Tamron 90mm vs sigma 105mm macro

Eagle_Friends · 05-08-2010, 10:55 PM

I know we all lust for the DFA 100mm WR macro, but budget is tight, so I can only spend about half that cost.

Looking at the Tamron 90mm Di and the Sigma 105mm for my macro photography before I save up to get the WR.

Which one do you guys prefer?

Any pros or cons for each one?

yeatzee · 05-08-2010, 11:33 PM

Never used both in the same mount, but I have a canon buddy with the tammy and I own the Sigma.

If I were to do it over again I'd still get the sigma. Its a wash in regards to IQ, some it comes down to build quality and price pretty much. The sigma was $40 cheaper whe I bought my macro, and the build is far superior on the sigma.

blende8 · 05-09-2010, 03:00 AM

The Tamron has 9 aperture blades and is slightly smaller and lighter.

kytra · 05-09-2010, 03:34 AM

Tamron hands down - Sigma has a well known problem with coatings so I try to stay away as much ass I can. However most of the tests put Tamron 90mm ahead of the whole bunch.

I saw myself a little chip in the coating of my 50mm Sigma and i have a MC Sigma filter that has a major problem with coatings. It seems the Sigma coating is quit sensitive, non comparable with the tough Pentax SMC

That being said, I do have the Sigma 50mm HSM and the 70-300mm and they are good glass.

Last edited by kytra; 05-09-2010 at 06:28 AM.

imtheguy · 05-09-2010, 05:26 AM

I just finished using BOTH for 10 days and wanted to like the Sigma but ended up sending it back and keeping the Tamron. I wanted the longer lens and metal structure of the Sigma but found I was taking better shots and enjoying the Tammy more. It really just came down to a personal preference.

I suggest you try one from a reputable dealer who will exchange it if you have any doubts.

Mechan1k · 05-09-2010, 06:50 AM

I LOVE using my Tammy 90mm ... it seems to be on one of my bodies pretty much all of the time ... even for longer indoor portraits as well.

grainbelt · 05-09-2010, 07:04 AM

Had the Tamron 90 - lovely lens, just wasn't the focal length for me. Very sharp, focus limiter was fantastic when shooting portraits. Not obscenely large. No experience with the Sigma, but can definitely recommend the Tamron.

MrApollinax · 05-09-2010, 07:08 AM

Several people here use and would recommend the Sigma. Including me. Check out this thread that contains many wonderful images taken with the 105: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/94597-sigma-le...ll-lenses.html

ilya80 · 05-09-2010, 07:11 AM

Do you care much for AF?

There are marvelous old lenses to be had out there. Tokina 90mm ( Bokina ) + extender for 1:1 if you care for some portraiture, or the ultimate macro lens Pentax 200 / 4

**Ahab** · 05-09-2010, 07:56 AM

Originally posted by Mechan1k

I LOVE using my Tammy 90mm ... it seems to be on one of my bodies pretty much all of the time ... even for longer indoor portraits as well.

Same here!

creampuff · 05-09-2010, 08:04 AM

Save up a little more and get the Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR.
It really is worth the extra money. Honestly I find the build quality of the Tamron feels cheap and the lens hunts terribly when used in macro working distances.

yeatzee · 05-09-2010, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by kytra

Tamron hands down - Sigma has a well known problem with coatings so I try to stay away as much ass I can. However most of the tests put Tamron 90mm ahead of the whole bunch.

I saw myself a little chip in the coating of my 50mm Sigma and i have a MC Sigma filter that has a major problem with coatings. It seems the Sigma coating is quit sensitive, non comparable with the tough Pentax SMC

That being said, I do have the Sigma 50mm HSM and the 70-300mm and they are good glass.

Not sure what your talking about Kytra.... in the time i've been on this forum and other's i've never heard of this so called "problem" once. My sigma has been to hell and back, yet its never ever had a problem with its coating....

JHD · 05-09-2010, 01:48 PM

I didn't even consider the Sigma, but whatever... I seriously doubt that there's that much difference between the two.

SpecialK · 05-09-2010, 04:30 PM

I have to stop reading these threads. Bought $1200 worth of lenses in 5 days...

Hint: The Tamron has a $50 rebate going on, so it is $410 new. That works for me as I'm not even sure how much macro-shooting I will do...

Oh, and even with the odd push-pull for manual/auto-focusing, I think I'll adjust. The other lens is the same...

rustynail925 · 05-09-2010, 04:57 PM

I think they are both an outstanding performer as every macro lens produces great IQ..
I have the Tamron 90 and I would choose that between the 2 for the weight and size advantages.
If I were to buy again i would take the DFA 100 for a little better bokeh, weight, quickshift and
better built and design. Also a Full Frame lense, dont know about the Tammy and sigma though

05-08-2010, 10:55 PM	#1
Eagle_Friends Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 971	Tamron 90mm vs sigma 105mm macro I know we all lust for the DFA 100mm WR macro, but budget is tight, so I can only spend about half that cost. Looking at the Tamron 90mm Di and the Sigma 105mm for my macro photography before I save up to get the WR. Which one do you guys prefer? Any pros or cons for each one?

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05-08-2010, 11:33 PM	#2
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Never used both in the same mount, but I have a canon buddy with the tammy and I own the Sigma. If I were to do it over again I'd still get the sigma. Its a wash in regards to IQ, some it comes down to build quality and price pretty much. The sigma was $40 cheaper whe I bought my macro, and the build is far superior on the sigma.

05-09-2010, 03:00 AM	#3
blende8 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bremen, Germany Photos: Albums Posts: 1,521	The Tamron has 9 aperture blades and is slightly smaller and lighter.

05-09-2010, 03:34 AM	#4
kytra Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bucharest Posts: 482	Tamron hands down - Sigma has a well known problem with coatings so I try to stay away as much ass I can. However most of the tests put Tamron 90mm ahead of the whole bunch. I saw myself a little chip in the coating of my 50mm Sigma and i have a MC Sigma filter that has a major problem with coatings. It seems the Sigma coating is quit sensitive, non comparable with the tough Pentax SMC That being said, I do have the Sigma 50mm HSM and the 70-300mm and they are good glass. Last edited by kytra; 05-09-2010 at 06:28 AM.

05-09-2010, 05:26 AM	#5
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	I just finished using BOTH for 10 days and wanted to like the Sigma but ended up sending it back and keeping the Tamron. I wanted the longer lens and metal structure of the Sigma but found I was taking better shots and enjoying the Tammy more. It really just came down to a personal preference. I suggest you try one from a reputable dealer who will exchange it if you have any doubts.

05-09-2010, 06:50 AM	#6
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	I LOVE using my Tammy 90mm ... it seems to be on one of my bodies pretty much all of the time ... even for longer indoor portraits as well.

05-09-2010, 07:04 AM	#7
grainbelt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Albums Posts: 587	Had the Tamron 90 - lovely lens, just wasn't the focal length for me. Very sharp, focus limiter was fantastic when shooting portraits. Not obscenely large. No experience with the Sigma, but can definitely recommend the Tamron.

05-09-2010, 07:08 AM	#8
MrApollinax Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,529	Several people here use and would recommend the Sigma. Including me. Check out this thread that contains many wonderful images taken with the 105: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/94597-sigma-le...ll-lenses.html

05-09-2010, 07:11 AM	#9
ilya80 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Saint-Petersburg, Russia Photos: Albums Posts: 410	Do you care much for AF? There are marvelous old lenses to be had out there. Tokina 90mm ( Bokina ) + extender for 1:1 if you care for some portraiture, or the ultimate macro lens Pentax 200 / 4

05-09-2010, 07:56 AM	#10
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	Originally posted by Mechan1k I LOVE using my Tammy 90mm ... it seems to be on one of my bodies pretty much all of the time ... even for longer indoor portraits as well. Same here!

05-09-2010, 08:04 AM	#11
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953	Save up a little more and get the Pentax DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR. It really is worth the extra money. Honestly I find the build quality of the Tamron feels cheap and the lens hunts terribly when used in macro working distances.

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05-09-2010, 08:47 AM	#12
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by kytra Tamron hands down - Sigma has a well known problem with coatings so I try to stay away as much ass I can. However most of the tests put Tamron 90mm ahead of the whole bunch. I saw myself a little chip in the coating of my 50mm Sigma and i have a MC Sigma filter that has a major problem with coatings. It seems the Sigma coating is quit sensitive, non comparable with the tough Pentax SMC That being said, I do have the Sigma 50mm HSM and the 70-300mm and they are good glass. Not sure what your talking about Kytra.... in the time i've been on this forum and other's i've never heard of this so called "problem" once. My sigma has been to hell and back, yet its never ever had a problem with its coating....

05-09-2010, 01:48 PM	#13
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	I didn't even consider the Sigma, but whatever... I seriously doubt that there's that much difference between the two.

05-09-2010, 04:30 PM	#14
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	I have to stop reading these threads. Bought $1200 worth of lenses in 5 days... Hint: The Tamron has a $50 rebate going on, so it is $410 new. That works for me as I'm not even sure how much macro-shooting I will do... Oh, and even with the odd push-pull for manual/auto-focusing, I think I'll adjust. The other lens is the same...

05-09-2010, 04:57 PM	#15
rustynail925 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Philippines Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,551	I think they are both an outstanding performer as every macro lens produces great IQ.. I have the Tamron 90 and I would choose that between the 2 for the weight and size advantages. If I were to buy again i would take the DFA 100 for a little better bokeh, weight, quickshift and better built and design. Also a Full Frame lense, dont know about the Tammy and sigma though