Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD

Sony E

Review

The Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD is an impressive lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount cameras. This lens is particularly celebrated for its macro capabilities, offering photographers the chance to capture intricate details in their subjects. With a blazing fast aperture of F2.8, it not only excels in macro photography but also serves well for portraiture, providing a lovely background bokeh when necessary.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Tamron 90mm Macro is its solid build quality. The lens is constructed with a durable yet lightweight body, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. It sports a sleek black finish that gives it a professional look, and the tactile focus ring feels smooth, allowing for precise adjustments, particularly important when working at close distances. Additionally, the lens is weather-sealed, which is a significant advantage for outdoor photographers who might be caught in less-than-ideal conditions.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro delivers sharp images across the frame. This is particularly evident when photographing small subjects, where even the minutest details are rendered with stunning clarity. The lens features multiple elements that help reduce chromatic aberration and distortions. Its maximum magnification ratio of 1:1 means you can fill the frame with tiny subjects, making it perfect for nature photography.

However, while the lens performs exceptionally well in most scenarios, some users have reported slight softness at the edges when shooting wide open. Stopping down to F4 or F5.6 tends to mitigate this issue, but it's something to keep in mind if you're planning to shoot at wider apertures.

Autofocus System

The autofocus system in the Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro is powered by the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme Drive) motor, which provides quick and quiet focusing. This is an important feature for macro photography, where any hint of noise could scare off skittish subjects. In practice, the autofocus performance is generally reliable, but in low-light situations, it can sometimes struggle a bit. Manual focusing is a breeze, thanks to the smooth focus ring, which is a bonus when dealing with intricate compositions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and weather sealing
• Sharp optical performance, particularly in the center
• Fast and quiet autofocus system
• 1:1 magnification ratio for macro photography
• Versatile for both macro and portrait photography

Cons

• Slight softness at the edges when shot wide open
• Autofocus may struggle in very low-light conditions

Verdict

Overall, the Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD is an exceptional lens that caters to photographers who require both macro capabilities and a versatile focal length. Its robust build, impressive sharpness, and effective autofocus system make it a worthy addition to any Sony E-mount kit. Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as edge sharpness at wide apertures, its strengths far outweigh the negatives. Whether you are a macro enthusiast or simply looking for a quality portrait lens, this lens is indeed a solid investment.