Tamron SP 272E 90 mm F/2.8 AF Di Lens For Nikon

Tamron model 272E Macro for Canon -for a fuller version of this see my guide on the same subject

First the CAUTION: The Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 for Canon Model 272E is a new revision of an earlier 90mm Tamron macro lens. The older lens should be considerably cheaper, so make sure you know which one you are bidding on. The features of this new model are redesigned for improved functionality for digital cameras.

DESCRIPTION The lens is a little over 10 cm long when focused to infinity. It is about 15cm (~6") long when focused to its closest distance of 0.29m (0.96 ft) for 1:1 reproduction. In the case of the Tamron 90mm, the deeply inset front lens element means that the actual distance from the front of the lens barrel, however, is only about 10cm (~4") from the subject. There is room for lighting of the subject being photographed--an advantage over shorter focal length macros that may leave only a tiny space between the front of the lens and the subject--but clearly if distance from the subject is critical, a longer macro lens such as 180mm focal length may be a better choice. The Canon version of this lens has no aperture ring markings on the lens, unlike the Nikon and Pentax versions. Aperture is displayed in the viewfinder and on top of the camera, of course.

LENS QUALITY
The lens is very sharp, and has done well in tests and reviews. It is also relatively fast for digital lenses.

BOTTOM LINE Is this lens a good buy? As an on-line search will reveal, there have been a number of reviews of this lens by major photo magazines, and my reading of them is that this is a lens that is among the top contenders for macro lens quality, regardless of manufacturer. Careful eBaying will reveal occasional real bargains for this lens, but even at its regular mail order discount price, it can be highly recommended. (see a fuller version of this at my Guide on the lens)

Simply a spectacular lens. For the money, one of the best macro/micro lenses on the market today. From a price comparision, this lens is less expensive than the 105MM Nikkor VR Micro by $200-300 and about the same as the Sigma. A used 105MM Nikkor 2.8D runs slightly more than this lens for an absolute comparision.

This lens is one of the sharpest and rendurs a very nice bokeh (out of focus elements) of any lens I have ever owned (for reference, I own a Nikkor 28mm 1.4D)

The Good
1. Tack Sharp
2. Fantastic Bokeh
3. Easy Manual Use
4. Toggle between manual and automatic is genius (push pull)
5. Good for both macro and portrait photography
6. Works great on both DX and FX format cameras (internal motor works on D40/D60)
7. Deep recessed front element (avoids bumping your subject with the front element)
8. 7 Year warrenty (Tamron stands by their lenses)
9. Light - makes for great portability
10. On a DX sensor you get a 1.5 crop for a focal equivolent of 135mm!

The Bad
1. Construction is not as eugged as the Nikkor or Sigma
2. AF in macro mode tends to hunt (most the time in macro you are using manual so its not often its problem)

This is an excellent lens for the money and when used on a APS-C camera yeilds great macros. On ebay be very careful and ask the buyer to verify the lens type. I would say over half the lenses on ebay are mis represented as to the lens type. There are many models of these lenses and people pick stock photos of lenses and show the wrong ones, buyer beware ALLWAYS clearly see what you are buying. This lens is excellent and auto focuses on the D-40, D-3100 and D-5000 series Nikons. Even as I review this the model is wrong! the plain 272E is the old version the lens I purchased was the 272 ENll.

This lens will give you the Bokeh and sharpness you need for Macro photography and Portraiture. It's bokeh is superb. It's light, relatively inexpensive ($325-499) very fast f/2.8 and tack sharp. Read the instructions before you put it on your camera!

This lens is not real robust. It will earn it's keep but you will have to treat it carefully. If you have the money, of course the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4, the defacto standard, is the portratiat lens of choice. I think this Tamron lens will be my mainstay for a long while. I think you will agree. After reading the other reviews, just get a good used one on Ebay from a good seller and start shooting. Don't wait like I did. This lens will astound you when you learn to use it correctly.

I had wanted to get a Nikkor 105mm micro lens, bit at around $800 was just more than I wanted to spend. I did research online with reviews and found out this 90mm Tamron macro was a good lens and so I ordered it. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT!

I can take photos of misquitos, coins, knives, and anything else that is tiny. I can say it will open up a new world for you.

The zoom takes a bit to get used to, at first it was annoying, but once you figure it out it will focus quite well. It does not have VR (vibration reduction) so use a tripod, you should anyway with a macro lens.