Tamron macro lens

**TerryL** · 01-20-2020, 10:45 AM

Hello,
What’s that Tamron macro lens that’s supposed to be so good? Is it a 70mm, or 90mm?
Thank you

**aslyfox** · 01-20-2020, 10:52 AM

here are the reviews of tamron lenses

Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

and tamron adaptall lenses

Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

you may be thinking of this one:

Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I have no personal experience with that lens

I have a D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro ( not the WR version)

**luftfluss** · 01-20-2020, 11:08 AM - **5 Likes**

Originally posted by TerryL

Hello,
What’s that Tamron macro lens that’s supposed to be so good? Is it a 70mm, or 90mm?
Thank you

Tamron did not produce a dedicated 70mm macro lens, however Sigma did so maybe that is what you are thinking of.

All of the Tamron 90's are excellent performers, as macro lenses tend to be.

I use theTamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52BB) and find it to be wonderful.

**aslyfox** · 01-20-2020, 11:11 AM

if the OP wanted to take the time, I would advise looking at photos posted here to see what others have used for macro photography

*Macro* lens club - PentaxForums.com

**pepperberry farm** · 01-20-2020, 11:30 AM

confirming the above, no 70mm for Tamron, but the Sigma 70mm macro is a stunner...

that being said, I have a copy of both the 52B and the 72B 90mm macros from Tamron's Adaptall line and both are amazing...

**TerryL** · 01-20-2020, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

confirming the above, no 70mm for Tamron, but the Sigma 70mm macro is a stunner...

that being said, I have a copy of both the 52B and the 72B 90mm macros from Tamron's Adaptall line and both are amazing...

That must be it. I’m so glad you replied, because I knew you would know. Thank you.

---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:17 PM ----------

Originally posted by aslyfox

if the OP wanted to take the time, I would advise looking at photos posted here to see what others have used for macro photography

*Macro* lens club - PentaxForums.com

Oh my gosh, I’ve got the time. Thanks for the link.

---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:22 PM ----------

Originally posted by luftfluss

Tamron did not produce a dedicated 70mm macro lens, however Sigma did so maybe that is what you are thinking of.

All of the Tamron 90's are excellent performers, as macro lenses tend to be.

I use theTamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52BB) and find it to be wonderful.

Wow! Yea, I think that’s the photographer as much as the lens. Amazing photos.

---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:26 PM ----------

Originally posted by aslyfox

here are the reviews of tamron lenses

Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

and tamron adaptall lenses

Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

you may be thinking of this one:

Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I have no personal experience with that lens

I have a D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro ( not the WR version)

I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm.

---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:27 PM ----------

Originally posted by aslyfox

here are the reviews of tamron lenses

Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

and tamron adaptall lenses

Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

you may be thinking of this one:

Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

I have no personal experience with that lens

I have a D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro ( not the WR version)

I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm.

**luftfluss** · 01-20-2020, 12:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by TerryL

Wow! Yea, I think that’s the photographer as much as the lens. Amazing photos.

Thank you. My "secret" is a I tote a small, lightweight resin stool around with me. That way I can sit, brace my elbows on my knees and make myself a tripod.

Quote:

I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm.

What disappoints me about the Irix 150 is the minimum working distance is 34cm - that's just 4cm further away than the Pentax 100 Macro.

**pepperberry farm** · 01-20-2020, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by TerryL

That must be it. I’m so glad you replied, because I knew you would know. Thank you.
---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:26 PM ----------

[/COLOR]
I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm.

you're welcome....

flickr albums for my macro lenses -

Tamron 52B:

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 52B 90mm f2.5 Macro (M42) | Flickr

Tamron 72B:

Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 72B - 90mm f2.8 Macro | Flickr

Sigma 70mm EX DG:

Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG Macro | Flickr

and, newly arrived, the Irix 150mm Macro:

Irix 150mm f2.8 Macro (Dragonfly) | Flickr

**stevebrot** · 01-20-2020, 02:15 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by luftfluss

What disappoints me about the Irix 150 is the minimum working distance is 34cm - that's just 4cm further away than the Pentax 100 Macro.

Focus breathing...

Addendum: It's overall length relative to the Pentax is also a factor. BTW...MFD and working distance are two different things; MFD being measured to the focal plane. Working distance at 1:1 for the Pentax is 130mm* with the Irix dialing in at a little under 160mm** for a difference of only 3cm. By comparison, my Dine 105mm is 131mm.

Steve

* Per Pentax Forums detailed review

** 340mm MFD - (Overall length of 135mm + flange focal distance of 45.5mm)

**pepperberry farm** · 01-20-2020, 02:28 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

Focus breathing...

Addendum: It's overall length relative to the Pentax is also a factor.

Steve

and the weight difference is difficult to ignore....

Thagomizer · 01-20-2020, 04:00 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by luftfluss

Tamron did not produce a dedicated 70mm macro lens, however Sigma did so maybe that is what you are thinking of.

All of the Tamron 90's are excellent performers, as macro lenses tend to be.

I use theTamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52BB) and find it to be wonderful.

Wow! great shots! I'm gonna hafta get my 52BB out more often.

**TerryL** · 01-20-2020, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by luftfluss

Thank you. My "secret" is a I tote a small, lightweight resin stool around with me. That way I can sit, brace my elbows on my knees and make myself a tripod.

What disappoints me about the Irix 150 is the minimum working distance is 34cm - that's just 4cm further away than the Pentax 100 Macro.

Where does the minimum working distance come into play?

**luftfluss** · 01-20-2020, 04:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by TerryL

Where does the minimum working distance come into play?

When I am shooting macros, often I'm trying to get maximum magnification - as close to the subject (usually an insect) as the lens allows. With a 90mm or 100mm macro lens, this is usually around 30cm away from the camera sensor. For the legendary Pentax A* 200/4 Macro, the minimum working distance is nearly twice as far - 55cm! Having the minimum working distance being further away is useful because you are less likely to bother the insect, and also less likely to cast a shadow while shooting with the sun at your back.

Edit: as @stevebrot points out, I really should not be conflating "minimum working distance" with "minimum focus distance",

but I'm afraid to change the terminology mid-discussion. The same principles apply to both, though. What it boils down to is with both the Pentax 100mm Macro and Irix 150mm Macro, you have to set yourself at a similar distance from your macro subject in order to get true 1:1 magnification. So, for my use, there is no improvement going from a 90 or 100mm macro to the Irix 150mm.

**aslyfox** · 01-20-2020, 04:29 PM

as mentioned it depends on your target if you are intending to get 1:1

animals/insects, it may be best to have a larger distance between you and your target

in a controlled environment, taking photos of stamps or coins for example, you may not need as much distance

Quote:

. . . Pentax currently offers three autofocus macro lenses: the DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro, D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro, and D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro. Tamron also makes a 90mm F2.8 Macro. Note that the longer the focal length, the farther away you can be while maintaining life-size magnification. . . .

Read more at: The Advantages of a Dedicated Macro

Lens - Tutorial Videos | PentaxForums.com

**Bob 256** · 01-20-2020, 06:55 PM

At one time, I think Tamron used to make lenses for Pentax and the only difference was the Pentax super-multilayer coatings (optical formulas and mechanics were identical). That could well be the case for the Tamron 90mm. I have that lens and it is a fantastic lens. I've used it with the K-1 and it taxes the resolution of the K-1. Autofocusing is quick and accurate and I've used it clear down to 1:1 and it still performs. It gets a bit soft when stopped down to its limit which is not unexpected due to diffraction at those apertures but they do allow a greater depth of field. Great lens.

01-20-2020, 10:45 AM	#1
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 850	Tamron macro lens Hello, What’s that Tamron macro lens that’s supposed to be so good? Is it a 70mm, or 90mm? Thank you

01-20-2020, 02:15 PM - 1 Like	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 39,205	Originally posted by luftfluss What disappoints me about the Irix 150 is the minimum working distance is 34cm - that's just 4cm further away than the Pentax 100 Macro. Focus breathing... Addendum: It's overall length relative to the Pentax is also a factor. BTW...MFD and working distance are two different things; MFD being measured to the focal plane. Working distance at 1:1 for the Pentax is 130mm* with the Irix dialing in at a little under 160mm for a difference of only 3cm*. By comparison, my Dine 105mm is 131mm. Steve Per Pentax Forums detailed review ** 340mm MFD - (Overall length of 135mm + flange focal distance of 45.5mm) Last edited by stevebrot; 01-20-2020 at 02:51 PM.

01-20-2020, 04:20 PM - 1 Like	#13
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,115	Originally posted by TerryL Where does the minimum working distance come into play? When I am shooting macros, often I'm trying to get maximum magnification - as close to the subject (usually an insect) as the lens allows. With a 90mm or 100mm macro lens, this is usually around 30cm away from the camera sensor. For the legendary Pentax A* 200/4 Macro, the minimum working distance is nearly twice as far - 55cm! Having the minimum working distance being further away is useful because you are less likely to bother the insect, and also less likely to cast a shadow while shooting with the sun at your back. Edit: as @stevebrot points out, I really should not be conflating "minimum working distance" with "minimum focus distance", but I'm afraid to change the terminology mid-discussion. The same principles apply to both, though. What it boils down to is with both the Pentax 100mm Macro and Irix 150mm Macro, you have to set yourself at a similar distance from your macro subject in order to get true 1:1 magnification. So, for my use, there is no improvement going from a 90 or 100mm macro to the Irix 150mm. Last edited by luftfluss; 01-20-2020 at 04:26 PM.

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01-20-2020, 10:52 AM	#2
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,648	here are the reviews of tamron lenses Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database and tamron adaptall lenses Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database you may be thinking of this one: Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I have no personal experience with that lens I have a D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro ( not the WR version)

01-20-2020, 11:08 AM - 5 Likes	#3
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,115	Originally posted by TerryL Hello, What’s that Tamron macro lens that’s supposed to be so good? Is it a 70mm, or 90mm? Thank you Tamron did not produce a dedicated 70mm macro lens, however Sigma did so maybe that is what you are thinking of. All of the Tamron 90's are excellent performers, as macro lenses tend to be. I use theTamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52BB) and find it to be wonderful.

01-20-2020, 11:11 AM	#4
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,648	if the OP wanted to take the time, I would advise looking at photos posted here to see what others have used for macro photography Macro lens club - PentaxForums.com

01-20-2020, 11:30 AM	#5
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,410	confirming the above, no 70mm for Tamron, but the Sigma 70mm macro is a stunner... that being said, I have a copy of both the 52B and the 72B 90mm macros from Tamron's Adaptall line and both are amazing...

01-20-2020, 12:15 PM	#6
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 850 Original Poster	Originally posted by pepperberry farm confirming the above, no 70mm for Tamron, but the Sigma 70mm macro is a stunner... that being said, I have a copy of both the 52B and the 72B 90mm macros from Tamron's Adaptall line and both are amazing... That must be it. I’m so glad you replied, because I knew you would know. Thank you. ---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:17 PM ---------- Originally posted by aslyfox if the OP wanted to take the time, I would advise looking at photos posted here to see what others have used for macro photography Macro lens club - PentaxForums.com Oh my gosh, I’ve got the time. Thanks for the link. ---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:22 PM ---------- Originally posted by luftfluss Tamron did not produce a dedicated 70mm macro lens, however Sigma did so maybe that is what you are thinking of. All of the Tamron 90's are excellent performers, as macro lenses tend to be. I use theTamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52BB) and find it to be wonderful. Wow! Yea, I think that’s the photographer as much as the lens. Amazing photos. ---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:26 PM ---------- Originally posted by aslyfox here are the reviews of tamron lenses Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database and tamron adaptall lenses Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database you may be thinking of this one: Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I have no personal experience with that lens I have a D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro ( not the WR version) I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm. ---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:27 PM ---------- Originally posted by aslyfox here are the reviews of tamron lenses Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database and tamron adaptall lenses Tamron Adaptall Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database you may be thinking of this one: Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro Lens Reviews - Tamron Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database I have no personal experience with that lens I have a D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro ( not the WR version) I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm.

01-20-2020, 12:49 PM - 1 Like	#7
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,115	Originally posted by TerryL Wow! Yea, I think that’s the photographer as much as the lens. Amazing photos. Thank you. My "secret" is a I tote a small, lightweight resin stool around with me. That way I can sit, brace my elbows on my knees and make myself a tripod. Quote: I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm. What disappoints me about the Irix 150 is the minimum working distance is 34cm - that's just 4cm further away than the Pentax 100 Macro.

01-20-2020, 12:53 PM	#8
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,410	Originally posted by TerryL That must be it. I’m so glad you replied, because I knew you would know. Thank you. ---------- Post added 01-20-20 at 12:26 PM ---------- [/COLOR] I have the 100mm, too. I may go the manual focus route and get the Irix 150 mm. you're welcome.... flickr albums for my macro lenses - Tamron 52B: Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 52B 90mm f2.5 Macro (M42) \| Flickr Tamron 72B: Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 72B - 90mm f2.8 Macro \| Flickr Sigma 70mm EX DG: Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG Macro \| Flickr and, newly arrived, the Irix 150mm Macro: Irix 150mm f2.8 Macro (Dragonfly) \| Flickr

01-20-2020, 02:28 PM - 1 Like	#10
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,410	Originally posted by stevebrot Focus breathing... Addendum: It's overall length relative to the Pentax is also a factor. Steve and the weight difference is difficult to ignore....

01-20-2020, 04:00 PM - 1 Like	#11
Thagomizer Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Ontario Posts: 1,880	Originally posted by luftfluss Tamron did not produce a dedicated 70mm macro lens, however Sigma did so maybe that is what you are thinking of. All of the Tamron 90's are excellent performers, as macro lenses tend to be. I use theTamron Adaptall-2 SP 90mm f/2.5 (52BB) and find it to be wonderful. Wow! great shots! I'm gonna hafta get my 52BB out more often.

01-20-2020, 04:06 PM	#12
TerryL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 850 Original Poster	Originally posted by luftfluss Thank you. My "secret" is a I tote a small, lightweight resin stool around with me. That way I can sit, brace my elbows on my knees and make myself a tripod. What disappoints me about the Irix 150 is the minimum working distance is 34cm - that's just 4cm further away than the Pentax 100 Macro. Where does the minimum working distance come into play?

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01-20-2020, 04:29 PM	#14
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,648	as mentioned it depends on your target if you are intending to get 1:1 animals/insects, it may be best to have a larger distance between you and your target in a controlled environment, taking photos of stamps or coins for example, you may not need as much distance Quote: . . . Pentax currently offers three autofocus macro lenses: the DA 35mm F2.8 Limited Macro, D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro, and D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro. Tamron also makes a 90mm F2.8 Macro. Note that the longer the focal length, the farther away you can be while maintaining life-size magnification. . . . Read more at: The Advantages of a Dedicated Macro Lens - Tutorial Videos \| PentaxForums.com

01-20-2020, 06:55 PM	#15
Bob 256 Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,116	At one time, I think Tamron used to make lenses for Pentax and the only difference was the Pentax super-multilayer coatings (optical formulas and mechanics were identical). That could well be the case for the Tamron 90mm. I have that lens and it is a fantastic lens. I've used it with the K-1 and it taxes the resolution of the K-1. Autofocusing is quick and accurate and I've used it clear down to 1:1 and it still performs. It gets a bit soft when stopped down to its limit which is not unexpected due to diffraction at those apertures but they do allow a greater depth of field. Great lens.