Hey photo world! I’m back with a series of new reviews of some fabulous new lenses. First up is the Tamron 90mm f 2.8 macro lens, and let me tell you- this is going to be a fun review.
[caption id="attachment_5218" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption]As a wedding photographer, there’s always a few points during the wedding day where I think to myself “dang, I wish I had a macro lens”. Actually, the word “few” might be an overstatement. There’s one point during the day where I wish I had a macro lens- and its the ring shot.
Before shooting with this lens and experiencing its full range, I had a misconceived notion that a macro lens was only for close-up shots. I have never been to happy to be wrong in my entire life.
I arranged to photograph this gorgeous ring in order to test out the lens. I was not disappointed. The depth of field is surprisingly deep, given the 2.8 aperture. The out of focus portions of the image are smooth as butter, while the focus point is nice and crisp.
[caption id="attachment_5224" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5221" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5219" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5220" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption]Yes, I shot rings with this lens (Hey- I’m a wedding photographer. I had to, okay?), and I was impressed with its tack-sharpness and focus speed. However, I also played around with some portraits at dusk- and my was I impressed! Not only is this lens wicked at close-ups, it handles light absolutely beautifully! Check out how smooth and radiant her skin looks— and mind you, this is after the sun has gone down.
[caption id="attachment_5223" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5222" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5225" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: Kylie Nicholson[/caption]The 90mm focal length is tighter than what I normally shoot with, but I didn’t mind it. It was actually kind of nice being brought in closer to my subject without having to run up. The 90mm length really comes in handy with the macro close ups.
Needless to say, this lens is now at the top of my Christmas list. If it doesn’t end up on Santa’s sleigh, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be giving myself a little New Years present in the form of this macro lens.
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