Nikkor 85mm AF-D f/1.8 v Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro

Both are excellent lenses, both cost around the same. One is a couple of stops

faster, the other one is Macro.

 

So which one would you prefer and why?

 

Thanks!

I guess it would depend on whether I was shooting very small things or very dimly lit things.

Assume we don't shoot macro or in low light conditions.

Which one would you choose then and why?

I'll go for the 85mm 1.8 AFD

 

1-because is a NIKON

2-is faster

3-because is a NIKON

I mentioned let's assume we shoot with aperture set to f/2.8 + for the sake of comparision. So you'd choose it because it's NIKON?

Alex, I agree with Juanjo on what guide lines you gave him. If you want the Macro feature buy the Tamron 90 and it will also work great for tight portraits. If you need speed for low light and stopping down for great portraits get the Nikon 85. You need to tell us what type of photography you want to take with these two lens for us to be real helpful.

Since the Tamron is really designed for macro photography, even thought it can be used as a protrait lens, I would get the 85mm f/1.8. Those extra stops can come in real handy when light conditions change, not to mention decreasing DOF and blurring those backgrounds.

 

If I were getting a macro lens then I would stick with Nikon as well, the Nikon micros are hard to beat.

The oof renditions are better in the Tamron, the Nikon is 2 stops faster. Build quality of either is not that great but perfectly OK. The macro feature of the Tamron is a great plus and it is one of the sharpest macro lenses I have. Manual focus with the Tamron at normal to far distances is a bit trying because the focus throw is narrow for that range and extended for the macro range. AF is faster on the 85 compared to the Tamron 90. The 85 will also likely have a tad better resale value because of Nikon label. These are all the key issues on either side that come to mind.

 

For my money, the 90 is a better value.

PS: After having used more than a dozen reputed OEM/3rd party/Nikon macro lenses, I have no baseless fantasies about Nikon Micros in particular. The 200/4 AF Micro, 55/2.8 AIS Micro and 85/2.8 T/S Micro are the finest in my experience with 105/4 AIS Micro very good too, but their 105/2.8 lineup leaves me cold. It took them a 10/9 design to get up to 1:2 magnification with 105/2.8 AIS Micro at the same time when Kiron designed this amazing 105/2.8 1:1 macro with 6/6 design boasting class-leading sharpness, contrast and OOF rendition. Duh!

Kevin Foster,

 

Have you used many Nikkors Macro? Have you used Tamron Macro?

 

According to photodo.com Tamron 90mm is sharper than Nikkors Macro.

According to photozone.de Tamron 90mm is nearly flawless lens.

Arnab, I have read many reviews and comments on both lenses. I think you are spot on with you comments on macros.

 

Let me say this: I own the 85mm f/1.8 AFD. I want to trade for Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro. I cannot justify buying another lens for macro shots. I am missing Macros. Instead, I decided to trade 85mm f/1.8 for Tamron Macro and get 80-200mm afd f/2.8 for telephoto.

 

My biggest concern is Tamron's quality control. It has been reported on numerous occasions that people are getting bad samples and are returning back to Tamron for servicing. Having said that, I have not seen many refurbished lenses from Tamron on the market. However, I have seen plenty of those from Nikon.

 

 

What's your opinion on this?

 

Thanks!

Alex, sample variation (mostly decentering of element) is the single most problem that plagues bargain priced 3rd party macros that otherwise have great optical qualities. They only way to work around this is to try another sample if you end up with a flawed one. Thankfully this problem is much less rampant than what rumors and opinions (mostly speculations) might lead you to think ... all the Tamron 90s I tried were impeccable.

 

The best way to test this is lay a test chart on level ground and set up your lens/camera on top of it with lens pointing downwards. Use a hotshoe bubble level to make sure plane of focus aligns with test chart plane. Then examine 100% crops from center and 4 corners. It is most likely that you'll find them to be just fine.

 

PS: If you already use a 85/1.8, you're going to miss it at least sometimes when you trade it in for Tamron 90. 2 stops is a lot of light :) ...

That's the thing. If I was buying brand I would not worry but because I am trading I can't be sure. I might ask the guy to send me the sample images of chart plane.

 

As for missing two stops. I've got 50mm f/1.4 AF-D in my bag. :)

 

My lens lineup is 20-35mm AFD f/2.8 , 50mm f/1.4 AFD, 85mm F/1.8 AFD All Nikkors.

 

I want to trade the 85mm for Tamron 90mm and get 80-200mm afd f/2.8 a little later.

My Tamron 90 is one of the sharpest lenses in my bag! I bought it used/mint for $250--hands down one of the best values in a AF lens I've ever purchased. I expect that I can use it for many, many years and still get $250 for it as these are very well reviewed lenses that produce outstanding results and as such are extremely popular.

 

I agree that the bokeh on the Tamron 90 is superior to the Nikon 85 1.8, I also like the contrast better--though that's my opinion. Add to that the ability to do macro work, and the Tamron won out over the Nikon for me.

 

FWIW, I find that many of the folks who poo-poo 3rd party lenses have rarely used any of them (at least not recently....), and they most certainly haven't tried any of the legendary 3rd party lenses--the Tamron 90 is one of those......

Lisa B,

 

There's little room for loyalty to a particular brand when it comes to spending. Not from me. :)

Do you manually focus at portrait distances? The Nikon has a much better focusing action for that, the Tamron covers the same distance in about 1/3 the focus ring motion.

 

(this isn't a "Nikon vs. Tamron" thing, it's a "macro vs. non-macro tele" thing).

 

Aside from that, the Tamron has the edge in bokeh (it's good by tele standards, amazing when you consider it's a macro lens) while the Nikon is a bit iffy for a portrait length telephoto.

 

Sorry, that's the best I have to offer for this thread.

Occasionally, I do. When I can't AF. I would manually focus more often had we brighter VF screens in DSLR.

 

Thanks for your reply

<i>Let me say this: I own the 85mm f/1.8 AFD. I want to trade for Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro. I cannot justify buying another lens for macro shots. I am missing Macros.</i>

 

<p>Why do you ask this question if you have already decided?

I have not decided yet. I still thinkin abut this.

"According to photodo.com Tamron 90mm is sharper than Nikkors Macro. According to photozone.de Tamron 90mm is nearly flawless lens."

 

Alex, It certainly looks like you have decided.

 

I would sell the plastic 85mm f1.8 and purchase the fantastic 85mm f1.4. The OOF rendition is far superior to the Tamron and the f1.8. Then if I wanted a Macro lens I would buy one. But you have already made your decision

Alex,

 

Yes I have used Nikon micros. I own two of them.

 

But since a couple clowns on a couple website think the Tamron is the best thing since sliced bread, and you have already made up your mind, then by all means buy the Tamron. Oh wait, you said you werent shooting macro, but then you said you missed shooting macro. Your lost.

 

Thanks for your reply to my post. After you totally pissed me off by asking me as if I was a newbie "Have you used many Nikkor macros?" Dont worry youll never get my opinion again.

Kevin Foster,

 

Those are not a couple clowns. Those are reputable sources who have tested and reviewed hundreds if thousands of lenses. For Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus. If anyone is clown here, those guys would be last on the list.

 

As for having never shot a macro. I've never owned a macro lens. But I have photographed macro images.

Anthony, I would have bought the 85mm f/1.4 and a Macro if I could only afford them. For me it'd be a Macro and 80-200mm AFD f/2.8

I own the 50mm f/1.4 which I will use for shots in low light

Alex, My point is the Nikon 85 f1.4 AFD is the best portrait lens (In my opinion) and I would not be without it. I also own macro lenses, but would not use them for portraits. My advise is to purchase the best lens for the subject that interests you.