90mm Di f2.8 Macro Lens Comparison Test

The Verdict: There's so much to like about this lens, not least its optical
performance at wider apertures. It's also lightweight so combines well
with the latest DSLRs. Shortlist it!

WHAT'S GOOD?
Wide aperture performance, lightweight, focusing speed.
WHAT'S BAD?
Lacks a quality feel.

• FEATURES 21/25
• HANDLING20/25
• PERFORMANCE 22/25
• VALUE 23/25
• TOTAL 86/100 (joint winner with Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro)
• September 2006

90mm Di f2.8 Macro

The Verdict: The Tamron is an excellent all-around performer.
For its price it's well constructed and it feels the most natural and easy to use.

• FEATURES * * *
• BUILD QUALITY * * *
• HANDLING * * * *
• IMAGE QUALITY * * * *
• VALUE FOR MONEY * * * * *
• DIGITAL CAMERA MAGAZINE EDITORS CHOICE
• 87%
• June 2006

90mm Di f2.8 Macro

The Verdict: Offering great looking images and sterling performance, this lens makes for a great budget buy. We love the push-pull focusing switch.

• FEATURES AND HANDLING * * * *
• IMAGE QUALITY * * * *
• VALUE FOR MONEY * * * * *
• OVERALL VERDICT * * * * *
• DIGITAL PHOTO SILVER AWARD
• May 2005

90mm Di f2.8 Macro

The Verdict: The description given of performance and the graphs and figures speak for themselves: the modern 90mm f2.8 Tamron 1:1 Macro flfils its claims and is unlikely to meet any lens to outclass it. The images are typified by crisp, high-contrast detail with clarity down to the micro features of the subject. Drawing is all but impeccable from infinity to 1:1. The f2.8 aperture, given the fine performance, will be helpful to the nature photographer, allowing a quite high shutter speed in poor light and the rapid de-focus of subject areas away from the main plane, isolating the chief interest. Noticeably less costly than some main line competition, it is definitely recommended.

• Specification 27/30
• Build 18/20
• Handling 18/20
• Performance 28/30
• 91% AP Rating

Tamron SP AF 90mm Di

This is the updated version of the classic 90mm and is now optimised for digital and film SLRs. The push/pull manual focus ring is large and has a nice action. A focus window offers a hyperfocal scale and magnification ratios. The barrel features a limiter switch. Autofocus is smooth and responsive. Optical quality is high. At wide open, slides show good sharpness while stopped down it is excellent.

• Handling 22
• Optical performance 23
• Autofocus 22
• Value ofr money 22
• OVERALL SCORE 89
• Gorgeous lens delivering great results
• PM RECOMMENDED
• November 2004

90mm Di f2.8 Macro

Build quality is very good: the construction is nearly all polycarbonate,
save for the chromed metal mount.
Optical quality is every bit as good as the original, which was sublime.
Additional improvement is to be welcomed.

• Features 23/25
• Handling 22/25
• Performance 23/25
• Value for Money 22/25
• TOTAL 90/100