TAMRON announces new MACRO lens

[DonSchap]

So ... you say your MACRO isn't "bright" enough.

How about a 60mm f/2?

45087 (http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/03/24/tamrons-new-60mm-f2-11-macro/)
(Click image for link to details)

Discussion encouraged ... :D

[jekostas]

*scratches head*

Why exactly is this news? Olympus has had their 50mm F/2 macro out since mid-2003.

[Rooz]

no macro lens on aps-c i'm aware of is faster than 2.5. an f2 macro lens is pretty cool cos it would make for a really good portrait lens aswell. it would also mean that you can shoot it at probably 2.8 at MFD which is not possible with most macro lens' now which are only 2.8 @ infinity-ish.

[TheObiJuan]

I'm glad you stay on top of things, Don.
I'm eager to see sample images and reviews; I'd buy it!

[raven15]

*concurs with jekostas*

[devin]

Dang! This could be sweet. I have been thinkin about the Canon 100mm macro, but this could be worth waiting for.

[Viky]

New innovations from Tamron:

New BABR Coating
Full Time Manual
Internal Focusing

..an f2 macro lens is pretty cool cos it would make for a really good portrait lens aswell..

Yes, infact, it should make for a better portrait lens than either the 50 1.8 or 1.4 since apart from the f2 aperture, it also has a 7 blade aperture to provide a smoother background blur:)

[D70FAN]

Yes, infact, it should make for a better portrait lens than either the 50 1.8 or 1.4 since apart from the f2 aperture, it also has a 7 blade aperture to provide a smoother background blur:)

7 blade diaphrams are the norm. Most newer lenses have 9 for a rounder look to the background blurr.

Just saying... not innovative... and it remains to be seen if there is really an advantage to f/2 vs. say the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 in this type of lens.

Sorry, never been a big fan of Tamron. I've had 4 and all were disappointing (Nikon mount). Maybe they have improved. I may try this one and see... again skimping on the diaphram does not bode well.

Don, Are you planning to get one? If so, I'll wait for your comments.

[Rooz]

it remains to be seen if there is really an advantage to f/2 vs. say the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 in this type of lens.

the difference is 1 stop. no need to wait to see, its the difference between shooting at iso400 or iso 800.

[D70FAN]

the difference is 1 stop. no need to wait to see, its the difference between shooting at iso400 or iso 800.

Speed isn't the only atribute of a quality "fast" lens. There are others that are of equal importance like optical quality, focus accuracy, contrast, etc. These are the issues I have had with Tamaron (on Nikons) in the past.

Also, if this is being cast as a portrait/macro lens the shorter DOF at f/2 may be a moot point as lens speed using natural or studio lighting is not generally a critical factor. The use of a 7 segment diaphram (vs. competitors 9) is also certainly reason for pause.

I'm not suggesting that it's not a decent lens, just that a larger aperture capability does not always equal a good lens.

[GaryS]

I'm interested in seeing what this lens can do.... If the 3rd party lens manufacturers want to be successful, they need to work at providing lenses that the 1st parties aren't making. This could be a good one....

[Rooz]

Speed isn't the only atribute of a quality "fast" lens. There are others that are of equal importance like optical quality, focus accuracy, contrast, etc. These are the issues I have had with Tamaron (on Nikons) in the past.

Also, if this is being cast as a portrait/macro lens the shorter DOF at f/2 may be a moot point as lens speed using natural or studio lighting is not generally a critical factor. The use of a 7 segment diaphram (vs. competitors 9) is also certainly reason for pause.

I'm not suggesting that it's not a decent lens, just that a larger aperture capability does not always equal a good lens.

no its not the only attribute but its pretty important in many instances. there is no substitute for speed but...well...speed. i dont like tamron glass as a rule but they do make excellent macro lens'. being IF is another big plus. it should also be arounfd the 2.8 mark at MFD which is another big plus considering you lose a stop or so at MFD.

if it at least matches the 90/2.8 in performance this is an excellent lens. 7 aperture blades is not uncommon given this focal length either. the 60/2.8D nikkor is renowned for having very nice bokeh and is only a 7 blade lens.

[D70FAN]

no its not the only attribute but its pretty important in many instances. there is no substitute for speed but...well...speed. i dont like tamron glass as a rule but they do make excellent macro lens'. being IF is another big plus. it should also be arounfd the 2.8 mark at MFD which is another big plus considering you lose a stop or so at MFD.

if it at least matches the 90/2.8 in performance this is an excellent lens. 7 aperture blades is not uncommon given this focal length either. the 60/2.8D nikkor is renowned for having very nice bokeh and is only a 7 blade lens.

I didn't mean to get into a whizzing contest, but just wanted to mention that a good lens has several attributes besides speed.

Everybody has different needs. If you are into macro photography then by all means check out the Tammy.

[Rooz]

well...it IS a macro lens. lol
anyway...not whizzing, just presenting an alternate POV. :)

[devin]

I'm interested in seeing what this lens can do.... If the 3rd party lens manufacturers want to be successful, they need to work at providing lenses that the 1st parties aren't making. This could be a good one....

Also maybe they should work on their quality control. I'm afraid to even buy a Tamron lens due to all the horror stories I hear about them being bad/damaged/blurry/problematic right out of the box. :mad:

[DonSchap]

OMG :eek: ... and what are you recommending ... SIGMA?

[D70FAN]

^ Abso- friggin- lutely.:D... Unless you own a Canon... then maybe not.:rolleyes:

[cdifoto]

I think the idea is that it's a 2-for. You don't need one fast lens for portraiture then another lens for macro. You get both in one optic. I can do a ring shot then back up a few feet and do some portraits without changing lenses. It's a wonderful idea.

[cdifoto]

I'm not suggesting that it's not a decent lens, just that a larger aperture capability does not always equal a good lens.
No but it sure does always equal a more useful one.