*Very useful focal lenth
*Top-notch optical performance
*Price (as compared to Nikon lenses)
*Not as heavy as other lenses in this range
*F/32 apperture setting is great for som extra depth of field

*Can be a bit noisy
*Sometimes goes in the wrong direction in order to autofocus

What a lens! I never conducted head to head optical tests between this lens and the comparable Nikon, but I don't think that the Nikon will be 2 times better as the price suggest. I am sure the optical performance is on the same level. Now to my favorite part: congratulations to Tamron for a very successful focal lenth. This lens lets me get 1:1 magnification ratio while keeping some distance from the subject in macro mode. Incidentally, the 90mm is very close to 85mm, the choice for many great portrait shots! Nikon's and Sigma's 105mm is not as good for portraits because you need to be a bit further away from the subject. Using this lens is a pleasure due to the manual focus override - no need to use the AF/M switch on the camera body! The feel for manual focusing is very precise and rewarding. If you are shopping for a macro lens (or a portrait lens), take a very close look at this product - you will surely be satisfied.

Customer Service

Did not use them, but 7 year warranty should say something about the company

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX Macro
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 D-AF Micro

Fast, 1:1, solid construction.

None so far.

Excellent value in 1:1 macro. Nikon's 105 is sharper, but a lot more expensive.

Customer Service

Haven't needed any.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 105

Light, inexpensive lens that produces very sharp images.

AF is a bit slow and noisy compared to Canon USM motors.

Very good lens. I was able to make sharp 16"x20" enlargements from Kodak 100VS slides (taken from tripod, of course). Tests of Popular Photography confirm this. Maybe Zeiss glass or Canon 180/3.5L would allow me to take even sharper images, but Zeiss/Leica might cost 4 times as much...

Canon 50/2 gives only 1:2 scale (Tamron is 1:1). Also, 50mm is really short for macro work - to have to be VERY close to the subject to get a decent magnification.

Customer Service

Did not use

Similar Products Used:

Canon 50/2 Macro