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The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro 1:1 (the full title….whew!) is a stellar lens that improves on its predecessor in almost every way. How has Tamron done rebuilding the classic (yea, even legendary) 90mm macro lens? We want it all: handling, optics, build quality, AF, oh, and by the way, keep that price down, too. Modern photographers have become spoiled enough to expect more, though. Despite those limitations, I have read many reputable sources (including DXOMark) use the adjective “legendary” to describe it.
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Like many of Tamron’s lenses prior to 2010, the SP 90mm f/2.8 Macro 1:1 lens was lauded for its optics and price, while knocked for its slower AF speed and handling (including a barrel that extended to almost twice its length during focus). The direct predecessor of the lens being tested became something of a cult favorite because of its combination of excellent optics and bargain price. They have offered a variety of macro lenses in the past and in fact currently offer no less than four different macro lenses. Tamron is also no stranger to macro lenses. I have shot thousands of macro shots and have a good frame of reference on what a good macro lens should offer. I have used a few others briefly, and have also spent a lot of time shooting with extension tubes on both modern lenses as well as my vintage glass. I have had the good privilege to own the Canon EF 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens when I shot crop bodies, and currently own the excellent Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens. I am personally no stranger to good macro lenses.
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You have also purchased one of the sharpest lenses available…and that is true at any distance, not just macro. But to summarize: when you buy a good macro lens you have also bought an excellent portrait lens along with a lightweight stabilized medium telephoto. That article will be coming out in the next PhotoNews Flash. I recently wrote about the great flexibility of a good macro lens, particularly a stabilized one.