Customer Reviews

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After using a Canon DSLR for about 5 years, I switched to Pentax. In switching, I was presented with a unique opportunity. I had no lenses. Because I sold off all my Canon gear, I had a good chunk of change to throw at some new gear. I had the Canon version of this lens for the 5 years I used Canon. In those 5 years, the amazing optical quality and performance of this lens made it a staple in my camera bag. After using it in rough situations for 5 years, the build quality was revealed to be outstanding.

It was because of my five years of experience using this lens that I bought it again for Pentax.

Rather than a pros and cons list, I'll list a few of the features of the lens so you can decide if you would use it the same way. I think most lenses aren't built with pros and cons, they are just suited to different shooting situations and environments.

The lens is 90mm
With the 1.5 magnification on my k10d, this lens is effectively a 135mm macro lens. This suits me just fine for my subject matter - typically insects, flowers, and textures. The lens also functions beautifully as a portrait lens, and the f2.8 give a beautiful bokeh. 135mm is longer than some prefer for portrait photography, however, so keep that in mind when you read praises in that regard.

The automatic to manual focus ring
This lens features a large ring to switch between manual and automatic focus. When I first used the lens, it seemed a bit awkward. As I used the lens in the field, however, I quickly grew to love this feature. Most people will say that macro photography doesn't require autofocus. That may be fine for some, but I really appreciate being able to use the autofocus to get the focus very close to what I want, then shift to manual focus to accomplish exactly what I want. It saves me time. With subjects that are hopping from leaf to leaf, its has been the difference between missing a shot and getting a shot.

There is a limit
One frustration I've found with the lens for a portrait is the length of the focus. If the autofocus goes past your subject, it goes to 1:1, then works it's way back. This can be very tedious. Fortunately, the lens comes with a 'limiter' that you can switch on. This prevents the lens from traveling its whole distance before coming back. Keep in mind that while the lens can take some nice portraits, it is designed to be a macro lens. Because of that, it isn't the quickest focusing lens in my bag by far. If you know that going in, you can work within its limitations to get some solid shots.

Build quality
The build quality is good on this lens. It is made of plastic, so it doesn't have the unbreakable feel of some older macro lenses, but I feel comfortable using it in a variety of situations. Some of that is based on my experience with the same lens in Canon. I expect this lens to serve me just as well.

Sharpness
I value sharpness higher than any other quality when it comes to a macro lens. And that is why the Tamron 90mm lens, not the Pentax 100mm macro lens is in my bag. Every review has them close, but the Tamron always gets a slight edge. In all of the situations I've used the lens, I have been more than pleased with the results. Beyond sharpness, I have also been very happy with the color rendition of this lens.

As someone who primarily shoots macro photography, this is a lens that will always be in my bag.

The Tamron 90mm macro excels where one would expect--as both a macro and as a portrait lens. Its focal length is almost perfect for portrait use; for macro work it is short and light enough so that one can obtain sharp results without a tripod (if you have steady hands), and yet long enough to capture insects.

Please note that this is a true macro lens with 1:1 magnification capability, as opposed to the many falsely named "macro" lenses on the market. When used as a macro or portrait lens, the Tamron's resolution and bokeh (blur effect) are fantastic. Its only shortcoming is that it does not yield the same great results if one uses it as a more traditional telephoto lens. More specifically, at infinity focus I notice relatively unimpressive resolution and contrast. This shortcoming is quite typical for true macro lenses, and so this is not really a disappointment, but rather a caution to those who expect an "all around" lens. Also, although the double-clutch manual/auto focus mechanism is cumbersome and the overall autofocus performance might annoy some (especially novices), in order to achieve the best results the user should opt for the manual focus mode. This is especially true for macro usage. I am perplexed as to why some people want to use "auto" settings for everything and yet also expect perfect results--sometimes a bit of human intervention works best. The point & shoot mentality does not work for macro photography.

PROS: Light yet durable, smooth manual focus, relatively inexpense, amazing sharpness and bokeh when used in macro & portrait modes, able to use without tripod (with steady hands).

CONS: Not quite as sharp at infinity focus, clutch mechanism for switching between manual/auto focus.

I just purchased a Pentax k20d with a Pentax 18-250mm lens - a very versatile lens that works well for day to day use. Since macro photography has always been a major interest for me and I'm wanting to get the biggest "bang for the buck" I liked the idea of a lens able to handle both portraits and macro work. After doing some research, the Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 with Macro had some impressive reviews esp for other camera brands. Since there was only one review here on Amazon I was a little hesitant to order. Since I wanted a 1:1 macro without spending a fortune, the only other serious contender was the Pentax 100mm Macro - however, Tamron is currently running a $[...] rebate combined with a 6 year warranty so I decided to give it a go.

The first thing you will notice is the weight..it seems relatively well built but contains a bit more plastic than expected. The lens comes packed in a nice padded lens bag with drawstring [a nice little extra] and lens hood so no need to purchase either separately. It's very easy to install and the automatic function works seemlessly with the Pentax auto focus. Compared to the Pentax 18-250mm the Tamron was more inclined to "search" when focusing at least for the first few moments. I find it to be a little louder than the Pentax but not to the point of distraction.

To switch from automatic to manual requires pushing or pulling a circle around the lens which seemed a bit odd to me - perhaps it is normal but I'm new to the Pentax line and have never used a Tamron lens so it took a few minutes to figure out (the instructions are all but useless - several large drawings in a plethora of languages).

Now as to the actual image quality itself...of course being a macro you would expect this to a large extent but just to get a better feel I set up a few "test shots" using both the pentax and the tamron both set at same distance on a couple small objects - a coffee cup, a spider and the fine hairs on a cactus. while both resulted in fine detail and resolution - the tamron really struts its stuff when it comes to the background!

As to what I did not like...again, perhaps this is an isolated experience but the first Tamron lens had to be returned due to inability to manually set aperature. The second worked but only in manual mode - would not function in aperature priority mode [Pentax K20D] and it is important to remember to change the settings in the Menu area of the camera body to allow aperature settings on the actual lens [it's the next to last setting on page 6 of 7 for those of you searching for it].

Again, being new to Pentax and DSLR's in general perhaps this aperature set-up is more common than I realize [been using plain point and shoot after holding out for years with standard SLR's like the old Maxxum series from Minolata...I know - slow to change]. Even after changing the aperature on the lens it will not display as with all other modes. I was expecting tighter integration although it doesn't seem to impact the quality of the photo itself which is very nice. In fact, the photo quailty is so nice I decided to keep the lens despite the small irritation. As other reviews on this lens have noted - it takes some lovely pictures!

At roughly $[...] after the $[...] rebate and a six year warranty - the price is extremely competitive. The photo quality is lovely - especially if you enjoy macro work with those beautiful creamy backgrounds. For a 1:1 macro at a comfortable 90mm lens this also is versatile enough to take great pictures of family, friends and the family pet.

In the Box:
Lens
Lens padded case - drawstring
Len cap and back protector
Instructions sheet
Lens hood

Pros:
1:1 macro
Nice photos with a beautiful background
Automatic integrates seemlessly
Competitive price
Best price with $[...] rebate
Extensive warranty

Cons:
Weird manual/automatic push/pull ring
Aperature lens adjustment - not thrilled by location or operation in general.
Feels a bit "light" [remember, I'm coming from heavy older SLR's]

Other Misc Notes:
Takes a 55mm filter {less expensive size}. I typically use a UV filter as protection although this sets so far back it almost doesn't need it. I still use one -habit- and also purchased an exexpensive close up filter set to try out.

Outstanding Macro lens. I did a lot of research on this lens before purchasing and couldn't find any negatives from the experts. Having it in hand for about a month the images are snappy, even wide open. I now see why prime lenses are held in such high regard. I purposley tried to induce flare with the lens hood on and found it was nearly impossible to create even pointing the camera just a few degrees from the light source.

I won't echo the praises in other reviews that helped me select this lens as my next purchase. I'm just an amateur who has taken a few classes; not a pro. A lifetime Pentax person, I took some awesome wildflower shots recently with my 50 mm Pentax Macro lens. Just from a few test photos in my office and yard, I can say witut doubt that this lens BLOWS AWAY anything else I own for close-up shots (even with the FLASH at close quarters!). If you squeeze the trigger while the camera and le in focus, you have a "keeper," every single time. And, yes, most of the time you really WANT to focus manually, though the auto-focus does a great job if you are willing to let it occasionally "rack" all the way back and forth. A lens like THIS is what I've been craving for my wildflower photos, as well as insects and other subjects that need REAL ONE TO ONE treatment. The only thing is that, because it zeroes in so closely, (unless you have steady hands,) you usually want the stabilization of a monopod or tripod for your best shot.

BE GLAD you aren't paying the extra price of Image Stabilization IN EVERY LENS. That is what I call the Pentax Advantage (what do you think of Nikon and Canon, NOT putting the stabilization in the camera body, but making you pay for that decision by THEM CHARGING YOU WITH $50 extra FOR EVERY LENS?)! Plus those cameras feel like they are ALL PLASTIC, and Pentax has the heft of professional-grade equipment, with a durable machined-metal shell. This Pentax K20 camera is quality equipment, as well as the Tamron lens - and they are a great combo. I urge you to BUY THIS LENS! I don't think you'll regret the decision to buy, and Amazon is a trusted source, not a flea market. I don't trust "vendors" who offer stuff that is just hitting the market, and ask for less than wholesale: I smell a scam! Do what you want; I trust Amazon.

This is a very nice, high quality lens. But what else would you expect from Tamron? I would buy this again, and recommend it highly.

I am quite satisfied with this macro lens. It is made by a solid lens manufacturer and is a good economy option vs. the lenses sold by the camera manufacturer.

This is a lens you should have in your bag and use. This lens is Sharp!!!!! This summer I did a little macro but a lot of model shoots and this lens is perfect. I would buy again and again, you can buy a camers brand lens and pay twice as much and not get a better lens. I don't care what brand of camera my students have, but I tell them the glass is what's counts. Tamron makes this lens for all brands, so buy it.

Well I picked this up during Christmas season for my gift. I know, I know...lets get on with the review. Ok...simply put this is a great lens. I love taking macro pictures and needed a dedicated macro lens (note if the lens is not a 1:1 it is not a true macro). It is the middle of winter here in the Chicagoland area, so there are no flowers or bugs to take photos of. This is when I discovered that when people call this the portrait macro they are not lying. This lens takes beautiful portrait shots. Beautiful bokeh.
Now to talk about what others say about this lens. I do not mind the manual/auto focus clutch ring. I actually like it quite a bit. The only thing that I noticed is a touch of focus creep sometimes when I am zoomed in fully on a close subject. That's my only complaint. Can't wait for winter to go away and I can get my macro on!
I would recommend this lens with no reservations...a great lens and a pretty good price.

I bought this lens based upon Amazon reviews, and I was not disappointed; it has exceeded my expectations in studio photography applications. The lens body is plastic and the AF/MF selection on the lens takes a little getting used to, but these characteristics are not of practical consequence in my applications. I use manual focus exclusively with this lens.

The low f/2.8 provides a narrow depth of field and great bokeh with reduced light, while with high strobe levels, higher depth of field can be obtained in macro shots. I've had great results in jewelry and portraiture photography with this lens, a great deal especially with the $50 rebate until 12/31.