| Author: | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Posts: 18,076 | | Review Date: April 20, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, f 2.5, build, bokeh ... | | Cons: | Only 1:2 ... | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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Bonjour,
My copy of this lens is the later "52BB" version, pics above, which according to the Adaptall site is optically identical to the previous version, the 52B.
All of the previous reviews have said enough about the good quality of this lens.
| | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: August, 2009 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 30
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 18, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $97.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Bokeh, sharpness, color, build, f/2.5 | | Cons: | Sensor reflection and flare, only 1:2 | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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This review is based on use with an APS-C sensor.
This lens is a cult classic. The design is very clever: rather than a typical telephoto design, this is essentially a double Gauss normal that floats relative to a correcting rear group. This gives it the speed and nice bokeh of a fast normal combined with excellent correction at any focus distance. It was marketed as both a portrait and a macro lens, and it earns both titles. Here's a simple example:
Notice that the focus point is perfectly sharp, but before and after the focus point are both very smooth. Sharpness is very good wide open, but becomes outstanding (even for a macro) by f/8-f/11. What's more, unlike most macros, it's that good at any focus distance.
Color is quite good, but this is a lens that can show veiling flare. The front element is nearly flush with the front, so a 49mm threaded hood would be a good idea. There is also an infamous problem involving sensor reflections; the rear element is nearly flat, easily causing a purple spot in the center of the frame from bright reflection off the sensor. This sensor reflection happens very frequently -- maybe even all the time -- but usually isn't particularly visible. One needs to watch for it, but even when it is bad, it usually looks a lot like a regular flare spot... that always happens to be in the middle of the frame.
An addition: I now have the matching Adaptall 2X teleconverter. It is widely held that this 2X works exceptionally well with this lens, producing very good IQ one stop down and avoiding the flare spot. Well, the flare spot is gone and bokeh are perhaps even prettier. However, sharpness is really sacrificed unless the lens is stopped down a bit more, which makes hand-holding the lens with 2X difficult. I also tried this 90mm with a generic FD-mount 2X... and IQ was at least as good as with the matching converter. Ok. I didn't really expect a miracle....
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: February, 2011 Location: San Francisco Posts: 128 | | Review Date: July 21, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $60.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | cost, sharpness, build quality | | Cons: | weight | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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So this lens is incredibly sharp. I've only recently acquired it but I've used it alone (mostly), with tubes, and with the 01F 2x teleconverter (which cost another $30). I agree that it achieves optimal sharpness between f4 and f11. The build is great, but the PK/A adapter does have a bit of funk associated with it such that you have to wiggle it at times to get the aperture reading in Av mode (it's the adapter's problem; not the lens - keeping the adapter contacts clean is a big help here).
Color rendition is incredible.
The sensor reflection problem is real and is exacerbated when you point the lens into a backlit scene. This is why I give it low marks for aberrations (but it wasn't designed for use with DSLRs, so you can't fault Tamron). See below for a typical problem, as well as a serious problem caused by long exposure time. If you work around this, i.e. don't use the lens with a digital SLR for this type of photography, it's an awesome lens for the money. It's primary purpose is for macros so just use it for that! 
The lens, particularly with the 01F teleconverter, is extremely heavy. Here are some shots:
1. With extension tubes (dandelion):
Model for Death Star by zot0 (too busy), on Flickr
2. By itself:
Bugs and Buds by zot0 (too busy), on Flickr
3. With 01F Teleconverter (and flash):
Che-er-ry, Cherry Macro by zot0 (too busy), on Flickr
4. Subtle sensor reflection - note the purple in the middle of the rose (but otherwise note the beautiful color rendition):
Ramble On Rose by zot0 (too busy), on Flickr
5. Extreme sensor reflection, long exposure:
Extreme example of Tamron SP 90mm (52B) Sensor Reflection problem by zot0 (too busy), on Flickr
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: 14er Country Posts: 323
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 12, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $105.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp stopped down, Excellent Build, Wonderful Colors, 9 Blade Diaphragm (52BB) | | Cons: | Soft Wide Open, 1:2 Macro w/o 2x or Extension Tube | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 10
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I had been looking for a longer macro to compliment my Mamiya Sekor 60mm f2.8 for awhile. I didn't have a lot of money to sink into a newer autofocus lens, so I was watching for something like an M 100mm f4, or one of these Tamron Adaptalls. When I found a 52BB model in excellent condition at a good price, I jumped on it.
This lens seems to be one of the most popular Adaptall primes for people to buy. I've had good luck with the "SP" (Super Performance) line of Adaptalls in the past. The SP 180mm f2.5 and SP 300mm f2.8 are two of my favorite lenses. The 180mm is essentially faultless and the 300mm is almost perfect (occasionally, it would suffer some nervous bokeh which was the only downside I could find on that one optically).
The SP 90mm f2.5 isn't quite up to the level of those two lenses, but it isn't far behind. I think the biggest thing that surprised me about the lens was how soft it was wide open. With the two Adaptalls I listed above, I never hesitate to shoot wide open if I have to. I don't feel that way about the 90mm. It's better to stop it down to at least f4 if possible. That being said at f4 it's a sharp lens, and by f5.6, it's outresolving the K-5's sensor.
The lens makes up for it's wide open softness in other ways, though. The colors are very, very nice indeed. Keep in mind that this is a lens that you really need to use a deep hood for, though. Flare can rob contrast and color "punch" if you're not using a hood. Despite the good reputation of Tamron's BBAR coating, I've noticed that this lens needs its hood much more than other Tamron optics.
The bokeh is also very pleasing from the lens. I think it helps that I got the 52BB model that features a 9 bladed diaphragm (as opposed to the 8 blades of the 52B model).
The lens only goes to a 1:2 macro reproduction ratio by itself. It plays well with both teleconverters or extension tubes, though. It does very well with the SP 140F 1.4x teleconverter and good (but not great) with 2x teleconverters (I've tried it with both the SP 01F 2x and RMC Tokina Doubler 2x). For 1:1 reproductions, I'd suggest using an extension tube unless you need the extra working distance that a 2x teleconverter will allow. The lens works very well with extension tubes.
While I haven't owned this one very long, I've already gotten some memorable images with it. Here are a few of my favorites:
Flickr Link
Flickr Link
Flickr Link | | | | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2012 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 24 | | Review Date: April 12, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | sharp, fast, handy for its specifications | | Cons: | no provision on the mount for switching to manual iris | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 1
Handling: 8
Value: 8
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I have had mine for many years - bought it in film camera days to use on Pentax screwthread and Nikon F (claw) systems. I have the 2x converter but not the model-specific extension tube.
As one would expect I have Adaptall mounts for the above two systems (only). I believe all varieties of K mount Adaptalls are expensive but this is academic to me as I have not been able to find any. I have to depend on using my Pentax Screw Adaptall with a corresponding ring on my Pentax K-m which means I cannot use the lens except at full aperture which makes it quite useless for macro photos. I am quite well able to use my 300mm f/5.6 and 105 f/2.5 with my digital SLR on manual setting but the 90mm f/2.5 is the one I would most like to be able to use.
I'm not sure what "bokeh" means but as I have found this lens makes a sharp but rather harsh and unflattering portrait lens I have marked it down on bokeh but I might be barking up quite the wrong tree.
On the whole I am in agreement with all the other favourable comments on performance in the other reviews above on the basis of my experience experience with film and I hope to be able, some time, to try it on my digital SLR.
My rating of value for money must be taken with a pinch of salt as I bought the lens decades, rather than years, ago and paid a price of quite a different order as compared with prices at which the lens seems to be changing hands now, which seem to be quite reasonable for one in good condition.
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2011 Location: West Sumatra, Indonesia Posts: 22 | | Review Date: April 3, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | build to quality, hood | | Cons: | size | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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this is also my first adaptall lens, after i had this lens i got the 1:1 macro and yes, it might delivered a good macro magnifying and portrait. Its great using with DSLR rather than mirrorless because of the size. The color, sharp, bokeh is great. And macro using this lens can be very fun since the distance from object relatively better.
Now i wait for the tele con to had 180mm, and yes this one might be your considered to had a budget macro lens within range 80-105mm FL with value for money and of course the result
| | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Milano Posts: 9
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 6, 2011 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Sharp, Solid build, Easy to focus, Fast | | Cons: | Sensor Flare, 1:2 Ratio | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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IMHO a very good lens, very solid (i love metal lenses) is good for close-up photography, still life images and outdoor potraits
but images can be more interesting than words:
http://giulionic.altervista.org/blog/?tag=90mm | | | | | Junior Member Registered: May, 2010 Posts: 48 | | Review Date: July 14, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $130.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Sharp, nice bokeh | | Cons: | Soft open wide | |
I've the later 52BB version.
Very nice lens for shooting plants and people. It's a bit soft open wide, and I have to stop down 1 or 2 steps to get a sharp photo. But when it's sharp, it's sharp!
I have the 2x TC to make it a 1:1 macro, but have hardly used it because it adds a lot weight to the lens. Shooting portrait with 2x TC is not a good idea as it loses contrast and sharpness. But for close-ups, it seems to do well.
I've taken a liking in it so much that I upgraded the lens to the 72BB version, which is 1:1 macro. The 72BB is even sharper and more contrasty, so I sold off my 52BB. Though I really like the 52BB design better. But the 72BB is a bit more expensive, so if you are on a budget, the 52BB will serve you well!
Here's one of my favorite shots with the lens.
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2009 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 550 | | Review Date: May 20, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $120.00
| Rating: 10 |
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I have the early version, and I've used it on various film bodies and the K10D. It's a fantastic lens, with or without the matched 2x doubler. Sharp, excellent build quality, and not too expensive. Who needs AF for macro anyway?  | | | | | Moderator
Site Supporter Registered: June, 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Posts: 17,377 | | Review Date: May 20, 2011 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | well made, focus dampening | | Cons: | only 1:2 naitivly | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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This is a nice compact, well made lens. The focusing on it is nice. It requires either the matched 2x flatfield tc or the matched extension tube to reach 1:1. I have this and the subsequent 52bb. I prefer the look and weight of the 52BB over this one and it is a good match to the *istD. I would give the 52BB a 9 and this one an 8.5.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Saffron Walden, Essex Posts: 362 | | Review Date: August 30, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $130.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Very sharp, low CA, great bokeh | | Cons: | None | |
I've had the 55BB version for about 18 months. The lens is brilliant. Razor sharp, beautiful bokeh, low CA, great focus action. I use mine with a PK/A adapter. Out of all my manual focus lenses, this is - by a long way - the one I use most. I don't have a hood but have yet to notice any flare problems, although I suppose the lens is usually pointing downwards so that could explain it.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2010 Location: Northamptonshire Posts: 6 | | Review Date: August 7, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $150.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | good manual focusing | | Cons: | | |
I was looking for a dedicated macro lens for my Pentax K20D and after alot of research I decided to go with the Tamron SP 90mm.
Snapped one up off Ebay and very pleased with this lens.
The build quality is excellent, a heavy lens but you can feel that it's built well.
As this is my first dedicated macro lens I can't really compare it with others but I am getting brillant results from it.
I bought an PK-A adapter ring to go with it which I feel is quite important if your not comfortable with setting aperture manually and wish for the metering system to do the work for you.
The only negative thing I have with this lens, and it maybe just with mine alone but the connections allowing for auto aperture can be not work sometimes and I find I have to disengage the lens slightly in order to get a proper connection.
Overall its a good lens for anyone who is looking to get a dedicated macro lens but doesn't want to spend alot of money on the latest models.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: July, 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,435 | | Review Date: July 25, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Very sharp closed down - flat field - solid construction | | Cons: | needs a hood to prevent flare - bit soft wide open | |
I bought this in the early 80's for my Rollei SL35E. I've also used it on a Nikon F. Very sharp at f8-16 close or at infinity. If you can get a PK-A mount for a decent price, it's a great low-price lens.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: March, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 509 | | Review Date: June 6, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Very well built, high resolution and contrast, compact, little PF | | Cons: | flare, adapter not perfect, | |
Very good in the adaptall line. It would be a top Macro choice if you have a couple of adaptall lenses. Tamron does not seem to built high quality lenses any more.
Since it has 90mm, it works well as a portrait lens. Image quality at F2.5 is acceptable. It is very well built. The quality is not far away from a K or M lens. High resolution and contrasty which are important to a macro lens. Not much PF even at f2.5.
There are some downsides in comparison to Kiron 105 and Sigma 105.
1. the adaptall adapter is not always perfect. Sometimes, it would allow the reading of f2.4 (edit: this is normal behaviour of PKA mount) and can underexpose.
2. 1:2 not 1:1 without an adapter
3. flare flare flare. It is not SMC.
4. lower resolution at f2.5.
All in all, a very good old lens. It is smaller than the Kiron or the Sigma. Affordable if you can find a cheap adapter. Works well with the SP 2X converter. But there are better macro lenses outa there.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: July, 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC United States Posts: 146 | | Review Date: September 24, 2009 | Recommended | Price: $179.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Solid, great feel, beautiful results | | Cons: | haven't found one yet | |
I had read many positive reviews about this lens and had tried to buy one on ebay but it always went out of my price range. When I found the 52BB version @ Adorama, I decided to go for it. Am I glad. Solid, quality feel to the lens. went right on my K20D using the PK/A adaptor and I really like the first results. I expect the results to get better and better as I learn to use it.
Just feels like a keeper.
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