A350 has difficulty to track focus on playing children; often focus hunting through entire range; camera setting to delay shutter release until AF is locked not reliable with this lens; sometimes need to switch to manual focus.
[Update 2015]: Very good for portrait, very good sharpness from aperture F2.5, almost as good as Minolta AF/100 F2 wide open; focal length is optimal for portrait at APS-C.
[Update 2017]: I reduced sharpness rating to 4 as this lens needs more time to auto-focus, compared to Minolta AF 50 F1.7 and therefore has a higher probability of out of focus shots. Also in direct comparison the Minolta lens is better on landscape distance, so should have the higher ranking. The strength of this lens is in stationary objects not too far away.
reviewer#8871 date: Apr-4-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta 100mm f2.8 macro RS
Minolta 50mm f1.7
Sony 35mm f1.8 SAM
price paid:500 USD (new)
positive:Sharp
Fast
Build quality
negative:None yet, maybe price
comment:I *LOVE* this lens. It has a wide comfortable focus ring with smooth action, creamy bokeh, fast aperture, quick focus, easy AF/MF switch and takes DAMN good pictures. I'm not sure what there is to dislike. Caveat: I have never shot with any of the 85mm wonders, but I've used a ton of a-mount lenses and this one just feels great. This may be my favorite lens. Only time will tell.

2016-10-06:

FYI: After years, this is *still* my all-time favorite lens!
reviewer#8865 date: Apr-4-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:389 USD (new)
positive:Very Sharp
Perect Weight
Beautiful Colors
Amazing Portrait or Macro Photography lens
negative:NONE (Can't say AF speed because it is a Macro Lens)
comment:This is my first Macro lens. After using it for about a week, I love it and don't want to take it off my camera (A700). I get such great results. This lens has a permanent spot in my camera bag now.

I've had this lens for about 6 days now (before writing this review). I walked around the yard looking for as much small things to photograph as I can find. I thought I may need a tripod, but all of the pictures were beautiful (and sharp).

Sample Pictures: http://vili.shutterfly.com/pictures/13973 (Nothing great ... Just playing around)

Simply put: I would recommend this to a friend with an Alpha.
reviewer#8834 date: Mar-26-2011
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 90/2.8
Minolta 50/2.8
price paid:trade
positive:Great size and weight. Love the colors and sharpness. Awesome for portraits.
negative:
missing
comment:Love the color rendition and sharpness of this lens. I use it primarily for portrait work and the speed is key. Bokeh is nice and creamy. Also great for macro detail shots. Ability to manual focus on auto mode works well with the focus check lv on my 580. No complaints here, well worth the money.
reviewer#8400 date: Dec-14-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Minolta f1.7
price paid:389 Euro new
positive:sharp, great color, macro and portrait functionality
negative:haven't noticed any yet
comment:This is an easy review to write. It's well priced and produces wonderful images. What more is there to say?

My sharpest lens to date. I'm really enjoying this one so far.

reviewer#8360 date: Dec-5-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:
missing
positive:Incredibly sharp, fantastic colors, nice contrast, very pleasant smooth bokeh.
negative:None
comment:Excellent lens. This is my first Macro lens, its the sharpest lens in my bag.
Also works as a very good portrait lens in my opinion.
reviewer#8232 date: Nov-12-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 90 f2.8 Macro
price paid:
missing
positive:
missing
negative:
missing
comment:
missing
reviewer#7909 date: Aug-31-2010
sharpness: 4.5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 5
overall: 4.5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I have experience with this lens
compared to:Minolta 50/1.7
Tamron SP AF 90 F2.8 Di
price paid:
missing
positive:Very good color.
Useful focal length for both Macro and Portrait shotting.
Very sharp in the center on F4 above.
Smooth focusing
negative:Uncomfortable focal ring, too tight!
Focusing is slow.
Not sharp enough on F2.
comment:I used this lens for a whole afternoon, thanks for Tamron's activity.
Generally speaking, this is a good lens and a modern lens, in comparison with my Minolta 50/1.7.
It's color is impressive and it's sharpness is very good on portrait shotting under daylight.
I have rare to add besides the above "Positive" and "Negative".
Just, its current price is a little high (440 EUR in China), and it's hard to find a A-mount copy on Chinese market. If you can afford the price, it's a worth lens to own.
reviewer#7347 date: Apr-25-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 5
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 5
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 17-50, 2,8
Sony 70-300 G
price paid:454 Euro New
positive:Sharp!
Great bokeh.
F 2,0
negative:No Focus limiter
comment:Great macro-lens!
Combination of auto-focus and manual focus. They both can be used at the same time. Manual focus works very smooth.
Autofocus is very accurate but not very fast. Always use hood for flare-control.
I already made great fotos with this lens.

Buy!
reviewer#7059 date: Mar-12-2010
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:min 50 1.4 rs
min 135 2.8
price paid:470 eur new
positive:sharp
f2.0
internal focus
compact
quiet and fast af (for a macro)
full time manual focus
bokeh
contrast/colour good at all apertures
negative:no focus limiter
not full frame, but I've read it almost is
comment:it's a very enjoyable lens!
it has that f2 which makes it very flexible.
about IQ, sharpness is very good at f2 and excellent from f2.8.
of course at f2 it is not as good as the other (macro) lenses at f2.8, but it's not fair to compare it like that.
at f2.8 it is excellent and I believe as good as the other macros.
the thing is: it's nice to have the option of f2 for portraits and low light.
it's a pity there is no focus limiter, but it focuses very fast for a macro so it might not be needed in most cases.
reviewer#6501 date: Dec-1-2009
sharpness: 5
color: 5
build: 4
distortion: 5
flare control: 5
overall: 4.8
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:
missing
price paid:
missing
positive:Very Sharp.
Beautiful color and bokeh.
negative:Not full frame
Not built like a tank (I am fine with that, but want to point that for some of you out there)
comment:I just got this lens a week ago. By no mean this is a complete review. But I want to throw something on here so that there is at least some references on this lens.

This review by a Nikon guy sealed the deal for me:
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-60mm-2-0-DI-II/product-reviews/B00200K9NQ/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
reviews found: 28   

rating summary

lens image
  • total reviews: 28
  • sharpness: 4.89
  • color: 4.89
  • build: 4.32
  • distortion: 4.86
  • flare control: 4.89
  • overall: 4.77

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