Tamron 90mm or Pentax 100mm WR?

dgaies · 06-09-2011, 06:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by napawino

The quick shift is a pretty nice feature to have for macro shots.

Agreed. I used quick shift a lot for the shots below (all taken with the 100WR). I used AF for all of them, but manually focusing close with the quick-shift focusing before locking on with the AF.

(cross posted here)

napawino · 06-09-2011, 06:05 PM

Super sweet photos! I rarely see butterflies around my place.

JHD · 06-09-2011, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

Ok, I understand the argument about the longer warranty when it comes to comparing SDM and HSM lenses, but when is the last time you heard of a lens like the 100WR failing and needing warranty service?

Never say never. Insurance always makes sense.

dgaies · 06-09-2011, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by JHD

Never say never. Insurance always makes sense.

Insurance only makes sense if the cost is proportional to the risk it is insuring.

If one feels there is very little risk of a particular lens failing, then the value associated warranty is low quite low. By contrast, if the risk of a particular lens is very high, then the value associated warranty is would also be quite high. So in the case of the Tamron 90 vs 100WR, I would say the difference in the value of the extra warranty is low. In the case of the DA*50-135 vs the Sigma 50-150, I would attribute a much higher value to the difference in warranty lengths. Again, just my $0.02.

civiletti · 06-09-2011, 08:43 PM

If you check out the photozone tests of the two lenses, the Tamron has an MTF advantage at all apertures, especially wide open and at f22. Given the price difference, that would steer me toward the Tamron.

Blue · 06-09-2011, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by civiletti

If you check out the photozone tests of the two lenses, the Tamron has an MTF advantage at all apertures, especially wide open and at f22. Given the price difference, that would steer me toward the Tamron.

Photozone didn't test the WR version yet and when/if they do it will be on the K-5. The didn't test the Sigma 105 EX DG either.

Blue · 06-09-2011, 09:12 PM

Originally posted by dgaies

Agreed. I used quick shift a lot for the shots below (all taken with the 100WR). I used AF for all of them, but manually focusing close with the quick-shift focusing before locking on with the AF.

(cross posted here)

Nice!

civiletti · 06-09-2011, 10:18 PM

Originally posted by Blue

Photozone didn't test the WR version yet and when/if they do it will be on the K-5. The didn't test the Sigma 105 EX DG either.

The WR version is the same optical design as its predecessor. The Tamron would yield better numbers on the k-5, to the same extent the Pentax would.

stanic · 06-09-2011, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by civiletti

If you check out the photozone tests of the two lenses, the Tamron has an MTF advantage at all apertures, especially wide open and at f22. Given the price difference, that would steer me toward the Tamron.

according to lenstip, the DA 100/2,8 WR is the same (or even better in some areas like light fall-off) than Canon 100/2,8L macro
Pentax smc D FA 100 mm f/2.8 Macro WR review - Image resolution - Lenstip.com

and the Tamron 90/2,8 is praised except for the performance wide open...http://www.lenstip.com/22.4-Lens_review-Tamron_SP_AF_90_mm_f_2.8_Di_Macro_Image_resolution.html

You know, they always test one lens+one body only

ravilee · 06-10-2011, 12:43 AM

does "Focus limiter" really matter with Portrait?

My friend told me that without "Focus limiter" I may experience in focus for portrait. is that true?

Many thanks,

Lee

DSims · 06-10-2011, 01:04 AM

Canon makes many great lenses, but from what I've seen in the recent past 100mm macro is a weak spot for them. I think any of the past few generations of Pentax 100mm macros are probably better.

As the photos in this post show, Tamron 90 images are impressive, but Pentax 100 WR images are beautiful.

stanic · 06-10-2011, 01:11 AM

Originally posted by DSims

As the photos in this post show, Tamron 90 images are impressive, but Pentax 100 WR images are beautiful.

agreed, the pentax`s bokeh is from another world

(of course we would have to shoot the same scene to make a direct comparison)

JHD · 06-10-2011, 04:29 AM

Originally posted by JHD

Never say never. Insurance always makes sense.

Talk about timing... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/147002-d-fa-10...s-problem.html

dgaies · 06-10-2011, 06:04 AM

Originally posted by JHD

Talk about timing... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/147002-d-fa-10...s-problem.html

Well, let's keep things in perspective. The OP of that thread may or may not have an issue with his 100WR as it's not clear from reading the thread whether or not he actually has an issue or not. That said, let's assume for the moment that there is an issue with his 100WR that requires warranty service. If this was a QC/manufacturing defect than it would be covered even under Pentax's (short) warranty coverage (1 year in the US, 2 years in Canada).

So the question becomes what are the chances of an issue coming up on a 100WR lens during year 3-10 (in Canada) or year 2-6 (in the US). The actual numbers aren't known, but as I said in a previous post, I believe the chances are fairly small with lenses like the Tamron 90 and 100WR. Let's say 1 in 100. Let's also assume that a out-of-warranty repair would average $200. So the "value" of the extra warranty period is worth somewhere around $2 in terms of expected value, statistically speaking.

Contrast that to an SDM vs HSM warranty situation, which you are quite fond of pointing out. In this case, let's say the chances of an SDM failure during the difference in warranty periods is 10 out of 100. Using the same repair cost, that would place the value of the value of the extended warranty in this case is $20. Now, I'm sure you'd contend that the probabilty of an SDM failure during the extended 5+ years is substantially greater than 10%. So let's go with a number like 50% and a repair cost of closer $250. Now the extended warranty period is worth closer to $125. In this case it might become a factor when comparing two lenses (unlike the above case comparing two screw-driven lenses where I believe the value of the warranty period beyond the first year is somewhat insignificant).

edit: So to the OP, if you do decide to buy the 100WR, I would personally buy the gray market copy over the more expensive copy at a savings of $190, so long as you still have a return window should the lens prove to be defective upon delivery. This is the same reason/logic I use to justify only buying used lenses. The cost savings is substantially more than I would ever spend on repairs for lenses than seldom need service. Even when it comes to lenses which have a higher probability of failing (like SDM lenses), the cost savings is almost always higher than what you take on in terms of risk.

Blue · 06-10-2011, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by civiletti

The WR version is the same optical design as its predecessor. The Tamron would yield better numbers on the k-5, to the same extent the Pentax would.

Yeah I am aware of that, but what you are overlooking is that the aperture mechanism was completely redesigned with rounded blades.

It also has the SP on the front element as well as the weather seals and a metal barrel. IT is also ever so small and lighter than the already small earlier version. The only downside is it lacks an aperture ring.

06-09-2011, 10:52 PM	#24
stanic Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Zakopane Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 389	Originally posted by civiletti If you check out the photozone tests of the two lenses, the Tamron has an MTF advantage at all apertures, especially wide open and at f22. Given the price difference, that would steer me toward the Tamron. according to lenstip, the DA 100/2,8 WR is the same (or even better in some areas like light fall-off) than Canon 100/2,8L macro Pentax smc D FA 100 mm f/2.8 Macro WR review - Image resolution - Lenstip.com and the Tamron 90/2,8 is praised except for the performance wide open...http://www.lenstip.com/22.4-Lens_review-Tamron_SP_AF_90_mm_f_2.8_Di_Macro_Image_resolution.html You know, they always test one lens+one body only Last edited by stanic; 06-10-2011 at 12:20 AM.

06-10-2011, 06:04 AM	#29
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by JHD Talk about timing... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/147002-d-fa-10...s-problem.html Well, let's keep things in perspective. The OP of that thread may or may not have an issue with his 100WR as it's not clear from reading the thread whether or not he actually has an issue or not. That said, let's assume for the moment that there is an issue with his 100WR that requires warranty service. If this was a QC/manufacturing defect than it would be covered even under Pentax's (short) warranty coverage (1 year in the US, 2 years in Canada). So the question becomes what are the chances of an issue coming up on a 100WR lens during year 3-10 (in Canada) or year 2-6 (in the US). The actual numbers aren't known, but as I said in a previous post, I believe the chances are fairly small with lenses like the Tamron 90 and 100WR. Let's say 1 in 100. Let's also assume that a out-of-warranty repair would average $200. So the "value" of the extra warranty period is worth somewhere around $2 in terms of expected value, statistically speaking. Contrast that to an SDM vs HSM warranty situation, which you are quite fond of pointing out. In this case, let's say the chances of an SDM failure during the difference in warranty periods is 10 out of 100. Using the same repair cost, that would place the value of the value of the extended warranty in this case is $20. Now, I'm sure you'd contend that the probabilty of an SDM failure during the extended 5+ years is substantially greater than 10%. So let's go with a number like 50% and a repair cost of closer $250. Now the extended warranty period is worth closer to $125. In this case it might become a factor when comparing two lenses (unlike the above case comparing two screw-driven lenses where I believe the value of the warranty period beyond the first year is somewhat insignificant). edit: So to the OP, if you do decide to buy the 100WR, I would personally buy the gray market copy over the more expensive copy at a savings of $190, so long as you still have a return window should the lens prove to be defective upon delivery. This is the same reason/logic I use to justify only buying used lenses. The cost savings is substantially more than I would ever spend on repairs for lenses than seldom need service. Even when it comes to lenses which have a higher probability of failing (like SDM lenses), the cost savings is almost always higher than what you take on in terms of risk. Last edited by dgaies; 06-10-2011 at 06:11 AM.

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06-09-2011, 06:02 PM - 1 Like	#16
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by napawino The quick shift is a pretty nice feature to have for macro shots. Agreed. I used quick shift a lot for the shots below (all taken with the 100WR). I used AF for all of them, but manually focusing close with the quick-shift focusing before locking on with the AF. (cross posted here)

06-09-2011, 06:05 PM	#17
napawino Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 151	Super sweet photos! I rarely see butterflies around my place.

06-09-2011, 07:16 PM	#18
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by dgaies Ok, I understand the argument about the longer warranty when it comes to comparing SDM and HSM lenses, but when is the last time you heard of a lens like the 100WR failing and needing warranty service? Never say never. Insurance always makes sense.

06-09-2011, 07:24 PM	#19
dgaies Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Maryland / Washington DC Posts: 3,917	Originally posted by JHD Never say never. Insurance always makes sense. Insurance only makes sense if the cost is proportional to the risk it is insuring. If one feels there is very little risk of a particular lens failing, then the value associated warranty is low quite low. By contrast, if the risk of a particular lens is very high, then the value associated warranty is would also be quite high. So in the case of the Tamron 90 vs 100WR, I would say the difference in the value of the extra warranty is low. In the case of the DA*50-135 vs the Sigma 50-150, I would attribute a much higher value to the difference in warranty lengths. Again, just my $0.02.

06-09-2011, 08:43 PM	#20
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	If you check out the photozone tests of the two lenses, the Tamron has an MTF advantage at all apertures, especially wide open and at f22. Given the price difference, that would steer me toward the Tamron.

06-09-2011, 09:08 PM	#21
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by civiletti If you check out the photozone tests of the two lenses, the Tamron has an MTF advantage at all apertures, especially wide open and at f22. Given the price difference, that would steer me toward the Tamron. Photozone didn't test the WR version yet and when/if they do it will be on the K-5. The didn't test the Sigma 105 EX DG either.

06-09-2011, 09:12 PM	#22
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by dgaies Agreed. I used quick shift a lot for the shots below (all taken with the 100WR). I used AF for all of them, but manually focusing close with the quick-shift focusing before locking on with the AF. (cross posted here) Nice!

06-09-2011, 10:18 PM	#23
civiletti Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 1,435	Originally posted by Blue Photozone didn't test the WR version yet and when/if they do it will be on the K-5. The didn't test the Sigma 105 EX DG either. The WR version is the same optical design as its predecessor. The Tamron would yield better numbers on the k-5, to the same extent the Pentax would.

06-10-2011, 12:43 AM	#25
ravilee New Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sydney, NSW Posts: 4 Original Poster	does "Focus limiter" really matter with Portrait? My friend told me that without "Focus limiter" I may experience in focus for portrait. is that true? Many thanks, Lee

06-10-2011, 01:04 AM	#26
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Canon makes many great lenses, but from what I've seen in the recent past 100mm macro is a weak spot for them. I think any of the past few generations of Pentax 100mm macros are probably better. As the photos in this post show, Tamron 90 images are impressive, but Pentax 100 WR images are beautiful.

06-10-2011, 01:11 AM	#27
stanic Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Zakopane Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 389	Originally posted by DSims As the photos in this post show, Tamron 90 images are impressive, but Pentax 100 WR images are beautiful. agreed, the pentax`s bokeh is from another world (of course we would have to shoot the same scene to make a direct comparison)

06-10-2011, 04:29 AM	#28
JHD Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,406	Originally posted by JHD Never say never. Insurance always makes sense. Talk about timing... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/147002-d-fa-10...s-problem.html

06-10-2011, 06:29 AM	#30
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by civiletti The WR version is the same optical design as its predecessor. The Tamron would yield better numbers on the k-5, to the same extent the Pentax would. Yeah I am aware of that, but what you are overlooking is that the aperture mechanism was completely redesigned with rounded blades. It also has the SP on the front element as well as the weather seals and a metal barrel. IT is also ever so small and lighter than the already small earlier version. The only downside is it lacks an aperture ring.