| Tamron
SP AF 90mm f/2.8
Di Macro 1:1
Model 272E lens
by Paul Fisher
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Paul_Fisher
Nikonian in Australia
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INTRODUCTION
Since
1979, Tamron has produced 90mm macro lenses whose optical quality
has rivaled the extraordinary Micro-Nikkors. Some photographers
claim to have preferred the Tamron over the Nikkor because of
its superior handling of out-of-focus areas ("Bokeh").
More recently, Tamron have introduced a range of “digitally
integrated” Di lenses, each of which has raised the bar in value-for-money
optical performance. Now, we see the marriage of the famous
90mm macro to the most up-to-date Di technology. The result
is the ...
| |
| Tamron
SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 Model 272E
|
FIRST
IMPRESSIONS
Like
all the Tamron SP Di lenses released to date, the 90mm macro
is made of black polycarbonate, with a rubberised focusing collar
and metal lens mount. It shares a family resemblance with the
superb 180mm macro, through the use of gold engraving and blue
manual/autofocus markings.
In the hand, this lens feels compact and light, but never flimsy.
It is too small to accommodate a tripod collar. However, this
is not an IF lens, and grows by 50mm when focusing to the 1:1
position.
A
welcome addition – and something the 180mm really should have
had – is a full / limit switch. The action of this rotary switch
is very light – very easy to use, but it is the one item on
this lens that feels less than robust. I wonder at its durability.
Switching between manual and auto focus modes is as easy as
sliding the focusing collar forwards or backwards. A distinct
click ensures you do not change modes accidentally.
The
front element is deeply recessed, so that the supplied hood
is not really necessary. Conversely, the rear element is right
up in the throat of the lens mount, and does not move during
focusing. The lens barrel is thereby sealed against dust entering
from the rear.
Being
polycarbonate, the lens is lighter than an equivalent metal
lens. However it feels solid and well made. I have no doubt
that it will prove just as durable and reliable as a metal lens.
SPECIFICATIONS
.
| Model |
272E |
| Focal
length |
90mm |
| Maximum
aperture |
f/2.8 |
| Angle
of view |
27°
|
| Lens
construction |
10
elements in 9 groups |
| MOD
(minimum object distance) |
0.29m
/ 11.4" |
| Magnification
ratio |
1:1 |
| Filter
size |
55mm
|
| Overall
length |
86.5mm
/ 3.41" |
| Maximum
diameter |
83.2mm
/ 3.28" |
| Weight
|
405g
/ 14.3oz |
| Number
of diaphragm blades |
9 |
| Minimum
aperture |
f/32
|
| Standard
accessory included |
Hood
|
The
new lens has the same optical configuration as that it replaces,
plus the digital integration technology. The following is
from a Tamron press release:
One major difference between digital cameras and film
cameras is how internal reflections may occur and to what
extent. These internal reflections can cause unwanted flare
or ghosting on the final image. In a film camera, internal
reflections can be created inside the mirror box of the
camera or from light reflecting off the film surface itself.
In a digital camera, stronger reflections can occur from
light bouncing off the sensor, since CCD and CMOS sensors
are almost mirror-like on their surface, making the problem
more noticeable with digital cameras.
Unlike conventional lenses designed to cope with internal
diffused reflections off the mirror box and film surface,
Di lenses offer new anti-reflection countermeasures that
are essential in lenses designed for use with digital cameras.
The new SP AF90mm Di (Model 272E) features an improved coating
technology that reduces the reflections that are likely
to become a problem, to the absolute minimum.
.
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