[fiveo]

I'm having a bad lens craving. I thought I wanted the Tamron 28-75 but while researching the lens I looked at some reviews and photos from the 90mm macro SP DI and now I'm torn between them. I wanted the 28-75 mostly for portraits. Has anyone used the 90mm macro for portraits and how would it compare to the 28-75 in this capacity? With the $90.00 rebate I can get the macro for roughly the same price as the 28-75. It looks to be a better quality lens and I would love to gain the macro capability. Also I'm a new member of the forum. I've been watching for over a year and it has been my favorite website to visit.

[Derridale]

Hi and welcome

I don't have the 28-75, but I do have the SP90 Macro. It is a classic lens, having been a favourite for both macro and portrait photographers for many years (?decades even).

On an APS-C sensor camera like the Pentax DSLRs, the equivalent 35mm focal length is a 135mm (90 x 1.5) and this is just about ideal for portraits. It is also VERY good as a macro lens. Two prime functions in the one lens.

I don't think you'd regret buying the SP90, but that's just my opinion, and I have a fairly severe case of LBA!!

[Mechan1k]

I love my Tamron SP90 ... it's a beautiful lens.
Although the Tamron 28-75mm is meant to be a great lens as well.
I can see your dilemma.

[applejax]

I rather like the Tamron 90 for portraits.

Both of people



and pets



and miscellaneous waterfowl



And being able to macro is a definite plus



And you can have lots of fun with macro shots



On top of it all, you can take macro portraits!



--the davester

[k100d]

the 28-75 does have some macro focusing ability about 1:4

[Peter Zack]

I don't own the Tamron 90 any more (Had the older version MF f2.5) I've used the Tamron 28-75 for portrait work on 3 (paid) occasions this year.

The Tamron is too long IMO unless you want to just do head shots or have a lot of working room. I looked at several Pro's work (I'm definitely not) and realized that many (Ben K and Chris among them) are using even wider lenses like the DA*16-50mm.

After some of my own experience, the 28-75 is about perfect for what I want. Most of the shots were between 28-50mm. The 28-75 would be the last lens I'd sell from my entire kit.

Don't get me wrong the 90mm is a fantastic lens but I just don't see it being used this way that much on an APS-C sensor.

[mauricio]

The Tamron 90mm macro is the only non Pentax lens I have. It's that great.

[benjikan]

I'm having a bad lens craving. I thought I wanted the Tamron 28-75 but while researching the lens I looked at some reviews and photos from the 90mm macro SP DI and now I'm torn between them. I wanted the 28-75 mostly for portraits. Has anyone used the 90mm macro for portraits and how would it compare to the 28-75 in this capacity? With the $90.00 rebate I can get the macro for roughly the same price as the 28-75. It looks to be a better quality lens and I would love to gain the macro capability. Also I'm a new member of the forum. I've been watching for over a year and it has been my favorite website to visit.

I have had both and at the same time when I was with Canon. The 90 is exceptional, but so is the 28-75. I found the 90 too long for portraits. At 75mm about 110mm in 35mm format the 28-75 is an excellent portrait lens.

Go for the 28-75.

Here is a sample with the Tamron 28-75 Di LD lens.

Ben

[Bud]

Hi and welcome!

I don't have the 90, but love the 28-75 for its versatility and sharpness. I've posted a couple shots below showing some of the macro possibilities with this lens... the problem with macro lenses is that they create the worst kind of LBA (Lens Buying Addiction)... you'll always want more until you have a dedicated macro. So... I'd say plan on working BOTH into your roadmap at some point

1/125s f/13.0 at 75.0mm iso200 with K10D

1/45s f/2.8 at 50.0mm iso100 with K10D


Here's a link to a Tamron 28-75 gallery I started when I first got the lens...

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD (IF) Photo Gallery by Bud Hensley at pbase.com

Good luck with your decision!

Bud

[fiveo]

Thanks for all of your replys and sharing your experience with these lenses. I take most of my portraits outdoors so I can get away with the longer reach most of the time. It's still a tuff decision between the two. I agree that the 28-75 probably would be the better choice for most portraits but the macro capability on the 90 looks like a lot of fun. I guess I'll have to find a way to get both. My wifes going to kill me.

Thanks for all of your replys and sharing your experience with these lenses. I take most of my portraits outdoors so I can get away with the longer reach most of the time. It's still a tuff decision between the two. I agree that the 28-75 probably would be the better choice for most portraits but the macro capability on the 90 looks like a lot of fun. I guess I'll have to find a way to get both. My wifes going to kill me.

I don't have the 28-75, but I do have the 90mm Macro Tamron. Personally, I think it is a great lens. Although, I have not used it for portraits.

[Mechan1k]

Just to add again ... I do have the Tamron ... but only find i get it out on the odd occasion for some portraits ... and the odd macro here and there.

What I do find I use is my 28-70 f/2.8 Sigma (similar style lens to the Tamron 28-75) a lot more ... it is more versatile and it gets used so much more.

For versatility ... I suggest the 28-75mm first .... and get the macro later on.

Both are great lenses ... but go for one that you will use more ... I see so many travel photo threads in here with the 28-75mm ... and kid portrait threads as well. Even wedding shots with it. The 90mm nowhere near as much.

[Okami]

Is the SP 90 adaptall - 2 tamron as good as the newer one or is there a big difference in quality?

[w6wat]

I've got the SP adaptall version, and it's incredible! It's not only a great macro lens, but it's most certainly a fine portrait lens as well. If you find the focal length too short or too long, move your feet.

[Votesh]

Bud, that moth picture is outstanding.