Tamron 90mm ƒ2.8 SP Di

[TheFantasticG]

Now, let me preface this by saying I've had two copies of this lens. Both were equally awesome in the terms of IQ, contrast, and color rendition.

I purchased the Tamron 90mm ƒ2.8 SP Di through B&H and recieved it more than a week ago as of this posting. I now use it exclusively on a Nikon D7000. The last copy of the Tamron 90mm I used was on a Nikon D90. I was sincerely amazed by the bokeh, color, and IQ that this lens made in comboniation with the D90 sensor/processor. Spectacular even. So much so, I have lusted after this lens greatly since that copy (which I bought used from HCE) malfunctioned. The mechinism between AF and MF, the clutch, froze. It won't no longer slide between the AF/MF as it is a push-pull clutch.

Here are samples from the Tamron 90mm SP Di on the Nikon D90:


SOA @ Crazy Frogs (12 of 41).jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr


SOA @ Crazy Frogs (10 of 41).jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr


SOA @ Crazy Frogs (17 of 41).jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr

Needless to say, my new copy of this lens is just as sharp and fantastic in every respect. For a short telephoto that preforms well in many situations, including low light events as above, this lens gets my full support. It handles CA 99% as good as the Nikon 105VR 2.8 macro lens, and just as good as the Sigma 105mm 2.8 EX HSM. It's sharp corner-to-corner (on APS-C/DX). Some complain about the recessed front element, I put a filter on it straight out of the box, so I'm not worried about cleaning the front. Some complain that when you magnify to 1:1 the barrel extends to which I say, "Meh." What isn't mentioned about that is you shouldn't be hitting your subject with it because you can't focus close enough to do that... unless you trip or something. The ONLY thing that this lens MIGHT fall short on is build quality. It "feels" like is made of plastic, and it is. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, it must be a duck. It doesn't try to hide what it is behind a fancy finish. $ for $, it's the best macro lens available.

Update:

Samples of my new copy on the Nikon D7000 with a Kenko 20mm AF Tube


2011-08-30_128-D7000.jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr


2011-08-30_120-D7000.jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr


2011-08-30_117-D7000.jpg by The Fantastic G, on Flickr