Your opinion on selecting a 90 - 105 portrait macro for OM

I need you opinions :

 

I am looking for a 90-105 portrait-macro lens for my Olympus OM-4T &

OM-2S.

The Zuiko 90mm f/2 will be my first choice, but in Sydney (Australia)

here, where the consumer photography mass market is small, it is

almost impossible to find one, used or unused. Of course if I can

find one, this question will not be posted. (Although there are

occasionally some auction in eBay, they do not sell to Australia - in

particular from Olympus USA).

 

Furthermore Olympus Australia is unhelpful at all - they don't even

take orders from Japan for OM parts (which Olympus Japan promised

will be in production for some 10 years). They don't service OM and

they don't refer you to any capable OM technicians that will service

OM. They just merely abandon all the OM customers. (What will

Olympus Japan say ?)

 

Back to my question : some friends of mine come up with a substitute

list and I wish your opinions (it will be more valuable if it is

based on your experience) :

 

Tamron SP 90 f2.5 Adaptall-2 MF 52B (earlier 49mm filter metal

version)

Tamron SP 90 f2.5 Adaptall-2 MF 52BB (later 52mm filter plastic/metal

version)

Tamron SP 90 f2.8 Adaptall-2 MF (current 1:1 version)

Tokina AT-X 90 f2.5

Tokina AT-X 105 f2.5

Vivitar Series 1 90 f2.5

Vivitar Series 1 105 f2.5

 

I expect the lens to take excellent portraits and at the same time

performing very well in macro. I do not want the lens to give sharp

yet unpleasant harsh portrait.

 

Which of these lens will give the best quality in portrait ? and in

macro ?

 

I am also concern about the 'improvement' of successive generation of

the same brand, ie does the later version perform better optically

(sharpness, flare control, ghosting, etc.).

 

A friend of mine has an used Tamron SP 52B (49mm filter metal

version) and his comments was that the flare was high (in

backlighting the whole picture seems to be misty - black is not true

black). I am not sure whether this is a sample problem or a general

problem.

I cannot find any info regarding the effecitveness of the multi-

coatings of Tamron (BBAR?), Tokina and Vivitar (VMC?), and I cannot

find any discussions on the improvements on their multi-coatings on

their successive generations of lenses.

Hello

 

I know what you mean about the refusal of Olympus Australia to service OM stuff, despite promises. However, I have been referred to a technician by them, so I think it was who you spoke to. Name I got was a firm called Nizora in Melbourne (03 95602858). However, some Sydney repair firms have some parts as well.

 

On the 90 question, I can only say that the 90mm f2 is worth seeking out. It is a brilliant lens and it such a shame that such things have to die.

 

It does not give a 'sharp but unpleasant portrait'. But it is very hard to find and is very expensive, I know.

 

My only other brief experience was with a Tamron 90 f2.5 some years ago and the results were good. From memory, very sharp, but I can't comment on anything else, but maybe not so good for a portrait lens. The advantage - MUCH cheaper than the 90 f2 and you should be able to get softar filters (like the Zeiss ones - not softening flary ones)if necessary.

 

If you are buying new, then can you take your camera to the shop and take a test roll??

The Zuiko 85mm f/2 is much easier to find than the 90mm f/2. OK, the 85 is not a macro... is this so important to you? You could probably buy an 85mm f/2 for portraits and a 50mm f/3.5 macro for macros, together for the same price or less than the 90mm f/2 on its own!!

I had a lot of success many years ago with the Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5, with the matched multiplier. The lenses are quite easy to find, but the OM mount may take some time to locate. Don't buy one without the MM, otherwise you'll never find it (remember the MM has OM mounts on both sides, like a tele-converter).

 

The Tamron SP Adaptall lenses are always rated very highly. Later lenses will have better performance. The advantage of the Tamron lenses is that you don't have to find an OM mount lens.

 

On the Zuiko 90/2, it's a great lens. If you find one, buy it, you'll never regret it.

 

Skip

Nick : do you know if any good OM technician in Sydney ?

 

I wish I have the opportunity of getting a Zuiko 90 f2 and perhaps a Zuiko 35-80 f2.8.

 

I think I would have a better chance if I were in the US. Many eBay auction items are available to US and there is a hefty import duties on oeverseas shipment from Australia Customs.

 

I have seen some very good (conditions) offers of Zuiko 90 f2 by Olympus USA, but only sell to US and Canada.

 

If I could find them in Sydney .....

I have the Zuiko 100/2, which I like very much. I paid over the odds for it used.

 

I also have the Tamron 90/2.5 (55mm diameter version), which I was using up until that time. The coating seems to be very effective, the front element is deeply recessed, and there's a large bayonet hood for the lens that I never used. The bokeh is pretty good, although I like that from the Zuiko 100/2 better. It seems robust enough but doesn't have the slick feel of the Zuiko.

 

My Tamron is for sale. I am in suburban Melbourne. If you or the other poster want it, email me (click on my name).

 

Nizora turns out to be an answering machine. He never got back to me. It's an absolute disgrace, and I urge anyone annoyed enough to get in touch with the ACCC. It came about because the land Gunz was sited on in Richmond got to be worth probably more than the whole photo business, so they just sold up. It was a large single-storey building just back from the tram line. Nizora is a one-man business run by one

of their ex-techs, and they sold all their spares to him. The independent techs are ordering spares direct from Tokyo.

Dear F,

 

FWIW, I go to Whiltons on Elizabeth St. Chris there said he had got some parts from Gunz when they stopped importing Olympus. Only problem with them is they are very busy and you have to be a bit pushy to get your repairs done when they say they will do them by (or even well after).

 

Coincidentally, my 90 f2 is there at the moment for a service (I would post a picture of the battered old dear otherwise). I don't live in Sydney, so am even worse off with getting them to do the job.

 

Nick

 

PS All things come to those who wait!

PPS The above advice about a 50 and an 85 is sound, although the mild telephoto effect in macro is quite different to the 50. SOmething to think about...

Any version of the Tamron 90mm will be excellent, though I'm sure the Tokina & Vivitar are probably good lenses. Bob Shell thought highly of the Vivitar Series 1 100/2.5 lens, also sold as a Kiron. The old Series 1 90/2.5 was apparently made by Tokina.

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There are plenty of Tamrons around too, at reasonable prices. If I didn't already have an 85/2 I'd happily get one before shelling out the extra for the Zuiko 90/2. But if you want the very best you'll have to pay for it.

<br><br>Opinions of multicoating differences are notorious for inaccuracies and inconsistencies, though later lenses are likely to be better.

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If you buy a Tamron remember to check the adaptor - the later versions have <b>OL</b> marked on the mount. The earlier version can damage the mount of the OM4T(i). See <a href="http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/archives/1999/msg19758.html">http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/archives/1999/msg19758.html</a> for a more detailed explanation.

FYI, The older Tamron OM mounts can be made to work fine on the OM4 by simply putting some smooth epoxy over the screw that interferes with the OM4-s pin on the lens mount.

I do not have experience with Olympus 90mm. It was (is) out of my price range. I have owned the Tamron 90 f/2.8 for two years. It is an excellent lens. This is a very sharp lens. I can't imagine that the Zuiko could be any sharper. From viewing photos online with the Zuiko, I think it probably has better boken than the Tamron. The only negative I can offer with this lens is that it does focus past infinity. I believe there is some play in the infinity focus to compensate for expansion. I think I read that somewhere. Or it could be due to the adaptall mount. Nonetheless, I would say this is an outstanding lens, especially for the money. I have been very successful with portraits at 2.8-4.0. This lens is a 1:1 macro with excellent capabilities. Also, it takes a 55mm filter so it is compatable with filters for other zuikos.

Hi Frederick

 

I have been down this road also. I have started with 100mm f2.8 Zuiko and then tried 100mm f2 and 90mm f2 briefly.

 

Currently have Tamron SP 90mm f2.5 macro (55mm thread). This is exceptionally sharp at f16-f22 and outstanding at f32, 5.6-11. It was compared to the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro AF in a test and concluded to be better than the Canon for sharpnes in the f16-f22 zone, yet equal in the f4-f8. The conclusion is that the Tamron is a great lens and only comes second to the Canon at f2.8 and regarding contrast. The Canon has noticeably better contrast control, yet the Tamron still has that creamy warm character of the Canon AF optics and if contrast is controlled, gives a similar lens for less price.

 

Sorry to compare to Canon, but it shows how good this lens is, and my thinking is that one day OM is finished and I go to the other MF body e.g F3 Nikon, or likely to be FM3a, switch the Tamron Adaptall to nikon and be happy.

 

This 90mm f2.8 Tamron 1:1 macro I have has a plastic front filter thread would you believe!!!!!Yet it does focus very smoothly and is very light weight for trekking. Some weddings I've done have that softness at f4-f5.6 for head/shoulder portraits.

 

My advice is to think seriously about how difficult it is to fix OM bodies in not too distant future...therefor think about money tied up in optics. My OM4Ti bought new 3 yrs ago has just returned from its 5th repair. Although all small things like spring breaking on all-clear lever, flash shoe coming loose etc.

 

There is a Tokina ATX 90mm macro for sale here and they do ship overseas.http://www.photo.co.nz/2ndhand/2ndproduct.asp?idc=3&idm=260

 

I think the Tamron 90 mentioned is better lens. I would love to have again the Zuiko 90mm f2 macro (I couldn't afford it, so my friend bought it instead).

 

How about a Nikon F80 body (a lot of camera for 580 grams), and a Nikon AF 105 2.8 macro. Add a 24 2.8 and a 35mm f2 and you have a replacement for the OM system that offers outstanding quality. Yet no mirror lock-up!!!

 

MMMMmmmm, time I stopped rambling, all the best

Guy

"Name I got was a firm called Nizora in Melbourne (03 95602858)."

 

I can personally recommend them.

 

...Wayne

<i>My advice is to think seriously about how difficult it is to fix OM bodies in not too distant future...</i>

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One shouldn't caution against buying something because it will eventually be out of date or difficult to repair, as this would include many things - PCs, as well as digital and film cameras past and present.

<br><br>If we all follow this principle no-one would ever want to own a classic car or motorbike(an excuse for a <a href="http://www.v-four.freeserve.co.uk/testersrun/3.htm">gratuitous link to pic of classic Triumph m/c</a>), and that would be a shame.

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It would be sensible to suggest Nikon for someone who is hoping to switch to another system, but that wasn't the question. Whether it's a Zuiko or a Tamron, just buy it and use it. If it breaks in 2 years or 20 years *then* you can decide what to do about it, but in the meantime just enjoy using it.

He didn't say not to buy OM gear. He said to think about eventually not being able to get it repaired, which was good advice, IMHO. I personally use the same Tamron 90mm f2.5 SP macro on my Olympus, Pentax, Nikon, Minolta, Canon, and Leica bodies. That's one of it's great advantages. One macro lens working great with every 35mm SLR that I own, with just the changing of a ~$25 mount adapter.

My own preference is for the 100F2.0 Zuiko! It's every bit as outstanding as it's 90 sibling, plus it's smaller, lighter and much less obtrusive. And it's almost macro anyway, with an ability to focus to 2 feet or a 1:5 reproduction ratio. First rate, dual element apochromats/close-up filters, will easily convert it for the occasional macro work. I'd be interested in a 90 only if macro was my primary focus. BTW, 90-100 is too short for effective use with butterflies! You'll need something like a 180 or 200 for them.