Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
by Tamron
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: TamronModel: AF272P-700
Accessories:
- Dolica CF-U55 55mm UV Filter
- Dolica CF-C55 55mm CPL Filter
- Tiffen Domke F-505 Lens Case - Small
- Dolica CF6-ND55 55mm 0.6ND 4X Neutral Density Filter
- Dolica CF9-ND55 55mm 0.9ND 8X Neutral Density Filter
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
Customer Review: Solid Performer
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Description of Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
Digitally Integrated Design (Di) is a designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras.Tamron introduces a new version of the famous 90mm macro lens for film and digital photography. Tamron's 90mm macro lens, often referred to as "the portrait macro" and loved by photographers all over the world, is now reborn as a Di lens that is perfect for use with both film and digital cameras.All Accessories
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