2020-05-01_N-Photo_the_Nikon_magazine

(Nancy Kaufman) #1

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
Free download pdf