Tamron unveils its new updated 90mm macro lens for Sony and Nikon

Tamron has announced the release of its latest macro lens, the 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD ($699), tailored for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This new macro lens is compatible with Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount and continues Tamron’s long-standing tradition of delivering high-performance lenses at more affordable prices.

This new version of the popular 90mm Macro lens celebrates 45 years since Tamron launched the first one. It’s aimed to meet the needs of photographers across various disciplines, including close-up work, nature photography, and portraiture.

Key features of the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD

1. Superior Optical Performance

This lens has been designed to offer high optical performance across the entire frame. Its optical construction features 15 elements in 12 groups, with four special Low Dispersion (LD) glass elements to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. This ensures edge-to-edge sharpness and minimizes issues like ghosting and flare, even in challenging backlit conditions. The result is precise, sharp images with beautiful, soft bokeh—a hallmark of the Tamron 90mm series.

2. Flat-Field Performance

Tamron’s new lens is highly optimized for flat-field performance, making it ideal for capturing fine details in subjects such as documents, artwork, and currency. This design ensures even illumination and minimal distortion from the centre to the edges of the frame, addressing common issues faced when photographing flat subjects up close.

3. First 12-Blade Circular Aperture

One of the standout features of this lens is its 12-blade circular aperture, a first for Tamron. This design produces exceptionally smooth, circular bokeh, even when shooting at wide apertures. Photographers can expect clean, rounded blur effects and impressive starburst patterns when shooting point-source light sources at smaller apertures.

4. Compact and Lightweight Design

At just 5 inches (126.5mm) long and weighing 22.2oz (630g), the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 is highly portable, making it convenient for photographers to carry on extended shoots. With a maximum diameter of 79.2mm, it fits comfortably in hand and maintains a streamlined profile for mirrorless systems.

5. User-Friendly Hood Design

The lens comes with a newly designed lens hood that features a sliding window, allowing easy access for filter adjustments. This design is particularly useful when using rotating filters such as polarizers (PL) or neutral density (ND) filters, eliminating the need to remove the hood during shooting.

6. Advanced Customization via Tamron Lens Utility

The lens is compatible with Tamron’s proprietary Lens Utility software, allowing users to customize lens functions and update firmware. This adds flexibility to the shooting experience, enabling photographers to tailor the lens to their specific needs.

7. Fast and Accurate Autofocus with VXD Technology

Equipped with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, the lens delivers fast, precise autofocus performance. The high-speed AF system is particularly effective for tracking moving subjects, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic genres beyond macro work.

8. Convenient Features for Enhanced Usability

With a 67mm filter thread—common across many of Tamron’s mirrorless lenses—the 90mm F/2.8 MACRO offers consistent compatibility with other accessories. Additional features like a focus limiter switch, customizable focus set button, and precise manual focus operation make the lens highly adaptable in the field.

9. Durable Build with Protective Coatings

For photographers working in unpredictable environments, the lens boasts a moisture-resistant construction, along with a fluorine coating on the front element to repel dirt, water, and oil. These features ensure durability and ease of maintenance.

Specs

Price and availability

The lens is priced at $699 and will be available starting October 24, 2024.