Photoclubalpha

Well, they never said anything about this - the Tamron 60mm f/2 macro for Sony is a built-in motor lens. It's sort of 'SAMII' - definitely a motor, not SSM, but quieter and smoother than Sony SAM and the focus has full time manual over-ride.

It is also completely internal focusing, does not change length or extend, and somehow achieves a decent working distance. It is expensive but after a few shots I am liking this lens a lot. Pity it's only APS-C.

Tamron launches their first official ultrasonic motor lens in the form of the new 70-300mm f/4-5.6, which is supposed to be the sharpest lens ever made for this range. The Sony version does not have VC image stabilisation, but probably does have ultrasonic drive.

David

David,
Few questions.
I thought macro photography requires manual focusing, am I mistaken?
Why should I buy a lens like Tamron when I can use a MF lens?
Is the quality of these new lenses that much better?

Your insight is much appreciated.

With best regards,
Sury

It has excellent manual focusing.

You could ask - why did Leica users really like the 90mm f/2 Summicron?

That is what you get with the 60mm f/2 Tamron on APS-C - only it focuses and keeps on focusing, right down to life size.

It's a classic focal length and aperture combination.

David

David,
Thank you. I did not know about Leica and Summicron. Let me find out about that lens. Looks like it is something special. 90mm/f2 is the ideal combination is what I am surmising. Am I right?
BTW, though it is APS-C only, I can still put it on A900 right?

With best regards,
Sury

Thanks for asking Sury. I just tried it. Answer - this lens must be close to SSM specs, on the 900 it focuses superbly. It nearly covers the full frame, but stopping down does not help. I would say it covers 1.3X perfectly, even with good geometry and sharpness, at portrait distance. By the time you get to quarter life size, it's got full coverage of the full frame.

And the 900 does not crop the image. You get a full frame for macro shots despite it only being officially for APS-C.

David

David, could you compare it with the SAL30M28 IQ wise?

David,
Thank you. I am now very tempted to get my hands on this lens. Time to hit b&h video.
I am living the misery of choosing between a 700 and 900 since my 100 has been "borrowed" by my brother and I haven't seen either him or the camera since.

Dr. Harout wrote:David, could you compare it with the SAL30M28 IQ wise?

It's a £500 lens versus a £150 lens and it does show. The Tamron may be one of the best lenses ever made. It has just the very smallest amount of detectable CA at f2, any other aperture and this goes - also, you really have to push the lens to get it. Sharpness is corner to corner at f2, bokeh is just exceptional.



http://www.pbase.com/davidkilpatrick/image/124318709

Click for an original A550 shot. I just a few tests yesterday but from everything I shot, I have to rate this lens up there with the best. The 30mm is different because it is so small, light and also the angle is good for walkaround shots, while the 60mm is definitely a portrait/alpine/macro length.

David

Thanks David. I guess I'll go for the 30mm (for now).

David Kilpatrick wrote:

Dr. Harout wrote:David, could you compare it with the SAL30M28 IQ wise?

It's a £500 lens versus a £150 lens and it does show. The Tamron may be one of the best lenses ever made. It has just the very smallest amount of detectable CA at f2, any other aperture and this goes - also, you really have to push the lens to get it. Sharpness is corner to corner at f2, bokeh is just exceptional.

Sounds a very interesting lens - 60mm would be good on APS-C. Warehouse Express have it down to £390 already.

Hi David,

I've been after a good macro lens for a long time.

My only experience with Tamron lenses (other than KM/Sony rebadges) was a Tamron 90/2.8 that I had to return due to shocking backfocus on my A700. They mucked me around to the point that I never tried a second copy and had my money refunded.

Being able to double as a fast portrait prime (for significantly less cost than a CZ) has me particularly interested.

I take it there is no focus limiter on this lens, how is the focus speed?

Thanks,


Sim

Focus is unlike any other macro. It's geared and biased in an unusual way. If your subject is distant, it is very fast and small increments, but if you happen to get a hunting moment, there is no limiter and of course it will go to 1:1 and back... Tamron catches NEX3 (red) on a desk during a demo - nasty lighting but you can't fault the focusing!

David

Thanks, David.

That looks really good. How would you say it compares to the Sigma 70/2.8?

I'm getting a price

I need to do some more comparisons today.

David

David,
I almost bought the lens. US$500 with $50 mail-in-rebate. I am waiting for that small nudge to push me to hit the commit button . Any additional information/endorsement you can provide is most appreciated.

With best regards,
Sury