Review Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272EN II

On the official website of Tamron lens Tamron SP AF 90mm F / 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E (EN II) called portrait macro and this is true.

Tamron 272ENII

Tamron 272ENII

It so happens that Tamron still does not have a classic high-aperture class 85 1.2 \ 1.4 \ 1.8 \ 2.0 or similar portrait lens, but it does have some interesting macro lenses. If it is important aperture lens, and not its macro capability, it is best to look at the following models:

The difference between 90 and 85 mm focal length is quite difficult to feel. Of course, if in this lens it is macro photography that is of interest, then this lens will be just right.

In November 2012, the Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E was supplemented with a similar lens - Tamron USD DI SP 90mm F / 2.8 VC MACRO 1: 1 F004 Ultrasonic Silent Drive. Also, note that the lens is available for different systems: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax.

Example photo on a Tamron 90 2.8 lens

Example photo on a Tamron 90 2.8 lens

Main technical specifications of Tamron SP AF 90mm F / 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E:

Review Instance Name Tamron SP AF 90mm F / 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 (box contains model number 272EN II)
Basic properties
  • Di (for Digital) - a lens designed for Nikon FX full-frame cameras
  • SP (Super Performance) - the high performance inherent to the professional Tamron line of lenses
  • AF (Auto Focus) - support for auto focus. The lens has a built-in micro focus motor.
  • lack of an aperture control ring, analog Nikon G (including the transmission of the focus distance)
  • Full \ Limit - focusing distance limiter
  • AF-M - focus mode switch
  • Macro 1: 1 - Possibility of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1: 1 ('real macro').
Front Filter Diameter 55 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length 90 mm, EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 135 mm
Zoom ratio 1 x
Designed by for digital cameras Nikon FX
Number of aperture blades 9 rounded petals
Tags window with a focus distance scale in meters and feet, depth of field scale for F / 16 and F / 32. Hood mount label and bayonet mount label.
Diaphragm During focusing to infinity from F / 2.8 to F / 32. While focusing on MDF from F / 5.6 to F / 64.
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.29 m, maximum magnification ratio is 1: 1
The weight 409
Optical design 10 elements in 9 groups without the use of any special elements.

Optical design TAMRON SP AF MACRO 90mm 1: 2.8 72EThe optical design is similar to models 72B, 72E, 172E.

Lens hood bayonet type, model name not found
Manufacturer country MADE IN JAPAN
Period Since 2008. Has been replaced / supplemented by version Tamron 90mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD Macro
Price View ->

Note: until 2008, the Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 lens model was produced 272E, which was then replaced by the modern Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 model 272E (on the box for the Nikon version it says 272ENII) from this review. The old lens model did not have a built-in focus motor, but had an aperture control ring.

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Focusing

Lens Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E has a built-in focus motor that allows you to automatically focus on any Nikon cameras. I used it without any problems Tamron SP AF 90mm F / 2.8 Di MACRO even on the simplest non-powered camera Nikon D40. True, the lens uses an ordinary micro-motor, which works quite loudly (buzzes when focusing), it can not be considered an analogue of quiet and fast Nikon SWM (Silent Wave Motor) motors. The noise of the Tamron SP AF 90mm F / 2.8 Di MACRO motor is comparable to the usual Nikon screwdriver lenses.

The lens feature is focusing distance limiter 'Full \ Limit'. In the Limit position, focusing is available from infinity to 45 cm. In this position, the lens is convenient to use for classic purposes - portrait, landscape, shooting large objects. In the Limit position, a maximum magnification of 1: 3 is available.

In the Full position, the entire focusing distance range from 29 cm to infinity is available. In this position, you can shoot macro and other scenes. True, with autofocus in Full mode, the lens monstrously long focus from MDF to infinity and vice versa.

In general, auto focus on the lens is very slow.

Attention 1:

If you set the focusing distance from 29 to 45 cm in Full mode and then move the limiter from Full to Limit, then the lens in the Limit position can focus only from 29 cm to 45 cm. This position is convenient only for macro shooting.

Attention 2:

If you set focus to 29 cm in Full mode, and then switch the limiter to Limit and start focusing in automatic mode, then when the focusing distance becomes 45 cm, it will be impossible to switch to manual focus mode. This is an unpleasant moment when working with the lens.

The lens, of course, has focus mode switch... The switch is quite unusual. Pull the focusing ring towards you to switch from auto focus mode 'AF' to manual mode 'M'. In order to switch back to automatic mode 'AF', the movement must be reversed. Typically, Tokina lenses have this method of switching the focus mode, for example Tokina AT-X PRO SD 50-135 F2.8 DX N / AIS.

The focus ring is located very conveniently, the ring is rubberized, very wide with a nice grip. In the Limit position, the focus ring rotates 90 degrees; in the Full position, the focus ring rotates about 270 degrees. Manual focusing is quite smooth.

When focusing, the front of the lens extends approximately 6 cm in Full mode, and 3 cm in Limit mode. The front element does not rotate. The lens has a focus distance scale and a depth of field scale. IPIG is indicated for F / 16 and F / 32 only.

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Diaphragm

The lens has a maximum aperture equal to the number F / 2.8, however, here you must definitely indicate that such aperture only available when focusing at infinity. When focusing from infinity to MDF aperture the lens falls and with MDF the maximum aperture value is already F / 5.6. This means that if you use this lens, for example, for portrait shooting in Limit mode, then you will have to shoot not at F / 2.8, but at F / 3.2-F / 4.0. When focusing, the number F on the camera changes.

At F / 2.8, only a full-length portrait can be shot. A half-length portrait of a person can be shot at a maximum at F / 3.2. This does not mean that the aperture blades close, it only indicates the real value of the number F. This effect is present in almost all macro lenses, but usually the fall of the aperture is not displayed on the lens indicators, and the effect of the drop in the number F is easily taken into account by TTL metering exposure.

Due to the fact that the Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E is primarily a macro lens, a very important aspect for it is the ability to control the depth of field when shooting macro, because the Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E can close the aperture up to f / 64.

The lens has 9 aperture blades and even when shooting on closed apertures, the discs in the blur zone form a smooth, pleasant bokeh.

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Assembly

An inscription is proudly drawn on the lens Made in Japan... The lenses of the lenses are hidden behind a long tube that serves as a kind of hood. The lenses have a pleasant violet sheen, which indicates the presence of a special coating. The lens is assembled quite well, but the focusing ring and the focus mode switch have a slight backlash. The lens mount is metal. The lens is designated SP, which stands for Super Performance. These lenses, by Tamron's standards, are good performance professional lenses... DI stands for Digitally Integrated and indicates that the lens can be used on full-frame Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Image quality

The lens produces a sharp image in the Limit zone already from the F / 2.8 aperture. There is no problem with the sharpness of the lens. True, on open apertures the lens suffers HA, blooming is especially visible - strong halos on contrasting elements of the image. The lens has no distortion, therefore, it is suitable for portrait photography. The vignette is present on the full frame and open apertures; the vignette can be removed in the graffiti editor. It is very good that the Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO tolerates back and side light. The lens boasts very nice bokeh. The transition from the zone of sharpness to the zone of blur occurs very smoothly, such a transition is often called a gradient, that is, one that amplifies or decreases evenly. The effect of a uniform transition from the sharpness zone to the blur zone is easy to see by taking, for example, a photograph of the grid.

UPDATED

Examples of photos on Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E in version for Sony / Minolta cameras photographer with Sony / Konica Minolta A mount Angelica Taranenko (Instagram). She uses a lens with a camera. sona a580. You can find more examples of Angelica’s works in her on VK page, or in her profile at 35photo.

My experience

My lens has very strong back focus (focuses behind the subject) when used on the camera Nikon D700. I am using Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO on D700 when the focus is adjusted to '-15'. On my cameras Nikon D80 и D40 back focus is minimal. I purchased this Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO for portrait shooting as a full-frame portrait lens Nikon D700. I was very upset with the back focus, but a good drawing and the possibility of macro shooting crossed out this drawback. For the money that costs Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO, you can look at another good macro portrait Tokina Macro 100 F2.8 D AT-X PRO N / AIS.

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Example photo on Tamron 90 2.8

Prices for the Tamron 90mm F / 2.8 Di Macro lens in popular online stores can look at this link.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Results

The Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272E is a good macro lens for full frame cameras with the ability to shoot 1 in 1 macro. The Tamron 90 / 2.8 has very nice bokeh because of which it is often used in portrait shooting, and the price tag on the lens is small.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: anonym

 

 

Comments: 86, on the topic: Review of Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 272EN II

  • Sergei

    Arkady, do not tell me when comparing this lens with the 85 1.8. With the aperture set at 85 at 2.8 and Tamron with the maximum open (not a full-length portrait, but a large one) - will the degree of blurring of the back photo differ?

    • Sergei

      Error:: backlight:

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The degree of blur will be almost equal, the nature is different.

      • Very important question

        Hello, Arkady. One thing that is very important to me is incomprehensible to me. Tell me, you write “When focusing from infinity to MDF, the lens aperture drops and with MDF the maximum aperture number is already F / 5.6”, i.e. the aperture falls from the point of view of exposure metering, and the aperture blades do not narrow, therefore, the light actually comes in the same amount OR is this effect similar to the effect of zoom lenses with variable aperture values, so less light comes in?
        Please explain, it is advisable to get a link to material about this effect.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          The usual effect of such a drop is actually the F number when focusing toward the MDF. There is plenty of information on the net.

        • Lynx

          The petals do not narrow, the diaphragm number drops due to a change in the lens itself (shift of lenses and body), most often due to strong physical elongation.

  • Very important question

    Tell me at least what kind of request to make to go to articles?
    It turns out that ultimately there is less light, and you have to reduce exposure, raise ISO, in case of insufficient amount of light?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Of course, the real aperture of the lens when focusing on the MDF falls (aperture and aperture - different concepts). This is due to the fact that when focusing, the lens changes its angle of view (correctly called 'Focus breathing'), on the fingers can be shown in such a way that its focal length is increased. Aperture, also known as the relative aperture of the lens, is the ratio of the effective aperture of the lens to the focal length of the lens. Thus, the effective aperture remains the same, but the focal length increases, as a result, the F-number increases. This happens with all lenses, but special attention should be paid to this in the case of macro lenses. Therefore, the lens itself shows the recalculation of the F number when changing the focusing distance. On conventional lenses, the Focus Breathing is not so pronounced and the F-number conversion can be neglected. Usually, all lenses that use the focusing of the movement of the entire lens unit for focusing, when focusing at a scale of 1: 1, double their focal length, it is logical that the F number also doubles. In the case of this Tamron, its F / 2, when focusing on the MDF, turns into F / 2.8 * 2.8 = F / 2, which is shown by the lens electronics. And the angle of view when focusing on the MDF will be the same as for a 5.6 mm lens :).

  • Very important question

    Sorry for the intrusiveness) Tell me, for you, with your experience in shooting portraits, would this be a disadvantage? Which lens would you replace it with a budget of up to 20 thousand? How would you even act with such aperture when shooting portraits?

    Thank you very much, sometimes I get silly unexpected questions for myself and instead of thinking, I take a puzzled look)

    • Lynx

      Can.
      85 / 1,8G

      • Very important question

        But how is he to you, Lynx?
        I do not like him at all, I have had experience using it for about a month.

        • Lynx

          the glass is pleasant, but alas, in my opinion it is at full frame.
          On crop, I didn’t like either half a inch or 85 mm, an inconvenient focus on crop, IMHO.
          Therefore, I use 35, 105 and 135 mm focal lengths for different portraits.

          • Very important question

            Thanks, Lynx)
            Often I read your comments, there is something to draw) Do you have a profile on 500px, Learn and similar resources?
            What 105ku advise? I promise that I will not bother you anymore))

            • Lynx

              I don’t really know which one to advise.
              for facial portraits - which one you find, most of the manual hundred parts-135-current are dragging something suitable, the question is whether you like the drawing.
              ideally of course 135 / 2DC or 105 / 2DC)) I get by with Jupiter 37, Nikon 100 / 2,8E and 35-105 / 3,5-4,5D.
              ...
              is in LJ and contact. five hundred, flick and others - somehow I will not master it, and I don’t think that the works are so cool to put them there.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Of course, if you shoot not portraits, but macro, you will feel a drop in aperture. Professional zoom 80-200 have the same 2.8 and are considered quite tolerable for portraits.
      1.8g / 1.8d are good lenses.
      Silly questions need to be thought out for yourself, and not splash them anywhere.

  • Very important question

    Well, Arkady, you need to write caustic remarks as needed, not wherever and when you wander, and if you answer questions that they were not, then completely, but thanks anyway. Prosperity!)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I personally answered my questions more than completely :)

    • Lynx

      Well, I think Arkady and wrote them where necessary.

  • yana

    I want to purchase this macro lens on the Nikon d90? or is it better to consider another option?

  • srdjan

    Tamron SP AF 90mm 1: 2.8 Di + EOS 40D

  • Alan Grek

    in the table, the line “price”: the link actually leads to a lens without a built-in focusing motor. even though their optical schemes are the same, the lenses themselves are essentially different. would correct ...

  • The

    Designed for Nikon FX digital cameras, but what about the DX ?? is it possible to attach it to the d7100?

    • Andrei

      Of course you can, on dx it will be even better, because the focal length will be already 135mm!

      An ideal and most importantly inexpensive option for a beginner makrushnik is still a tamron 90 2,8 =) the minimum focusing distance is about 30 cm, you can not frighten insects. The stabilizer is just not enough. Suitable for macro, and for portraits and for everything else.
      Before buying, I recommend that you familiarize yourself, the guys checked https://buynbest.ru/luchshij-makroobektiv-nikon/

    • Dmitriy

      I bought myself one today for $ 140 for my D7100, only the model is even older: the 272E produced in 2006, made in Japan. Works great as my non-motorized version is noisy, but the focusing speed is impressive, feels faster than my nikkor 35 1,8. Since there is an aperture control ring, it is easy to shoot video. It is difficult to break, the lens is deeply recessed. Well, and less likely to be stolen, it looks like a regular regular 18-55.
      For an amateur, it’s immediately a replacement for 85 mm 1,8 (since it has excellent resolution, and the distance is just suitable for good blurring of the background, plus excellent resolution. Well, how can it be shot at least at home, even on the street.
      It gets into focus 7-8 times out of 10, more for that price and is not necessary. On the FF camera, due to its size, it looks flawed.

  • anonym

    I bought it for about $ 100, an even older one - 172E for Canon. Focuses noisily and unhurriedly, but accurately. There is no front and back focus. It happens that he misses, but not so often. A good opportunity to play with macro. You get good pictures for very little money. Thanks for your review!

  • Vladimir

    And what can you say about the earlier version of Tamron SP AF 90mm, Model 72E for crop or the best option would be Tkina 100 / 2,8?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The best option would be modern super-nano-lenses. The previous version is also similar to this one, but without a focus motor. Tokina is a good option.

  • willow

    the lens of course strikes with sharpness, accuracy and a bokeh of 2,8. I bought version 272, according to reviews on bourgeois sites, it is it that is praised. Now on walks I take only this lens.

  • Alexey

    I bought version 272 on 7100 as a macro portrait, now I use it on the d600, not often of course, but the portraits on it turn out good from the technical side, from the artistic side it is not 1.8 and not 1.4, and its specification is different.
    It is good, but I rarely use it, usually 28 / 1.8g and 50 / 1.4g, I'm used to a wide angle. And I keep it for portraits, although I’m not shooting it like that.
    It's time to change something ... Maybe him ?! What do you advise?!

  • Olga

    Arkady, tell me, please: I am choosing a used lens for macro photography (mostly insects, flowers) on Nikon D3300. Which one is preferable: this (motor version) or Micro Nikkor 85mm? In Tamron, the greater luminosity and drawing are tempting, in Nikon - the presence of a stub.

    • B. R. P.

      If you are not planning a full shot, take your own. For macro aperture is optional.

  • Olga

    Hello Arkady, I am choosing a used lens for macro photography (insects, flowers) on Nikon D3300. Can you please tell me which one would be preferable - this one or Nikkor 85mm micro? Tamron likes the larger aperture and pattern, Nikon likes the presence of a stub.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Good afternoon. What kind of "macro" are you planning to shoot and what else will the lens be used for?

    • Olga

      Sorry, the page did not load right away, therefore I duplicated the question. Thank you very much for the answers!

  • Olga

    Arkady, I plan mainly to take photos of insects, perhaps still a subject and occasionally - portraits.

  • anonym

    >> The effect of a uniform transition from the field of focus to the area of ​​unsharpness is easy to see by taking, for example, a photo of the grid.

    Photo of the grid - the link leads to joyful, but there is no photo at the moment - error 404

    Typo - transitional

  • Andrei

    Tell me, did you compare this tamron with the first, non-motorized version?

  • Maria

    Good afternoon!
    Tell me, please, can this lens fit the Samsung GX10?
    This source (https://www.fotosklad.ru/catalog/tamron-sp-af-90mm-f-2-8-di-macro-1-1-pentax-ka-kaf-kaf2.html) indicates that this lens is suitable for mounting Pentax K.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, under the mirror Samsung should fit

  • Sergei

    Good afternoon, Arkady! I ordered such a lens on ozone, and now there are doubts about whether it has a focus motor.
    Name - Tamron SP AF 90mm F / 2,8 Di Macro lens for Nikon
    YOM: 2010
    Model Number: 272EN
    Tell me, is it possible to determine the presence of a motor by photo and year of manufacture?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If this is the case, then it is with a built-in motor (visible by the number of contacts of the microprocessor)

  • NK

    Good day. Can you please tell me I choose a macro lens for a crop (canon 800d). goal: shooting action figures and dolls in general from 30 cm. Is this glass suitable for these goals or is it better to look at something else? for example, native kenon 60 2/8 ef-s or are there any other alternative options? Thank you

  • Elizabeth

    Hola buenas tardes, tengo esta lente y no logro que la zona de enfoque no sea estrecha, me refiero a que sólo enfoca una pequeña zona de la imagen y el resto queda desenfocado, a pesar de que pongo un valor f/ alto. Me puedes decir cómo conseguir que la imagen quede lo más ampliamente enfocada posible sin el horquillado de enfoque en la edicion.

    Disculpa que haga una pregunta tan básica. Muchas gracias por tu respuesta. Un saludo

    • B. R. P.

      Mucho depende de la distancia al sujeto. Cuanto más lejos esté el objeto de la cámara, mayor será la profundidad de campo. Pero no podrá lograr la profundidad de campo de una lente gran angular, incluso si cierra la apertura por completo.

  • Alexey

    Not bad glass for its time, but very limping. It’s easier to pay 5 thousand and take a newer model or original glass.

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

Russian-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2012/10/tamron-sp-af-90mm-macro-obzor/?replytocom=235425

Versión en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2012/10/tamron-sp-af-90mm-macro-obzor/?replytocom=235425