Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro f2.8 Nikon

There has been an upsurge in the interest in macro, & macro lenses, recently. Aside from camera maker's own lenses, the Sigma 105mm f2.8 seems to be a strong contender.

However, this Tamron 90mm macro has been around, in slightly different guises, for over 25 years. The clear choice back then & now through the addition of A/F & life size capability (up from its original half life size) it still remains THE choice for many, including myself. Having absolutely no reason to even consider changing it, I hope it lasts for as long as I do. Sometimes I wonder which order that will be in!

Image quality is of a scientific level. Portraits will reveal detail far more than the sitter would be happy to give. Whatever the setting (at life size, the max aperture shrinks to f5.6, as the physical lens barrel increase cuts light) the exposure is always evident - and correct. With flash & with extension tubes, also. For maximum depth of field (miniscule at life size or larger), f64 is attainable at life size, though the lens appears to only go to f32.

Many will be tempted by the slightly longer 105mm; I've heard nothing but praise for the Sigma, but for me, you know by now, which one is for me.