Macro shooters rejoice… Tamron has just announced the 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD, a short-telephoto prime lens for Sony E- and Nikon Z- mount mirrorless camera systems. This lightweight and compact lens will be a great addition to any underwater macro enthusiasts’ gear bag and will double as a great topside portrait lens for surface intervals.
With this full frame lens shooters can look forward to 1:1 magnification and a 9.1” (23.1cm) minimum focus distance, allowing for a sharp image with a larger working distance.
The VXD Autofocus system promises precision focus, dependable subject tracking, and a quieter drive noise.
Innovative macro shooters will appreciate the lenses 12-blade circular diaphragm which promises to produce nice, perfectly round bokeh and spectacular 12-ray starburst effects.
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 will be available initially for use with both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount cameras. It’s unclear whether a future version is in the works for Canon RF-mount. Canon has recently agreed to license its technology to select third-party lens manufacturers but new lenses are slow to hit the market.
This lens is designed for full frame cameras, but can also be used with a crop on APS-C format cameras like the popular Sony a6700. The effective focal length is about 135mm when used with an APS-C camera.
The lens measures 3.12” (79mm) in diameter, 5.06” (129mm) in length, and weights in at 1.41 lb (640g). The Tamron 90mm is similar in size to the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS lens and slightly smaller than the Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S.
We expect a reasonable amount of durability given the lens’ moisture-resistant construction and a Fluorine coating on the front element. The front of the lens accepts a 67mm size filter. A sliding window will allow a filter to be rotating without removing the hood. It is necessary to remove the hood for effective underwater use.
The lens comes equipped with a Focus Set button and Focus Limit Switch on the side which will not be accessible underwater.
This is a great new option for anyone looking to dip into macro and super macro underwater photography. It’s about two-thirds the price of the comparable Sony and Nikon lenses with a shorter minimum focus distance. Anyone looking to build a powerful system on a budget now have an outstanding macro option that won’t break the bank.
Image Quality
With this full frame lens shooters can look forward to 1:1 magnification and a 9.1” (23.1cm) minimum focus distance, allowing for a sharp image with a larger working distance.
The VXD Autofocus system promises precision focus, dependable subject tracking, and a quieter drive noise.
Innovative macro shooters will appreciate the lenses 12-blade circular diaphragm which promises to produce nice, perfectly round bokeh and spectacular 12-ray starburst effects.
Compatibility
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 will be available initially for use with both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount cameras. It’s unclear whether a future version is in the works for Canon RF-mount. Canon has recently agreed to license its technology to select third-party lens manufacturers but new lenses are slow to hit the market.
This lens is designed for full frame cameras, but can also be used with a crop on APS-C format cameras like the popular Sony a6700. The effective focal length is about 135mm when used with an APS-C camera.
Size and Handling
The lens measures 3.12” (79mm) in diameter, 5.06” (129mm) in length, and weights in at 1.41 lb (640g). The Tamron 90mm is similar in size to the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS lens and slightly smaller than the Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S.
We expect a reasonable amount of durability given the lens’ moisture-resistant construction and a Fluorine coating on the front element. The front of the lens accepts a 67mm size filter. A sliding window will allow a filter to be rotating without removing the hood. It is necessary to remove the hood for effective underwater use.
The lens comes equipped with a Focus Set button and Focus Limit Switch on the side which will not be accessible underwater.
Who is this Right For?
This is a great new option for anyone looking to dip into macro and super macro underwater photography. It’s about two-thirds the price of the comparable Sony and Nikon lenses with a shorter minimum focus distance. Anyone looking to build a powerful system on a budget now have an outstanding macro option that won’t break the bank.
Pricing and Availability
This exciting new lens retails at USD$699 and is available for preorder now through B&H with an estimated ship date of October 24, 2024.
We will update our Lens Port Charts with recommendations for this new lens as soon as possible.
Additional Reading
Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Review and Results
Sony 90mm Macro Focus Gear Installation // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing [VIDEO]
Super Macro Underwater Photography Techniques
Macro Minded: Creating Meaningful Underwater Macro Photo and Video
Just Add Light: Enhancing Underwater Photography with Colored Lighting
