Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8
Di Macro 1:1
Model 272E lens
by Paul Fisher

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PERFORMANCE I

The mechanical performance of the Tamron 90mm Macro is very good.
On my F80 and D100, the autofocus is fairly quiet, and (for a macro lens) reasonably brisk.

Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 XR Di LD [IF] Macro 1:1 Lens and Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 Model 272E

It is certainly much faster than the Tamron 180mm macro, and is further assisted by the focus limiting switch. Engaging the switch will restrict the focus action between the closest distance of 0.29 metres to 0.4m approximately, or from 0.4m to infinity.

Except in very poor light, the lens finds focus quickly and accurately, and “hunting” is a rare occurrence.

On my new D2H, focus is quite brisk, and within the limits of the Full/ limit switch is virtually instantaneous. This lens / camera combination finds focus immediately with virtually no hunting.
Sliding the focusing collar back towards the camera body engages manual focus. A definite click stop ensures this does not happen accidentally. The manual focus is very smooth, though lacking a little in “feel”. The throw is very long, making accurate focusing easy.

The lens comes equipped with an aperture ring (no G-lens nonsense at Tamron ) which immediately means I can use it on my FM2n as well as my more modern Nikons. The aperture ring has an automatic lock at the f/22 position, which is released by a tiny button built into the ring itself. It has full stop detents. Half stop settings are possible, but there are no half stop detents.