Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M ...- User Rating: 
Summary for Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M ...- Nice Shots, versatile lens, good price, great warranty, BIG irritation!
Notes on Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M ...- I just purchased a Pentax k20d with a Pentax 18-250mm lens - a very versatile lens that works well for day to day use. Since macro photography has always been a major interest for me and I'm wanting to get the biggest "bang for the buck" I liked the idea of a lens able to handle both portraits and macro work. After doing some research, the Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 with Macro had some impressive reviews esp for other camera brands. Since there was only one review here on Amazon I was a little hesitant to order. Since I wanted a 1:1 macro without spending a fortune, the only other serious contender was the Pentax 100mm Macro - however, Tamron is currently running a $[...] rebate combined with a 6 year warranty so I decided to give it a go.
The first thing you will notice is the weight..it seems relatively well built but contains a bit more plastic than expected. The lens comes packed in a nice padded lens bag with drawstring [a nice little extra] and lens hood so no need to purchase either separately. It's very easy to install and the automatic function works seemlessly with the Pentax auto focus. Compared to the Pentax 18-250mm the Tamron was more inclined to "search" when focusing at least for the first few moments. I find it to be a little louder than the Pentax but not to the point of distraction.
To switch from automatic to manual requires pushing or pulling a circle around the lens which seemed a bit odd to me - perhaps it is normal but I'm new to the Pentax line and have never used a Tamron lens so it took a few minutes to figure out (the instructions are all but useless - several large drawings in a plethora of languages).
Now as to the actual image quality itself...of course being a macro you would expect this to a large extent but just to get a better feel I set up a few "test shots" using both the pentax and the tamron on a couple small objects - a coffee cup, a spider and the fine hairs on a cactus. while both resulted in fine detail and resolution - the tamron really struts its stuff when it comes to the background!
As to what I did not like...again, perhaps this is an isolated experience but the first Tamron lens had to be returned due to inability to set aperature. The second worked but only in manual mode [Pentax K20D] and it is important to remember to change the settings in the Menu area of the camera body to allow aperature settings on the actual lens.
Again, being new to Pentax and DSLR's in general perhaps this is more common than I realize [been using plaint point and shoot after holding out for years with standard SLR's like the old Maxxum series from Minolata...I know - slow to change]. Even after changing the aperature on the lens it will not display as with all other modes. I was expecting tighter integration although it doesn't seem to impact the quality of the photo itself which is very nice.
At roughly $[...] after the $[...] rebate and a six year warranty - the price is extremely competitive. The photo quality is lovely - especially if you enjoy macro work with those beautiful creamy backgrounds. For a 1:1 macro at a comfortable 90mm lens this also is versatile enough to take great pictures of family, friends and the family pet.
In the Box:
Lens
Lens padded case - drawstring
Len cap and back protector
Instructions sheet
Lens hood
Pros:
1:1 macro
Nice boken
Automatic integrates seemlessly
Competitive price
Best price with $[...] rebate
Extensive warranty
Cons:
Weird manual/automatic push/pull ring
Aperature lens adjustment - not thrilled by location or operation in general.
Feels a bit "light" [remember, I'm coming from heavy older SLR's]
Other Misc Notes:
Takes a 55mm filter {less expensive size}. I typically use a UV filter as protection although this sets so far back it almost doesn't need it. I still use one -habit- and also purchased an exexpensive close up filter set to try out.
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M ...- User Rating: Summary for Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M ...- Worth it
Notes on Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M ...- I heard many good things about this lens before I made up my mind to get it, and I'm glad I did. Very nice, sharp, contrasty and good colors. It's definately worth the price.
