Nikon 105mm Macro vs Tamron 90mm Macro(Category:Nikon)

Does anyone have any comparison shots between these 2 lens on a Nikon digital

camera? Most of the reviews I read seemed to lean towards the Tamron for

sharpness and better brokeh.

And, comments are welcome regarding these 2 as a portrait lens (non-pro)

 

Carolyn

i suppose it was a typo, but what a nice twist on the "b" word. not that i know anything about either of the lenses..

When properly used, I'm sure that either would meet all your expectations. The "digital" part doesn't really matter.

Read this review of the Nikon 105 and then read the bit at the bottom. I think it will go a long way to answering all your questions.

 

http://www.bythom.com/105AFSlens.htm

I'm a big fan of the Tamron 90 for many years. You don't need a hood with this lens and if used solely for macro, you don't need to use AF much, either.

I have used the manual focus Tamron 90mm for years -- it remains one of my favorite lenses. I suspect that the AF version is even better in many respects. Either lens will give outstanding results and I doubt anyone could distinguish photos made by either one from each other. Get the lens that you can afford. The 90mm will crop to 135 on a DSLR, whereas the 105 will be about 160. That might make more of a difference.

The Tamron is just a spectacular lens. Its color rendition, sharpness, and bokeh is just terrific. You will never regret getting it.

 

-Janet<div></div>

Janet - thank you for your image - it's beautiful.

Ian - I did read that article but thank you for posting.

I'm wondering why there is such a significant price difference besides the VR?

Carolyn

I know nothing about the Nikon 105, but for what it's worth, I love my Tamron. If the VR isn't going to work at Macro distances, then save the money and go for the 90 mm Tamron

I have the old Tamron SP90 and it is very sharp, however. There are 2 disadvantages to this lens. The one is the irritating focusing ring which slides into AF too easily (Maybe the new SP90 solved this problem) and secondly the front element of the lens moves forward as you focus.

 

I'm not sure if the Nikon will be able to calculate the distance to subject and then match the exposure (and flash) more accurately. So you might get better exposed subjects with the Nikon than with any other lens.

 

Antonius

Just wanted to say thank you all and I love the Tamron.

 

Here's photo should anyone down the road find this thread and are trying to decide - the Tamron is awesome.

 

Carolyn<div></div>

Why the price difference? AF silent wave motor. VR-II. IF - all internal focus with virtually no change in work distance throughout the entire range from infinity to 1:1. 14 elements. 9 blade diaphragm. Lens coatings. Did I miss something else?

Beautiful photos Janet and Carolyn - thanks for posting.

Oh yes I did forget another thing - non-rotating front so you can attach a flash ring and it will not rotate as you focus.