Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP DI II LD IF 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Model G005E)

by Tamron

• World's first F2.0 Macro for APS-C DSLRs; ideal for portrait and macro shooting
• Longest working distance in its class (100mm); Two LD Glass elements
• 93mm equivalent on APS-C DSLRs
• Full-time manual control mechanism; Internal Focusing
• For Canon digital SLRs

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches ; 14.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00200K9MM
• Item model number: 60mm DI II Canon
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 24, 2009

Product Description

Style: For Canon DSLR Cameras

From the Manufacturer

This exciting new lens is the first in its class to combine topnotch macro shooting performance down to 1:1 ( life-size on-sensor image ) with unequalled depth of field control and extended low-light shooting ability thanks to is ultra-wide F2 aperture. With a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 93mm, it’s a superb choice for portraits and its two LD glass elements and internal focusing (IF) endow it with exceptional imaging performance.

Zoom in close at the 1:1 macro view

The Tamron SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II LD 1:1 Macro (model G005) is the industry’s first medium telephoto macro lens designed for APS-C size digital SLR cameras that features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.0 - one stop faster than the F/2.8 maximum aperture found on conventional macro lenses in the same class. The SP AF60mm F/2.0 covers an equivalent angle of view of 93mm when converted to the 35mm format. With its fast F/2.0 maximum aperture, the new macro delivers dramatically attractive blurred background effects. And the addition of Internal Focusing (IF) and Full Time Manual Focus Control Mechanism to its list of highlight features makes this lightweight and compact 1:1 macro lens incredibly easy to use. For Canon, Nikon and Sony APS-C size DSLRs

SP AF60mm F/2 Di II Features

Di II

Portrait macro shot

Lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers and inherit all of the benefits of our Di products. These lenses are not designed for conventional cameras and digital cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm.

Super Performance (SP) for Discriminating Shooters
Tamron SP (Super Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality. In creating SP lenses Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints. As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

Internal Focus (IF)
Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron's Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD)
Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colors to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely lowdispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colors. This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Product Description

• World's first F2.0 Macro for APS-C DSLRs; ideal for portrait and macro shooting
• Longest working distance in its class (100mm); Two LD Glass elements
• 93mm equivalent on APS-C DSLRs
• Full-time manual control mechanism; Internal Focusing
• For Canon digital SLRs

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

112 of 113 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Macro/Portrait Hybrid September 16, 2009

By Tim Kimzey

Style Name:For Nikon DSLR Cameras|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had this lens on order for months, hoping to be one of the first to get it as soon as it was available for a Nikon mount. When I first heard the announcement of this new lens from Tamron, I was more excited than I have been for a while over new glass! As a pro photojournalist, I have quite a bevy of lenses. I was interested in this from past experience with Tamron lenses, notably the 90mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro. I have used this lens on a just-about weekly basis for over 10 years. I do not have the latest version of the 90mm, but the one I have is still working incredibly well, and I have never had a single problem with it, even as much as I have used it. The main things I loved about that lens is the absolutely wonderful bokeh, impeccable sharpness, and nice color rendition. The AF could of course be better, but maybe it is in the newer versions, I can't say. I became aware of the 90mm lens over 15 years ago when I bought the 90mm f/2.5 version of the lens for Minolta, which I used on several Maxxum 9000 bodies for many years. I absolutely loved it, so when I made the switch to Nikon, I bought the newer one, although I have always wondered if they could make it faster, as the old one was 2.5, although not a true 1:1 macro (It was a 1:2, with a extension tube to make it 1:1).
As I bought the 90mm to use on FM2 and F5 film bodies, I thought it extremely suited for portraiture at the 90mm focal length, and used it for that purpose as much as for macro work. But with the switch to digital and the cropped format, 135mm is a bit tight for most of the portrait/environmental portrait work I do. I then started using the wonderful Nikon 50mm f/1.4 for most of that work. I also own the Nikon 85mm f/1.8. Both lenses are sharp, bright, great lenses. But they do not focus very close.... Hence, I found myself constantly switching between the two Nikkors and the 90mm Tammy for studio, fashion, food and portrait photography.

Enter the 60mm. Its basically back to the 90mm focal length on (cropped sensor) digital cameras. If I shot mostly with a full-frame (FX sensor) camera, I wouldn't be so interested in this lens however. The working distance of 100mm even beats the 90mm for macro shooting. If I were a full-time macro shooter I might suggest an even longer working distance to keep shy bugs and such happy, but as I said earlier, this lens is a nice hybrid for macro/portraiture use.

I have only limited use of this lens as of this writing (just a few days), but this is my thoughts so far:

PERFECT PORTRAIT LENGTH OF 93MM, with MACRO WORKING DISTANCE of 100mm.

A f/2 APERTURE! This was probably one of the main selling points for me. Although, I must express why I am a little disappointed in that regard. From tests I have done so far, f/2 does not seem to come into play until around 14 feet to infinity. At focusing distances closer than 14 feet, the lens switches to f/2.2. It switches from 2.2 to 2.8 between 12-ish feet and a foot (that's not bad really, so you still have 2.8 all the way up to a foot in front of the lens). All true macros will do this to my knowledge, the physical parameters of focusing so close loses light. I was expecting this. But I absolutely think/wish the lens would stay a true f/2 in the portrait-shooting distances (3-8 feet lets say). Of course, its still a good deal faster than 2.8. But using the lens in studio settings or in manual modes or with manual flash settings, the aperture / exposure shifts could be annoying. And you are not getting the low-light usefulness of f/2 for any portrait-distance use.

This lens is a true INTERNAL FOCUSING lens!! I find this a monumental breakthrough for a 1:1 macro lens! The front element does not move, the lens maintains its length at any focusing distance, even at minimum. Filters stay in the mounted position. It uses a 55mm filter thread, which is very common and useful. I have many SFX filters in this thread that I can use for this lens. The hood is a nice length and stays put, and is easy to take off and put on. Seems as though it would protect the front element well and controls flare pretty good from what I can see.

The BOKEH OF THIS LENS IS SUBLIME!!!, (just as I hoped it would be). It has inherited the beautiful out-of-focus highlights that distinguishes the 90mm. Although, I was a bit skeptical as I noted that the 60mm employs a 7-blade diaphragm rather than the 9-blade of the 90mm; but the roundness of the blades seems to make a nice effect regardless.

The Autofocus on this lens is usable. It is much better than on my old 90mm. Most of the time, it seems to focus rather quickly and accurately. It makes a slight noise, but is not harsh or too loud. It will at times not find focus and rack in and out, slowing performance. It really SHOULD have a limiter switch as the 90mm does to limit focus to two distance groups. This is particularly useful to keep the lens in the focus areas you are intending, be it portrait range use or close-up macro work. It does not have a limiter switch! The full-time manual-focusing override is very nice however. It feels good in the hand. The manual mechanism however seems to be a bit hard to find focus at times; I can focus much finer and smoother with other manual-focusing lens rings. But it works, and I may become more used to the feel of it in time. Being able to 1:1 macro focus with decent AF/IF and manual over-ride (without having to move the switch or push-pull a clutch mechanism) is nice. Keeping it around 3 inches in length (at any focus distance) is very nice. It is a little over 5" in length with the hood attached.

THE LENS IS VERY SHARP, EVEN AT f/2! It's even sharper stopped down a bit. But the bokeh and sharpness at f/2 is amazing! The out-of-focus planes are very smooth. The sharpness seems very flat from the center to the edges (as all macros should be).

THE COLOUR RENDITION IS WONDERFUL! Seems slightly warm and somehow smooth. Skin tones are very good.

Seems well-made and robust. Is hard, slightly rough-feeling plastic with metal mount. Black matte finish blends well with Nikon bodies. I have no worries about quality issues. Especially with the standard 6-year warranty from Tamron USA. My copy is #0007** and it states it is made in Japan. It is rather light but solid feeling, and balances well on camera.

Shots so far with this lens are as hoped for. I am greatly pleased with this lens, especially for use on a DX-sensor camera. ****Really wish it would maintain f/2 from at least 4-6 feet, rather than 12-14 feet though!*** But so far I really like and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it for portrait/macro use on DX cameras. Read more ›

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Lens for Portraits (Beware of AF on xxD and 7D) August 23, 2010

By Stephen Schoen

Style Name:For Canon DSLR Cameras|Amazon Verified Purchase

Before I bought this lens I used a friends Canon 100mm Macro. While that was a great lens I felt 100mm was too much reach to use everyday. I also used another friends 50mm f1.8 and wasn't happy with it either, though the distance was better for using as a walking around lens.

This lens is the best of both worlds for me.

Pros:
60mm is a great distance
Fixed lenses offer incredible image quality, this lens is no exception.
Solid contruction.
Light weight (much lighter than the 100mm)
Comes with a hood.

Cons:
AF can be slow/sometimes it searches, but it isn't too loud.

Conculsion: This lens hasn't left my XSi body sense I got it. It is truly wonderful. The AF was a bit of a problem at first but once I attached a Speedlite 430 the AF assist beam almost completely eliminated the problem.

I highly recommend this lens.

UPDATE: 3/9/11:
- Canon has confirmed that some Tamron lenses (including this one) do not work as they should with the Canon xxD line and the Canon 7D. I just upgraded to a 7D and the Auto Focus is practically useless. If the lens is starting in a "very out of focus" position when you press the shutter release, sometimes it won't do anything at all. Other times it will hunt through the entire focus range return to where it started and then confirm the focus. If it is close to focus sometimes it will still take seveal seconds to lock on.

I do no recommend this lens of you have a xxD body or a 7D.

UPDATE: 4/18/11
I haven't touched this lens in a while. But I got it back out the other day to play with it. And it seems that if I select one a single AF point the autofocus is much better. If I select Zone AF, or All 19 points it gets worse.... The performance from a very out of focus position is still not good. For my test I used the Tamron 60mm and a Canon 24-70 f2.8L. I used a blank wall with a small hole where a nail used to be. I sat about 6-8 feet away, I started both from the minimum focusing distance and tried to get the lenses to focus on the hole using All 19 AF points, and Spot AF (center point). With Spot AF both lenses found the hole and locked on, however the Tamron took 2-3 times longer than the Canon L did.

I then switched to All 19 AF points. The Tamron failed to achieve focus on the nail 3 times out of 3. However the Canon L successfully found focus on the hole every time. Read more ›

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive lens. Some minor issues to be aware of. January 16, 2011

By NormC

Style Name:For Nikon DSLR Cameras|Amazon Verified Purchase

Others have already written plenty about the various imaging qualities of this lens and I see nothing to argue with. Used correctly it delivers very high quality images in all regards. It's a better lens than I am a photographer. I'm very happy with it.

Otherwise, here's a couple of thoughts about properties of this lens that a potential purchaser might like to be aware of...

* It has a 55mm filter thread, which means filters should be relatively inexpensive.

* The included bayonet-mount lens hood appears well made, fits nice and securely and is deep enough to be effective. On the other hand, it is likely to interfere with available or artificial light sources when working with very close range subjects, so you'll probably need to remove it when focus distance is less than around a foot or so. On yet another hand, the working distance at closest focus is very generous for a macro lens of this length, which is very appreciated in practice. This makes it a perfect lens for small product photography with controlled lighting.

* Auto-focusing speed isn't the greatest, but I don't think it's particularly slow, either. Just a little sluggish if you're in a hurry. In practice, it doesn't matter. This is not a sports lens. For most likely purposes it's more than fast enough. For very close macro, auto-focus on any macro lens is pretty much useless and it's faster and easier to manually focus by moving the camera, anyhow. Unsurprisingly, hunting can happen with a low contrast or poorly lit subject when focusing from very close to far, or vice versa. It's something people like to test, but again, in practice, rarely if ever necessary in a realistic picture taking situation.

* The maximum aperture is the headline selling point on this lens.... Like many macro lenses, maximum aperture reduces as focus gets closer. Here's some numbers from my approximate testing:
Subject distance (to sensor) / Max available aperture
Infinity / f/2
10' / f/2.2
18" / f/2.5
12" / f/2.8
10" / f/3.2
9" / f/3.5
closest (1:1) / f/4
Again, in practice not as important as you might expect because at closest focus the depth of field with an aperture of f/4 is very tight and getting good subject focus with it requires a stationary subject, very steady support and practice. The problem with macro photography is much more often how to get more depth of field: Lots of light and a macro lens with a small aperture! The Tamron 60mm has a useful minimum aperture of f/45 at closest focus.

* Build quality and durability is fine. Not up to the standards of a professional Nikkor, perhaps, but nothing to make me think there's any problem in regular use. Focus ring movement is maybe a little tighter than I'm used to, but nothing to lose sleep over.

* Small and light compared to many macro lenses - very appreciated on long days away from home.

60mm on a reduced size sensor DSLR like the D90 is a very useful length. Great for close-ups, head-and-shoulders portraits without invading your subject's personal space, all sorts of general photography. I'm finding I'm using mine more than anticipated (I originally only bought it for use as a macro) and considering selling my 50mm, because this is a more than adequate and versatile replacement. A smart move by Tamron. Read more ›