Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro A-mount lens review by audible

audible#1226 date: Sep-25-2006
sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 4.8	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I have experience with this lens
compared to:	missing
price paid:	missing
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.