Description
A New Chapter in the Distinguished History of Tamron’s 90mm Macro Lenses
A Legacy of Superior Optical Performance Now Reaches a New Plateau with Enhanced VC Functionality and Advanced Features
The SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO VC (Model F017) is the most recent release in a successful line of Tamron SP 90mm macro lenses. It redefines the best in advanced features and succeeds a legacy of superior optical performance.
XY-Shift compensation has been newly added to reinforce VC functionality, further improving image stabilization capabilities at any shooting distance from infinity to macro. Advancements in USD control software have also increased AF focusing speed and optimally fine-tuned for various framing conditions. Furthermore, a high standard of Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of dust or water droplets. Highly durable, Fluorine Coating is applied to the top element surface and efficiently prevents condensation of moisture and repels smudge-causing substances.
Meticulous craftsmanship is demonstrated in every detail of the exterior design of the newly transformed SP 90mm macro lens. The user can feel it in the exquisitely smooth texture of the metallic barrel.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/11 1/5sec
Outstanding Depictive Capabilities and Anti-reflection Efficiency
The lens features an optical construction of 14 elements in 11 groups, including one LD (Low Dispersion) and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements that in consonance help to control lateral and on-axis chromatic aberrations at a very high level of performance. A Floating System works in tandem with the optical construction to efficiently compensate for inherent aberration changes subject to varying distances. Therefore, this lens ensures seamless and outstanding depictive capabilities across the entire shooting range – close or far.
Flare or ghosting can be detrimental to a decisive shot. A combination of 2 types of coating – eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) layered on top of BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) – dramatically improves anti-reflection efficiency to deliver flawless, crystal clear images even against harsh beams of sunlight.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/2.8 1/80sec
Commitment to Extending a Legacy of Bokeh with Elegance
Tamron has maintained a reputable standard for generations of 90mm macro lens models — all the way from manual focus lenses to the current AF models — for their exceptional depictive quality with spectacular bokeh. We also set a high standard to keep pace with the upward migration of digital cameras with advanced technical features and high pixel density.
We have now balanced these polar traits at a higher level: raising resolution performance to a new standard of sharp images, while rendering a soft and smooth transition in gradation of blur-effect in background objects. Optical simulations were thoroughly conducted to realize both well-tuned bokeh effects, while minimizing disturbance in dual-line smear of linear-shaped objects naturally blended into the overall bokeh effect.
The result: the SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO VC sustains the tradition of excellence in optical design while extending the limit in cutting-edge optical performance and beautiful bokeh.
Featuring VC with Shift Compensation
An accelerometer has been newly integrated into Tamron’s highly accredited VC to compensate for shakes on the x-y plane.
The accelerometer in unison with a gyro sensor detects and enables motion compensation for camera shakes for a maximum efficiency in image stabilization optimized for distance ranges from infinity to macro.
Optimally Tuned USD Actuator for Macro Photography with Manual Override for Instantaneous Focus Control
The USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) control software has been optimized for macro photography with increased focusing speed and positional accuracy when shooting in close-up settings. The AF drive responds rapidly yet quietly to zero in on the photographer’s point of interest and the Manual Focus Override enables instant shift in focus when necessary.
Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction
Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction has been improved to an exceptionally high standard in lens protection, preventing any intrusion of dirt, dust, or raindrops. A rubber seal protects each switch on the lens and sealing member is applied to the mechanical interface between the focus ring and the lens housing. The new construction further expands opportunities for shooting, ensuring reliability even in harsh, windy conditions and immediately after rainfall.
FEATURES
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/5.6 1/3sec
LD and XLD Lens Elements
The optical construction includes one LD (Low Dispersion) glass and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements, that in consonance, helps to control lateral and on-axis chromatic aberrations at a very high level. While both offer significantly low dispersion characteristics compared to regular glass materials, the XLD provides prominent dispersion properties across the visible spectrum.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/5.6 1/30sec
Reduction in Flare and Ghosting:
Superiority of eBAND Coating
eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating work in tandem to achieve exceptional anti-reflection. These technologies enable dramatic cut-off of ghosting and flare when shooting against the sun or under adverse lighting situations to deliver high-fidelity images without inducing noise.
eBAND Coating is a nano-structured layer deployed on the lens element surface. In addition to regular anti-reflection coatings, eBAND Coating offers higher transmissivity and significant improvement in anti-reflection characteristics especially against angulated incident rays.
Focus Limiter
As the shooting distance to the subject is determined, the photographer can choose to manually limit the travel range of the focusing group. This reduces the amount of time that it takes to focus on the targeted subject, making it possible for swift AF operation and preventing a precious photographic moment from slipping away.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/2.8 1/320sec
Full-Time Manual Focus Override Mechanism
A USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) is used for the AF driving system in the SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO VC. The integration of a full-time manual focus override mechanism enables a photographer shooting with AF to instantly make fine focusing adjustments with manual focus, without having to switch back and forth between AF and manual focus modes.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/6.3 1/6sec
Circular Aperture to Produce a Smooth-Edged Bokeh
A 9-blade diaphragm is configured to retain a smooth, circular-shaped aperture opening even when stopped down by two stops from the wide-open aperture. This produces a smooth-edged bokeh in background light spots and avoids rugged aperture geometry.
Image illustrates resistance to grime (oil-based felt marker)
left side: Without fluorine coating
right side: With fluorine coating
Fluorine Coating
Fluorine coating, originally developed for use in industrial optics applications, has now been applied to the lens to offer long-lasting oil and water repellency. The water-and-oil-repellant coating applied to the front element surface instantly repels dirt or smudges for ease of cleaning and maintenance. The coating is also durable to accompany the photographer on outdoor travels for years to come.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/4.8 1/640sec
Internal Focusing (IF) System
With the IF system, the working distance from the front element to the subject does not change during focusing. The distance of 139mm is maintained even during close-ups. This allows the photographer to secure distance away from live, sensitive subjects and to prevent a photographer’s shadow from intruding and disrupting a precious photographic moment.
Expand Your Options with TAP-in™ Console
The future is here. Now you can update firmware, customize autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the 85mm lens by simply attaching it to the TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a personal computer.
* By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use of TAP-in Console, it becomes possible to use all the functions of TAP-in Console compatible with this lens.
SP 90mm Characteristics
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/5 1/8sec
1:1 Macro Photography
Minute objects are projected on the camera’s image sensors at a magnification ratio of 1:1 so that the photographer can enjoy a macro world on print that would otherwise be impossible to experience with the naked eye.
History of Tamron Macro Lenses
The SP 90mm F/2.5 (Model 52B) was Tamron’s first 90mm macro lens released in 1979. The general perception of appropriate use for a macro lens back then was for its close-ups, especially in the professional world, such as for documenting minute details for academic purposes and storing photographs for documentary records.
Against this historical backdrop, Tamron released its first-generation 90mm macro lens and succeeded in breaking away from convention and creating new value for the modern macro lens – by balancing highly refined, depictive quality in photographic images with remarkably beautiful bokeh.
Since then, the macro lens has become highly valued by professional and amateur photographers alike for its wide-range of use in situations that were once considered unimaginable, as it gained popularity in portrait photography. It even adopted the tagline, “the portrait macro lens”, which came to be widely propagated with time.
The arrival of the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017), renewed by vast improvements in performance and design, is destined to mark a new chapter in the history of Tamron’s 90mm macro lenses.
Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F/16 1/2sec
Versatile Lens
The SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO VC is a versatile lens that allows the photographer to enjoy shooting in a wide variety of circumstances. The lens can be used particularly for macro photography as well as for portraiture by taking advantage of the fast F/2.8 aperture and remarkable bokeh capability. Photographers can take advantage of the versatility to approach subjects for tabletop photography, as well as to capture distant views for landscape photography with its outstanding resolving power.
High Performance Features behind Every Design Aesthetic
Our attention to every engineering detail has yielded the most advanced optical and electro-mechanical design featured in the newest Tamron SP lenses, culminating in a new benchmark for high performance and visual elegance.
The design philosophy is based on human touch and is an integral factor in macro photography. The newly designed all-metallic barrel features an embedded concave ring at the base of the lens – for a firm hold and comfort necessary for a steady shot.
Switches are larger and reconfigured for smoother torque and the typeface has been redesigned for intuitive legibility.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | F017 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 90mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/2.8 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | 27°2′ for full-frame format 17°37′ for APS-C format |
| Optical Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | 0.3m (11.8 in) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:1 |
| Filter Size | φ62mm |
| Maximum Diameter | φ79mm |
| Length* | 117.1mm (4.6 in) Canon 114.6mm (4.5 in) Nikon 116.6mm (4.6 in) Sony |
| Weight | 610g (21.5 oz) Canon 600g (21.2 oz) Nikon 585g (20.6 oz) Sony |
| Aperture Blades | 9 (circular diaphragm**) |
| Minimum Aperture | F/32 |
| Image Stabilization Performance | 3.5 Stops (CIPA Standards Compliant) For Canon: EOS-5D MarkIII is used / For Nikon: D810 is used |
| Standard Accessories | Lens hood, Lens caps |
| Compatible Mounts | Canon, Nikon |
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
*** Sony mount model without VC.
All DSLR camera functions are possible when the Model F045 is attached to a mirrorless camera via the manufacture’s adapter.
MTF Chart
Optical Construction (11 elements in 14 groups)
