tamron 90mm macro

Legendary lens, but which one is best, the latest, 90mm f2.8 SP, or
older 90mm f2.5? I intend to use it for both macro and portrait,
though primarily macro.

 

Depends on whether you want auto focus. The older one is an Adaptall
lens, meaning you can mount it to pretty much any brand of camera body
with the proper adaptor. The downside being no auto focus.

 

Hi Matt,

Optically, the later f/2.8 versions are best although the build
quality of the original f/2.5 was outstanding.

If you plan to use it on your Nikon DSLR consider the latest AF Di
version, which has improved multi-coating on the rear element to help
reduce reflections off the digital sensor. It is worth having the
better coating, but the build quality of the AF versions is far
inferior to the weighty SP manual focus Adaptall versions.

There is no better current macro/portrait lens than the Tamron 90mm,
but the 1970s/80s 90mm and 105mm f/2.5~2.8 macro lenses from Vivitar,
Sigma, Tokina and especially Kiron are all just as good, and the Kiron
105mm may even shade the Tamron. Alas, the Tamron is the only one
still made.

Best regards,

Tony