Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro vs Pentax 50-135

KAR200D · 06-09-2011, 09:25 PM

New to forum and appreciate your input. Have a K200D camera with lens 18-55 II smc da. I almost purchased the Pentax 50-135 zoom but would like macro feature, so I'm looking at the Tamron 90mm macro lens. Is this a good choice? Still somewhat torn on giving up the zoom for macro, but need to make choice on one lens for now. I have the Pentax K200D, I assume the Tamron will be compatible with this model.
Thanks again.

DaveHolmes · 06-09-2011, 09:29 PM

There's another thread unning right now about the Tamron 90mm... By all accounts it's very highly thought of...

jimr-pdx · 06-09-2011, 09:29 PM

If macro is important to you, that's a fine lens. On the menu bar up top, click on Lenses then Third-Party lens reviews; under Tamron primes you will hear (and see) what people think! And it will work fine on a K200d; newer cameras may focus a bit faster but that's the only difference.

DaveHolmes · 06-09-2011, 09:32 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/146982-tamron-...resistant.html

^ Is the other thread I was talking about...

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

If macro is important to you, that's a fine lens. On the menu bar up top, click on Lenses then Third-Party lens reviews; under Tamron primes you will hear (and see) what people think! And it will work fine on a K200d; newer cameras may focus a bit faster but that's the only difference.

Agreed... I want one...

KAR200D · 06-09-2011, 09:36 PM

I checked into the other thread, very helpful info, thanks!

KAR200D · 06-09-2011, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

If macro is important to you, that's a fine lens. On the menu bar up top, click on Lenses then Third-Party lens reviews; under Tamron primes you will hear (and see) what people think! And it will work fine on a K200d; newer cameras may focus a bit faster but that's the only difference.

Helpful information, thanks.

Venturi · 06-09-2011, 09:46 PM

They're both great lenses. I let my 50-135 go because I wanted a zoom in that general range I could use with my film gear - and I have sorely regretted that decision ever since. On the other hand, the Tammy 90/2.8 is a fantastic macro AND portrait lens. It's light, very sharp and not prone to flare.

I use the 90mm quite often though 90mm can be a bit limiting as a one-size-fits-all. The 50-135 was rarely off my camera, though it sometimes could a little heavy/bulky to tote around.

If macro is really your thing, then the 90 is a solid choice. But in my opinion if you are more "rounded" in your photography then the 50-135 is going to be more useful on a regular basis. $0.02

hcc · 06-09-2011, 11:56 PM

First welcome to the Forum.

Second it is important to emphasise again that we, the Pentax community, are very lucky to have some many outstanding ~100mm lenses available. The Tamron 90mm, the Pentax 100mm, the Sigma 105mm...

Each one is a great lens, and has its strength. Your budget might impact on your decision. The Tammy is the best value for money...

elho_cid · 06-10-2011, 04:05 AM

Welcome. My office colleague has both. I believe he uses 50-135 most of the time, except for macro. Even for general portraiture the 50-135 is better, handles bokeh abberation extremely well while the Tamron does not.

KAR200D · 06-10-2011, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by Venturi

They're both great lenses. I let my 50-135 go because I wanted a zoom in that general range I could use with my film gear - and I have sorely regretted that decision ever since. On the other hand, the Tammy 90/2.8 is a fantastic macro AND portrait lens. It's light, very sharp and not prone to flare.

I use the 90mm quite often though 90mm can be a bit limiting as a one-size-fits-all. The 50-135 was rarely off my camera, though it sometimes could a little heavy/bulky to tote around.

If macro is really your thing, then the 90 is a solid choice. But in my opinion if you are more "rounded" in your photography then the 50-135 is going to be more useful on a regular basis. $0.02

Great insight and yes I'm more "rounded" in my photography, and that's why I worried I might not be satisfied having a 90mm range vs. the zoom range of the 50-135. I enjoy macro but it's not my main "focus". What's the feeling of extension tube(s) being used on the 50-135 zoom for macro since I'm trying to narrow it to one lens for the time being?
Thanks.

elho_cid · 06-10-2011, 05:07 AM

I tried the 50-135 with Kenko PZ-AF exension tube. AF and AE work correctly, handling is not a problem. IQ was still great to my eyes. It focused quite close but still not a 1:1 macro... I do not remember the exact mag ratio obtained.

yusuf · 06-10-2011, 05:17 AM

Originally posted by KAR200D

New to forum and appreciate your input. Have a K200D camera with lens 18-55 II smc da. I almost purchased the Pentax 50-135 zoom but would like macro feature, so I'm looking at the Tamron 90mm macro lens. Is this a good choice? Still somewhat torn on giving up the zoom for macro, but need to make choice on one lens for now. I have the Pentax K200D, I assume the Tamron will be compatible with this model.
Thanks again.

Tamron 90 is well regarded macro so you will be happy.

elho_cid · 06-10-2011, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by yusuf

Tamron 90 is well regarded macro so you will be happy.

well show me a macro lens that is regarded less than Tamron 90mm... I mean it is almost impossible to choose a bad macro lens.

KAR200D · 06-10-2011, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by elho_cid

I tried the 50-135 with Kenko PZ-AF exension tube. AF and AE work correctly, handling is not a problem. IQ was still great to my eyes. It focused quite close but still not a 1:1 macro... I do not remember the exact mag ratio obtained.

Nice idea, but I've been searching for Kenko extension tube for pentax and no luck finding any so far?

**Ahab** · 06-10-2011, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by elho_cid

Welcome. My office colleague has both. I believe he uses 50-135 most of the time, except for macro. Even for general portraiture the 50-135 is better, handles bokeh abberation extremely well while the Tamron does not.

Huh? Don't tell that to my Tammy.

06-09-2011, 09:25 PM	#1
KAR200D New Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 7	Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro vs Pentax 50-135 New to forum and appreciate your input. Have a K200D camera with lens 18-55 II smc da. I almost purchased the Pentax 50-135 zoom but would like macro feature, so I'm looking at the Tamron 90mm macro lens. Is this a good choice? Still somewhat torn on giving up the zoom for macro, but need to make choice on one lens for now. I have the Pentax K200D, I assume the Tamron will be compatible with this model. Thanks again.

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06-09-2011, 09:29 PM	#2
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	There's another thread unning right now about the Tamron 90mm... By all accounts it's very highly thought of...

06-09-2011, 09:29 PM	#3
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	If macro is important to you, that's a fine lens. On the menu bar up top, click on Lenses then Third-Party lens reviews; under Tamron primes you will hear (and see) what people think! And it will work fine on a K200d; newer cameras may focus a bit faster but that's the only difference.

06-09-2011, 09:32 PM	#4
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/146982-tamron-...resistant.html ^ Is the other thread I was talking about... Originally posted by jimr-pdx If macro is important to you, that's a fine lens. On the menu bar up top, click on Lenses then Third-Party lens reviews; under Tamron primes you will hear (and see) what people think! And it will work fine on a K200d; newer cameras may focus a bit faster but that's the only difference. Agreed... I want one...

06-09-2011, 09:36 PM	#5
KAR200D New Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 7 Original Poster	I checked into the other thread, very helpful info, thanks!

06-09-2011, 09:38 PM	#6
KAR200D New Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by jimr-pdx If macro is important to you, that's a fine lens. On the menu bar up top, click on Lenses then Third-Party lens reviews; under Tamron primes you will hear (and see) what people think! And it will work fine on a K200d; newer cameras may focus a bit faster but that's the only difference. Helpful information, thanks.

06-09-2011, 09:46 PM	#7
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	They're both great lenses. I let my 50-135 go because I wanted a zoom in that general range I could use with my film gear - and I have sorely regretted that decision ever since. On the other hand, the Tammy 90/2.8 is a fantastic macro AND portrait lens. It's light, very sharp and not prone to flare. I use the 90mm quite often though 90mm can be a bit limiting as a one-size-fits-all. The 50-135 was rarely off my camera, though it sometimes could a little heavy/bulky to tote around. If macro is really your thing, then the 90 is a solid choice. But in my opinion if you are more "rounded" in your photography then the 50-135 is going to be more useful on a regular basis. $0.02

06-09-2011, 11:56 PM	#8
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	First welcome to the Forum. Second it is important to emphasise again that we, the Pentax community, are very lucky to have some many outstanding ~100mm lenses available. The Tamron 90mm, the Pentax 100mm, the Sigma 105mm... Each one is a great lens, and has its strength. Your budget might impact on your decision. The Tammy is the best value for money...

06-10-2011, 04:05 AM	#9
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Welcome. My office colleague has both. I believe he uses 50-135 most of the time, except for macro. Even for general portraiture the 50-135 is better, handles bokeh abberation extremely well while the Tamron does not.

06-10-2011, 04:14 AM	#10
KAR200D New Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by Venturi They're both great lenses. I let my 50-135 go because I wanted a zoom in that general range I could use with my film gear - and I have sorely regretted that decision ever since. On the other hand, the Tammy 90/2.8 is a fantastic macro AND portrait lens. It's light, very sharp and not prone to flare. I use the 90mm quite often though 90mm can be a bit limiting as a one-size-fits-all. The 50-135 was rarely off my camera, though it sometimes could a little heavy/bulky to tote around. If macro is really your thing, then the 90 is a solid choice. But in my opinion if you are more "rounded" in your photography then the 50-135 is going to be more useful on a regular basis. $0.02 Great insight and yes I'm more "rounded" in my photography, and that's why I worried I might not be satisfied having a 90mm range vs. the zoom range of the 50-135. I enjoy macro but it's not my main "focus". What's the feeling of extension tube(s) being used on the 50-135 zoom for macro since I'm trying to narrow it to one lens for the time being? Thanks.

06-10-2011, 05:07 AM	#11
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	I tried the 50-135 with Kenko PZ-AF exension tube. AF and AE work correctly, handling is not a problem. IQ was still great to my eyes. It focused quite close but still not a 1:1 macro... I do not remember the exact mag ratio obtained.

06-10-2011, 05:17 AM	#12
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	Originally posted by KAR200D New to forum and appreciate your input. Have a K200D camera with lens 18-55 II smc da. I almost purchased the Pentax 50-135 zoom but would like macro feature, so I'm looking at the Tamron 90mm macro lens. Is this a good choice? Still somewhat torn on giving up the zoom for macro, but need to make choice on one lens for now. I have the Pentax K200D, I assume the Tamron will be compatible with this model. Thanks again. Tamron 90 is well regarded macro so you will be happy.

06-10-2011, 05:57 AM	#13
elho_cid Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by yusuf Tamron 90 is well regarded macro so you will be happy. well show me a macro lens that is regarded less than Tamron 90mm... I mean it is almost impossible to choose a bad macro lens.

06-10-2011, 07:46 AM	#14
KAR200D New Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 7 Original Poster	Originally posted by elho_cid I tried the 50-135 with Kenko PZ-AF exension tube. AF and AE work correctly, handling is not a problem. IQ was still great to my eyes. It focused quite close but still not a 1:1 macro... I do not remember the exact mag ratio obtained. Nice idea, but I've been searching for Kenko extension tube for pentax and no luck finding any so far?

06-10-2011, 07:59 AM	#15
Ahab Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Arnold, Md. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 762	Originally posted by elho_cid Welcome. My office colleague has both. I believe he uses 50-135 most of the time, except for macro. Even for general portraiture the 50-135 is better, handles bokeh abberation extremely well while the Tamron does not. Huh? Don't tell that to my Tammy.