Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP DI II LD IF 1:1 Macro Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

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Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP DI II LD IF 1:1 Macro Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
 
Manufacturer: Tamron
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Product Description

The Tamron SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II LD (IF) 1:1 Macro (model G005) is the first medium telephoto macro lens designed for APS-C size DSLR cameras that features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.0—one stop faster than the F/2.8 maximum aperture found on conventional macro lenses in the same class. The SP AF60mm F/2.0 covers an equivalent angle of view of 93mm when converted to the 35mm format. With is fast F/2.0 maximum aperture, the new macro delivers dramatically attractive blurred background effects. The addition of Internal Focusing (IF) and Full Time Manual Focus Control Mechanism to its list of highlight features makes this lightweight and compact 1:1 macro lens incredibly easy to use. SPECIFICATIONS: Focal Length 60mm.; Format size APS-C; Maximum Aperture F/2 (F/4 at MFD); Minimum Aperture F/22; Diagonal Angle of View 26°35′; Lens Construction 10 groups/14 elements; Minimum Focus Distance 9.1-Inch (0.23m); Maximum Mag. Ratio 1:1; Minimum Working Distance 3.94-Inch (100mm); Filter Diameter Ø55mm; Overall Length 3.15-Inch (80mm); Maximum Diameter 2.9-Inch (73mm); Weight 13.8 oz. (388g); Diaphragm Blades 7; Standard Accessory Lens Hood.

Product Details

  • World's first F2.0 Macro for APS-C DSLRs; ideal for portrait and macro shooting
  • Longest working distance in its class (100mm); Two LD Glass elements
  • 93mm equivalent on APS-C DSLRs
  • Full-time manual control mechanism; Internal Focusing
  • For Nikon digital SLRs

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Customer Reviews

Nice Macro/Portrait Hybrid
 
Review Date: September 17, 2009
Reviewer: Tim Kimzey, eastern us
I had this lens on order for months, hoping to be one of the first to get it as soon as it was available for a Nikon mount. When I first heard the announcement of this new lens from Tamron, I was more excited than I have been for a while over new glass! As a pro photojournalist, I have quite a bevy of lenses. I was interested in this from past experience with Tamron lenses, notably the 90mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro. I have used this lens on a just-about weekly basis for over 10 years. I do not have the latest version of the 90mm, but the one I have is still working incredibly well, and I have never had a single problem with it, even as much as I have used it. The main things I loved about that lens is the absolutely wonderful bokeh, impeccable sharpness, and nice color rendition. The AF could of course be better, but maybe it is in the newer versions, I can't say. I became aware of the 90mm lens over 15 years ago when I bought the 90mm f/2.5 version of the lens for Minolta, which I used on several Maxxum 9000 bodies for many years. I absolutely loved it, so when I made the switch to Nikon, I bought the newer one, although I have always wondered if they could make it faster, as the old one was 2.5, although not a true 1:1 macro (It was a 1:2, with a extension tube to make it 1:1).
As I bought the 90mm to use on FM2 and F5 film bodies, I thought it extremely suited for portraiture at the 90mm focal length, and used it for that purpose as much as for macro work. But with the switch to digital and the cropped format, 135mm is a bit tight for most of the portrait/environmental portrait work I do. I then started using the wonderful Nikon 50mm f/1.4 for most of that work. I also own the Nikon 85mm f/1.8. Both lenses are sharp, bright, great lenses. But they do not focus very close. Hence, I found myself constantly switching between the two Nikkors and the 90mm Tammy for studio, fashion, food and portrait photography.

Enter the 60mm. Its basically back to the 90mm focal length on (cropped sensor) digital cameras. If I shot mostly with a full-frame (FX sensor) camera, I wouldn't be so interested in this lens however. The working distance of 100mm even beats the 90mm for macro shooting. If I were a full-time macro shooter I might suggest an even longer working distance to keep shy bugs and such happy, but as I said earlier, this lens is a nice hybrid for macro/portraiture use.

I have only limited use of this lens as of this writing (just a few days), but this is my thoughts so far:

PERFECT PORTRAIT LENGTH OF 93MM, with MACRO WORKING DISTANCE of 100mm.

A f/2 APERTURE! This was probably one of the main selling points for me. Although, I must express why I am a little disappointed in that regard. From tests I have done so far, f/2 does not seem to come into play until around 14 feet to infinity. At focusing distances closer than 14 feet, the lens switches to f/2.2. It switches from 2.2 to 2.8 between 12-ish feet and a foot (that's not bad really, so you still have 2.8 all the way up to a foot in front of the lens). All true macros will do this to my knowledge, the physical parameters of focusing so close loses light. I was expecting this. But I absolutely think/wish the lens would stay a true f/2 in the portrait-shooting distances (3-8 feet lets say). Of course, its still a good deal faster than 2.8. But using the lens in studio settings or in manual modes or with manual flash settings, the aperture / exposure shifts could be annoying. And you are not getting the low-light usefulness of f/2 for any portrait-distance use.

This lens is a true INTERNAL FOCUSING lens!! I find this a monumental breakthrough for a 1:1 macro lens! The front element does not move, the lens maintains its length at any focusing distance, even at minimum. Filters stay in the mounted position. It uses a 55mm filter thread, which is very common and useful. I have many SFX filters in this thread that I can use for this lens. The hood is a nice length and stays put, and is easy to take off and put on. Seems as though it would protect the front element well and controls flare pretty good from what I can see.

The BOKEH OF THIS LENS IS SUBLIME!!!, (just as I hoped it would be). It has inherited the beautiful out-of-focus highlights that distinguishes the 90mm. Although, I was a bit skeptical as I noted that the 60mm employs a 7-blade diaphragm rather than the 9-blade of the 90mm; but the roundness of the blades seems to make a nice effect regardless.

The Autofocus on this lens is usable. It is much better than on my old 90mm. Most of the time, it seems to focus rather quickly and accurately. It makes a slight noise, but is not harsh or too loud. It will at times not find focus and rack in and out, slowing performance. It really SHOULD have a limiter switch as the 90mm does to limit focus to two distance groups. This is particularly useful to keep the lens in the focus areas you are intending, be it portrait range use or close-up macro work. It does not have a limiter switch! The full-time manual-focusing override is very nice however. It feels good in the hand. The manual mechanism however seems to be a bit hard to find focus at times; I can focus much finer and smoother with other manual-focusing lens rings. But it works, and I may become more used to the feel of it in time. Being able to 1:1 macro focus with decent AF/IF and manual over-ride (without having to move the switch or push-pull a clutch mechanism) is nice. Keeping it around 3 inches in length (at any focus distance) is very nice. It is a little over 5" in length with the hood attached.

THE LENS IS VERY SHARP, EVEN AT f/2! It's even sharper stopped down a bit. But the bokeh and sharpness at f/2 is amazing! The out-of-focus planes are very smooth. The sharpness seems very flat from the center to the edges (as all macros should be).

THE COLOUR RENDITION IS WONDERFUL! Seems slightly warm and somehow smooth. Skin tones are very good.

Seems well-made and robust. Is hard, slightly rough-feeling plastic with metal mount. Black matte finish blends well with Nikon bodies. I have no worries about quality issues. Especially with the standard 6-year warranty from Tamron USA. My copy is #0007** and it states it is made in Japan. It is rather light but solid feeling, and balances well on camera.

Shots so far with this lens are as hoped for. I am greatly pleased with this lens, especially for use on a DX-sensor camera. ****Really wish it would maintain f/2 from at least 4-6 feet, rather than 12-14 feet though!*** But so far I really like and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it for portrait/macro use on DX cameras.
tamron macro 60mm f/2.0
 
Review Date: January 31, 2010
Reviewer: Jeffrey B. Kaplan, peabody,ma
first read about this fast f/2.0 macro in popular photography, excellent review, and attended a tamron on the road show where i was able to demo the lens on my nikon d80. what a lens, fully automatic of manual,fast, incredible closeups and can also be used as a portrait lens. i am very pleased that i added this lens to my kit and, as always, amazon had the best price and i received the order promptly.
Sharp, Fast and Solid
 
Review Date: February 10, 2010
Reviewer: F. Deis,
A great addition to any DSLR camera bag. It's tack sharp fast focusing and provides that f/2.0 aperture that gives you that wonderful background blur. It's also a perfect portrait lens. A real winner!
Get close in a fast way
 
Review Date: April 14, 2010
Reviewer: Ronald Sheets, Eureka, Il. USA
I am fairly new to digital photography, but not new to photography in general, and I used to own the famous Micro Nikkor Macro lens for film cameras years ago, and this one is so much easier to use and has excellent image too. I was impressed with the speed of the autofocus motor, and it's accuracy amazed me repeatedly. I just purchased an SB 900 flash for my Nikon D5000 so I'm looking forward to some small aperature closeups. I'm delighted with the lens, even tho I wished I had gotten Vibration Reduction as with my Nikon lenses.
Fantastic Macro Lens
 
Review Date: June 6, 2010
Reviewer: C. TYLER, Cali
This is my first experience with Tamron lenses and this one is a fantastic lens. It was a great deal and I got some more incentive as Tamron has a good rebate program that can be combined with their education rebate program as well. Amazon shipped it out quickly and the lens was well packaged and had no signs of damage from packaging or shipping.

I received this lens the day of this review and I've already taken over 500 pictures. I'm using it on a D70 and a D90 so with the cropped sensor it's effective angle of view is 93mm. The internal focus is working flawlessly. There is a small switch which will allow you to change over to manual focus and the manual focus works well. The focus ring you use in manual focus is well built and works easily and quickly.

The image quality is good. Bokeh is also good. It comes with a lens hood which should be used to keep unwanted stray light from getting into your picture. I'm an average user and this is a really fun lens. I tested taking pictures of wedding rings, bees, flowers, roly poly's (Armadillidiidae), running water, and tight portraits. I'm pleased with the results of these pictures and commend Tamron for doing such a good job with a lens.

If you're in the market for a macro or a portrait lens in the 60mm - 90mm range take this one into consideration. If you're still not sure read some more reviews on it and then go out and buy it! Ha-ha, you won't be disappointed in this lens.
Great Lens
 
Review Date: December 26, 2009
Reviewer: katfish, San Diego, Ca
Great lens for the money! The f/2.0 feature is the best you can get!
Nice lightweight macro
 
Review Date: July 13, 2010
Reviewer: S. G.,
Excellent little macro, with a working distance twice that of the Nikkor 60/2.8. Could also replace a normal/short tele prime (such as the 50/1.8), doubles quite well for portraits for a macro.

Pros:
*Very sharp, low distortion (well, most other macro are as well).
*Reasonably low lateral CA (a pretty much ignorable aspect nowadays, except for those using certain 3rd-party raw converters).
*Very well controlled longitudinal CA (important because loCA are difficult to correct with software).
*Relatively wide max aperture (though Tamron seems to be cheating a bit in the Nikon mount version - at inf focus and portrait distances the _nominal_ aperture seems to be actually around F/2.4; F/2 at close focus where it is less useful).
*Nice rendering of out-of-focus areas, decent bokeh.
*Small and lightweight.
*Decently built.
*Reasonably fast AF motor (compared to Tamron 90/2.8 and other 3rd party macros, Nikkor 50/1.8 etc; Nikkor micro AFS 60 G is faster & more silent).

Cons:
*DX (if one cares).
*Badly missing AF limit switch if one uses it as a prime replacement, AF hunts into macro range when shooting anything that moves at "normal" distances (Nikkor and Canon macro 60mms also lack that switch, but do have faster and quieter motors).
*Working distance still short for bugs & snakes (well, you need a longer lens for that, not a particular fault).
*Ca 1 stop underexposure compared to similar lenses in same conditions in autoexposure modes (but this is not a real problem, rather a metering offset, I have to adjust exposure as much with Nikkor lenses in harsh light).
*Tamron touts the lens as "fast" but failed to address the max aperture issue or at least give an explanation months after it has been found in the review at Photozone.de, and also failed to give a response to me in 3 months - but they were extra quick to assure me this has been fixed prior to purchase. They did offer to return the money in case of dissatisfaction immediately. Anyway they lost one star for this.
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