Opticallimits

85mm f1.8:

13 elements in 9 groups. 700 (!) grams. 

 

http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/lineup/f016/index.html

 

New 90mm f2.8:

14 elements in 11 groups, 610 grams.

 

http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/lineup/f017/index.html

 

Old 90mm f2.8 USD VC macro:



So, the same optics formulation as the old style one.

Plus another attempt to catch up with Sigma: http://www.dpreview.com/news/6911492360/...e-and-more

 

The Tamron dock is called "TAP-in". Unfortunately, the workflow is not better than the one Sigma chose. Test the lens, dismount, update firmwre, mount and retest.Time-consuming. Would have been very cool if they asked Nikon to license D500's on-board AFMA automatic to transfer the data to the Tamrons. Of course, I know that's a dellusion.

On the macro, they added shift VC? I've lost track of who does or doesn't do that now. At a quick glance the feature list doesn't sound that different from the Canon 100L. Everything is very similar. Tamron MTF might be better, and will be lower cost too.

Quote:On the macro, they added shift VC?

Yes, they did.

Well the lens seems pretty good from the  picture I sawm, however I just noticed the unusual background highlight pattern to the left (the right side of the model) anyone has an explanation

 

Looking at the bigger picture, it isn't regular in a mechanical way so I don't think it is the sensor or raw converter related. Most likely, it is some kind of obstruction between camera and light, or the light itself is patterned.

I also doubt it is the lens, such a grid in an element would be pretty bad.

Woohoo, I need to get me one of these (the 85, of course). But I was still thinking of the Sigma 85... so when I get to it, I'll have a difficult choice again.

 

It's a bit odd that they've updated the 90 macro so soon after the previous version has come out - but they probably know that this lens is a hot seller so they needed to get it up to date if they were to start doing a Sigma, dock and all.

 

I wonder what route will they choose: would they update the new-ish lenses first so that the best designs (150-600, 70-200, 24-70, 15-30) are made compatible with this console? Or are they going to update some of the older, pre-USD units? like the 180 macro, 17-50, 10-24)? Or would they turn to releasing totally new designs again (like they did with the 35 and 45)? I'd love to be a fly on the wall when they're discussing their strategies...

I hope Tamron foresaw the Tamron dock and those new lenses are able to get an update and adjustment by firmware for those who want to work this path. Otherwise I would not understand them - but no problem, I will stick to Sigma. I'm not interested in f/1.8 if I can get f/1.4 at the same price (more or less), but the main reason:

 

Here in Switzerland the Tamron service sends the lens to Germany which simply means a longer wait in case of a repair. Whereas the Sigma service is nearly in cycling distance. I know the guys there and they sent me a checked lens back within three days.

Quote:Well the lens seems pretty good from the  picture I sawm, however I just noticed the unusual background highlight pattern to the left (the right side of the model) anyone has an explanation

 

 

Golf ball bokeh!