Tamron SP AF 60mm F2 Di II LD IF Macro

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Tamron SP AF 60mm F2 Di II LD IF Macro is a versatile and robust lens designed specifically for Nikon F-type cameras with a DX sensor. Known for its macro capabilities, this lens offers photographers a unique opportunity to capture intricate details with precision. The 60mm focal length provides a good balance for macro photography while also doubling as a solid portrait lens.

Build and Design

The lens features a solid build quality that feels durable in hand. The overall design is compact and lightweight, making it a suitable option for photographers who prefer a portable setup. The external barrel includes a textured grip that's comfortable to hold, even during extended shooting sessions. The 60mm macro is also equipped with a flower-shaped hood which helps to reduce lens flare and improve contrast in harsh lighting conditions.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Tamron SP AF 60mm F2 showcases excellent sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame. This lens performs admirably well in delivering crisp details at both wide-open and stopped-down apertures. The F2 maximum aperture allows for smooth background blur (bokeh), making this lens a favorite for portrait photographers seeking to isolate subjects beautifully. Additionally, the lens incorporates LD (Low Dispersion) elements which minimize chromatic aberrations and contribute to its sharpness across the frame.

Macro Capabilities

As a true macro lens, this model achieves a 1:1 magnification ratio, allowing photographers to capture fine details at a close distance. Whether you're shooting flowers, insects, or detailed textures, the lens excels in providing stunning, life-sized images. The minimum focusing distance of around 20cm offers great versatility for capturing small subjects without disturbing them. The lens also handles lighting and contrast well, producing vibrant colors and rich saturation.

Autofocus and Handling

The autofocus system is reasonably fast and accurate, although it may struggle in low-light situations or when dealing with highly reflective subjects. The manual focus ring operates smoothly, allowing for precise fine-tuning during critical macro shots. Unfortunately, the lens lacks a full-time manual focus override, which may be a letdown for some photographers who prefer to have complete control over focusing.

Low Light Performance

Thanks to its F2 aperture, the Tamron 60mm performs well in low-light conditions, allowing for decent shutter speeds during indoor or evening shoots. However, be aware that at the F2 setting, the lens may exhibit some softness at the edges, particularly if you’re photographing landscape scenes or wide compositions. Stopping down to F2.8 or F4 generally resolves this issue.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness, particularly at the center
• Compact and lightweight design
• True macro capabilities with 1:1 magnification
• Smooth and pleasing bokeh for portraits
• Good color saturation and contrast

Cons

• Autofocus can be slow in low light
• Lacks full-time manual focus override
• Edge softness at wide apertures

Verdict

The Tamron SP AF 60mm F2 Di II LD IF Macro is a fantastic lens for photographers looking to explore macro photography without sacrificing the versatility needed for portraits. While the autofocus system may not be the fastest, the optical performance and macro capabilities make it a compelling choice, especially for those on a budget. If you’re a Nikon F (DX) user in search of a reliable macro lens, this Tamron option is well worth considering.