Example Photograph

The legendary 90mm F2.8 has been available in different improved versions for over 30 years, and therefore stands in a long macro tradition in the super performance series. This light super performance (SP)* macro-lens offers a 1:1 magnification ratio and pin-sharp images with beautifully blurred backgrounds that make your subject stand out. The Di version was adapted to the demands of digital SLR cameras and characterized by a new multi-coating with which the stray-light behaviour of the lens was optimized. The Tamron 90mm is often called the "portrait macro", because the focal length is also ideally suited for portraits. The new version can be also be used on full frame or 35mm cameras.

*SP (Super Performance) - This lens belongs to the Super performance (SP) class of Tamron lenses distinguished by ultra high optical and mechanical quality.

Equally at home on APS-C DSLRs, rendering a picture angle equivalent of the 140mm lens on a full-frame DSLR or 35mm SLR camera, photographers appreciate the resulting increase in front element-to-subject distance and close-up photography. In addition, this 135mm-like picture angle is well-suited for environmental portraiture. Extraordinary sharpness, striking contrast and a remarkable absence of distortion combine to produce images of exceptional calibre.

9 Diaphragm Blades

The number of diaphragm blades affects the "shape" of the blur in out-of-focus areas of the image. This is more important in portraiture, where the aperture setting is often wide open, and macro photography, where the high magnification results in blurred background and foreground even at narrow apertures. When backgrounds are soft and blurred, not only is the effect very pleasing and "photographic", but it also serves to isolate the subject from a distracting background, providing a professional-looking image. A high number of blades provide a rounder shape to the aperture, which in turn makes the shape of the blur more circular and much more natural.

Super Performance (SP)

Tamron SP (Super Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality. In creating SP lenses Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints. As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

Di Anti-Reflection

One major difference between digital 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. However in a digital camera, the almost mirror-like surfaces of CCD and CMOS sensors make this much more of a challenge. Di lenses offer new anti-reflection countermeasures that are essential in lenses designed for use with digital cameras. The SP AF90mm Di features an improved coating technology that reduces the problematic reflections to the absolute minimum.

Focal Length

As a medium telephoto focal length, 90mm is particularly useful as a portrait macro lens when used with a film camera. When used on a digital SLR camera with a smaller image sensor, the lens provides a focal length equivalent to that of 140mm, so it can be used conveniently as a telephoto macro lens.

Auto-focus/Manual-focus (AF/MF) Switch Mechanism

The ability to switch quickly between auto-focus (AF) and manual-focus (MF) is a great asset in many types of shooting, especially sports and nature photography. This is easily accomplished with Tamron’s ingenious AF/MF system. By simply sliding the focus ring back and forth between the two positions you can select either the AF or MF focusing position. In manual-focus mode Tamron lenses provide smooth, precise manual focusing by turning their wide, well-textured focusing rings.

*NOTE* - 272E is the manufacturer's code and not the model number.