| Image: Tamron |
Tamron has announced the 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD, a full frame lens for Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount, the latest in a long line of affordable 90mm Macros from the company.
As the name implies, the lens is focused on capturing 1:1 reproductions at relatively close distances, though it can also be used for portraiture and as a medium-distance telephoto. The company also pitches it as a good option for APS-C shooters, as it will have a 135mm equivalent focal length on those systems.
The lens comprises 15 elements – all of which are spherical – in 12 groups, including four special glass low-dispersion elements. Tamron also says it has a ‘moisture-resistant construction’ and a Fluorine coating on the front element, which should provide some resistance to oil and dust.
According to Tamron, the lens features the company’s first 12-blade circular aperture to ensure “the bokeh remains perfectly circular when the aperture is wide open.” Also new is its lens hood; the company says it includes a ‘sliding window’ that lets you easily adjust filters without having to remove the hood. The lens’ filter thread is 67mm.
The 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD is 127mm (5″) long and weighs 630g (22.2oz) for the Sony model. The Nikon model weighs 10g (0.4oz) more. Both feature a focus set button as well as a focus limiter switch.
The lens fills a gap in the Z-mount system, as there weren’t previously any 90mm autofocus-capable macro lenses for full-frame cameras. Nikon makes a 105mm model, and Venus Optics has a manual focus 90mm F2.8.
The 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD will be available starting October 24th for $699.
Press Release:
TAMRON Announces New 90mm Macro 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD (Model F072) for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless
The compact, innovative, high-performance design leverages its renowned 45-year heritage
September 26, 2024, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of its new 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD (Model F072), a mid-telephoto 1:1 macro lens, compatible with Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, on October 24, 2024 at $699 USD / $949 CAD.
Celebrating 45 years of TAMRON 90mm macro lenses: The next generation
In 1979, TAMRON introduced its first 90mm macro lens, the SP 90mm F/2.5 (Model 52B), revolutionizing the concept of macro lenses. Known for its stunning bokeh and superb image quality, this lens was initially used mainly for academic purposes, but it soon became popular for various types of photography, including outdoor field work and portraiture. Affectionately nicknamed “Tamukyu,” a portmanteau of two Japanese words, it garnered high praise from close-up aficionados, nature photographers and portrait enthusiasts alike.
TAMRON continued to innovate in response to evolving photographic needs, releasing subsequent models such as the SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 (Model 272E) and SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004). In 2016, TAMRON launched the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017), an evolution of the Model F004. The digital-compatible coating technology, combined with its soft, natural bokeh and sharp rendering, continues to be favored by many photographers today.
Now, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the first generation, TAMRON is releasing a highly anticipated mirrorless version of this iconic lens. This latest iteration combines the traditional, beloved brilliant performance with cutting-edge technology, continuing TAMRON’s macro lens legacy. We invite you to explore the new possibilities offered by TAMRON’s latest 90mm macro lens.
Product Features
1. High optical performance and image reproduction: the legacy grows
TAMRON’s 90mm lenses have long been celebrated for their high resolution and beautiful bokeh. The new 90mm F2.8 MACRO lens, designed for mirrorless cameras, reinforces this legacy via a rigorous optical simulation process. This lens offers unparalleled resolution performance from the center to the edges, and delivers soft, blurred bokeh and a three-dimensional effect that highlights the subject. The optical construction features 15 elements in 12 groups, including four special glass LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements that effectively suppress the tendency of light ray divergence and provide excellent correction for both spherical and chromatic aberration. The BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating significantly minimizes ghosting and flare, ensuring that even in backlit conditions, the finest details of the subject are captured with clarity and precision. This exceptional optical performance enables photographers to explore unique photographic expressions in many photographic genres, including macro, portrait, tabletop, long-distance photography, and various other types.
Additionally, you can also enjoy the outstanding macro performance of this lens and beautiful images with APS-C format cameras. The equivalent focal length is approximately 135mm while the minimum aperture remains F2.8.
2. Outstanding flat-field performance
TAMRON’s new 90mm F2.8 MACRO is highly corrected for superior flat-field resolution that will be best for subjects such as documents, currency, artwork and product packaging. This quality is especially important when shooting close-up images where depth of field is too shallow to neutralize the loss of sharpness that could otherwise occur at the extreme edges of a flat subject. Because it’s highly corrected, this lens provides edge to edge sharpness, uniform illumination across the frame and minimal distortion.
3. TAMRON’s first 12-blade circular aperture for stunning circular bokeh and starburst effects
The 90mm F2.8 MACRO introduces TAMRON’s first 12-blade circular aperture, setting a new standard for beautiful circular bokeh expression. Especially in the macro range, with a maximum magnification in between 1:1 to 1:4, this specialized diaphragm ensures that the bokeh remains perfectly circular when the aperture is wide open. The lens also suppresses vignetting in the four corners of the image. Composed entirely of spherical elements, the new 90mm F2.8 MACRO allows you to enjoy exquisite circular bokeh.
In addition, the 12-blade design produces 12 rays for exquisite starburst effects when the aperture is stopped down, making it ideal for capturing dramatic images of scenes that include point-sources of light, such as birthday cake candles and evening cityscapes.
4. Compact size, just 5” (126.5mm) in length
The 90mm F2.8 MACRO is a medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8 and a length of 5” (126.5mm). With a maximum diameter of only 79.2mm, the lens fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and is easy to hold, making it compact enough to go out with this macro lens everywhere. It’s also light in weight at 22.2oz (630g), making it more pleasant to carry for long periods of time.
5. New hood design with sliding window for easy filter rotation
The 90mm F2.8 MACRO is supplied with a new structural lens hood that has a sliding window designed for easy filter operation. Filters such as PL, ND, and cross screen filters require rotation to adjust their effects, often requiring the removal of the hood. To solve this inconvenience, the new design allows photographers to easily rotate the filter through the sliding window. This enables seamless adjustment without disrupting the shooting flow, ensuring precise control over shooting conditions and maintaining the rhythm of normal camera operation.
6. Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens UtilityTM for lens function customization and firmware updates
7. High-speed and high-precision AF with superb subject tracking performance
8. High convenience and operability
- 67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
- Focus Set Button for assigning camera function and TAMRON Lens Utility function
- Focus limiter switch for faster focusing during AF shooting and quick refocusing on subjects
- Precise torque for accurate MF operation
- Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation
9. Protective features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)
Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III VXD specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 90 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z, Sony E |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 12 |
| Aperture notes | Circular diaphragm |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Special elements / coatings | Four special glass LD (Low Dispersion) elements, Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2 coating |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.23 m (9.06″) |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Focus distance limiter | 0.7m |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 640 g (1.41 lb) |
| Diameter | 79 mm (3.12″) |
| Length | 129 mm (5.06″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |