Tamron 90mm Macro MF/AF switch

[lars69]

Hi,

 

I bought recently a Tamron 90 mm macro lens. So far I am very

impressed with the optical quality.

But what worries me is the MF/AF switch on the lens. The manual states

that the Minolta (Dynax 7d) has to be set to the same setting as the

lens. But when switching on my camera it always moves the focus of the

lens first, even set to Manual Focus.

So it is very easy for me to forget to set the Tamron to AF and I am

slightly afraid of damaging the lens when I switch on the camera.

Anyone used a Dynax 7d or other Minolta with this lens and has any

ideas about how damaging this really would be?

 

Thanks,

 

Lars

[danny_spence]

I've been using Minolta AF cameras for many years (my film 7s do the same 'set focus to

infinity' when a lens is attached regardless of the focusing mode) and I've never had any

reason to worry about damage to the autofocus system. On older Minolta AF lenses, the

focusing ring is always directly linked to the camera - so even if the camera is in autofocus

mode, the focusing ring on the lens will turn. If your Tamron macro is like mine, it has a

unique (I love it myself) push/pull clutch on the focusing ring -- if the ring is pulled back,

it is linked to the lens focus gearing - pushed forward, it spins freely as it is disengaged.

 

There won't be any damage to your camera if the Tamron macro is set to manual focus -

just don't grab or force the focusing ring to turn with autofocus mode set on the camera

body.

[lars69]

Thanks for the answer Danny.

Makes sense what you are saying so one thing less to worry about.

Regarding quality the lens is great so I am pleased with it.

 

Thanks,

 

Lars