2020-05-01_N-Photo_the_Nikon_magazine

or full-frame and APS-C format
cameras, the Tamron 90mm is
our favourite. It delivers top
image quality and has a hybrid
image stabilizer that works well for
close-ups as well as general shooting. The
latter is also enhanced by a fast and
accurate ring-type ultrasonic AF system.
Build quality is good as well, featuring
weather-seals and a fluorine coating on the
front element. All in all, it’s better than

Nikon’s top-flight 105mm Macro and less

expensive, but Tamron is still working on a

firmware update for Z-series compatibility.

On a tighter budget, the Sigma 105mm

lens is the one to go for. It has a regular

stabilizer, but it works a treat for general

shooting, and has a switchable panning

that’s great for sports and wildlife shots.

There are no issues using this lens on a

Z-series camera via an FTZ mount adapter.

If you’d rather have a compact and

lightweight macro lens, that also works well

as a standard prime with a more natural

viewing perspective and angle of view, the

Nikon 40mm and 60mm Micro lenses are

the best options for DX and FX cameras.

Finally, if you find manual-focus lenses

appealing, the Samyang 100mm and Irix

150mm are great choices. The Samyang

has a more conventional focal length, but

the Irix has an enhanced, weather-sealed

build and a greater working distance.

Features

Build & handling

Performance

Value

Overall

F

The winner is...

Tamron SP 90mm

f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro

Tamron scoops the macro honours with

its latest 90mm lens

Nikon AF-S

DX 40mm

f/2.8G Micro

Sigma Macro

105mm f/2.8 EX

DG OS HSM

Samyang

100mm f/2.8 ED

UMC Macro

Nikon AF-S DX

85mm f/3.5G

ED VR Micro

Irix 150mm

f/2.8 Macro 1:1

Dragonfly

Nikon

AF-S 60mm

f/2.8G ED Micro

Tamron SP

90mm f/2.8 Di

VC USD Macro

Nikon AF-S

105mm f/2.8 G

IF ED VR Micro

Website http://www.nikon.com http://www.sigma-

global.com

http://www.samyanglens

global.com

http://www.nikon.com http://www.photo

24.co.uk

http://www.nikon.com http://www.tamron.

com

http://www.nikon.com

Street price £269/$277 £359/$469 £389/$499 £399/$557 £499/$595 £579/$597 £649/$649 £799/$807

FX/DX DX FX FX DX FX FX FX FX

Effective focal length

(DX)

60mm 157.5mm 150mm 127.5mm 225mm 90mm 135mm 157.5mm

Elements/groups 9/7 15/11 15/12 14/10 12/9 12/9 14/11 14/12

Diaphragm blades 7 blades 9 blades 9 blades 9 blades 11 blades 9 blades 9 blades 9 blades

Min aperture f/22 f/22 f/32 f/22 f/32 f/32 f/32 f/32

Optical stabilizer No Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes

Autofocus motor type Ultrasonic

(ring-t yp e)

Ultrasonic

(ring-t yp e)

Manual focus only Ultrasonic

(ring-t yp e)

Manual focus

only

Ultrasonic

(ring-t yp e)

Ultrasonic

(ring-t yp e)

Ultrasonic

(ring-t yp e)

Manual override of AF Full-time Full-time N/A Full-time N/A Full-time Full-time Full-time

Internal focus N o Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s

Viewing angle 38.5 degrees

(DX)

23.3 degrees 25 degrees 18.5 degrees

(DX)

16.2 degrees 39.4 degrees 27 degrees 23.2 degrees

Min focus distance 0.16m 0.31m 0.31m 0.29m 0.35m 0.19m 0.3m 0.31m

Min working distance 3.5cm 14cm 13.5cm 14.5cm 17.5cm 5cm 14cm 15cm

Filter size 52mm 62mm 67mm 52mm 77mm 62mm 62mm 62mm

Included accessories Hood, pouch Hood, hood

adaptor, soft case

Hood, pouch Hood, pouch Hood, tripod

collar, case

Hood, pouch Hood Hood, pouch

Dimensions (dia x length) 69x65mm 78x126mm 73x121mm 73x99mm 87x128mm 73x89mm 79x117mm 83x116mm

MACRO LENSES

How the

lenses

compare