Well it’s been awhile now since I got this Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro lens and I wanted to blog a little about it and my experience using it.
First off its a true 1:1 magnification 90mm prime macro lens. To achieve true 1:1 magnification you’ll need to have the lens barrel fully extended all the way out as seen in the picture. Once you do this you’ll have to move the camera back and forth on your subject to get in focus. This is not as easy as it sounds! The Tamron 90mm fully extended and close enough to focus on a subject is approximately 3 ¾” away from your subject. That’s only if you want “true 1:1 macro”. Now 3 ¾” is pretty darn close to your subject and the focal-plane is as thin as a few strands of hair at a large f-stop say, f/2.8 – 4. Sometimes that works great and the bokeh (background blur) is wonderful but I find a smaller f-stop is easier to work with like F/11-16 even F22 to get the best focus on the whole subject.
A tripod is a must and would be even better if you have a Joby Gorillapod tripod for those shots were your on your knees and very close to the ground. You’ll also need a remote shutter release to get the job done. Using your on camera flash wont work for you since you are so close to your subject. When I need to use my flash I use my SB600 off camera in commander mode and this works great.
The Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro lens is as sharp as a tack and very light on the D90. This lens also doubles as a great portrait lens also so you get a true macro lens and portrait lens in one lens! Below are a couple of shots I got in the back yard messing around. I hope you get a chance to discover the tiny world of macro with your D90, It’s a blast…
1/250, F/9, 90mm, 0 EV, No Flash
1/125, F/20, 90mm, -4/3 EV, No Flash
14 comments:
Anouther one for the wish list! Nice post, thanks
showing macro images is really pushing the camera to its limits with close-up pictures of insects and vegitation.
Thank you so much for all your info on this camera!! I bought it about 2 years ago and I've never read the manual, I've just mainly left it on Auto. I know I'm an idiot! I finally decided to see about ordering the dummy guide, but then I blog and I thought there's got to be a blog out there somewhere just for this camera. And then you came to my rescue!! Loving every bit of it so far! I will be visiting your blog quite frequently. :)
Thanks Laura, I'm so glad you found the blog. Welcome...It's nice to hear your comments.
You guys too, Stone & Mark
thank you so much for bogging! i bought this back in sept. 2010 and most of the time, I've had it on auto. i much rather learn and use it manual but it just seems faster and easier to make it "auto" thank you for all the tips, and advice, and products reviews.
Hi, I have a D90 and have just got a Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro lens. After putting the lens on the camera I found autofocus would not work, manual was fine. After putting my original lens (Nikon 18-200mm) back on the camera that wouldn't autofocus either. The camera makes a click as if it is trying to start the autofocus motor but nothing works and no focus. Just wondering if you have come across this problem? Or have any solutions? Thanks.
I'm so glad I found this site! I've had my Nikon D90 since it first came out, but just over the past year or so am I starting to really get serious and focus on photography.
Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro lens did great job. Thank you for image samples. This post is very helpfull before buying this lens...
I will use this lens with
thank you again
really it was a nice post
color balancing
Read this blog.Very interesting.So much so I bought the 90mm 2.8 Macro Lens.You wheren't kidding.Worth every penny.THANKS!
Great blog! I have just acquired a Tamron 90mm for my D90. It is not quite what I imagined. I have only used it handheld so far and I find it incredibly difficult to keep it steady enough for a 1:1 even at small apertures. So I have not had great success yet, also the slightest breeze moves subjects in and out of focus.
Stupid question I know but should my D90 be set to the close up (flower symbol)? If so, I can't set aperture or speed priority so I am guessing not. Would a 2x converter help in not scaring small insects away by lengthening the lens? Keep up the good work, Ian
Hi Ian, Yes it is frustrating sometimes with the wind and subject movement. I suppose you could use the micro setting but I prefer to use apeture...have fun!
I am such a fan of your blog and completely trust all your reviews, which help me build my camera gear! I wanted to ask you advice for my macro lens: Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens or Nikon 85mm f/3.5G Micro Nikkor Lens for my D90? There isn't much price difference and reviews for both lenses are pretty much the same. What do you think?
E Davy, Thanks for the kind words. I have only used the Tamron 90 and it is great. I wish I could help with your question on the Nikon 85mm. The reviews are pretty good but it's not a 2.8 lens. Maybe someone else could chime in on your question....
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