Tamron 90mm Macro Lens - Model 52B

[DiamondSCattleCo]

I was wondering if anyone had used this particular lens and how it was? I can find all kinds of info on the newer Tamron 90mm AF lens (most of it good), but nothing on the older manual focus lens...

Rod

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[usayit]

Yes I have that lens as my primary macro. I've been using it for a while now and I am totally happy with its performance. Optically, I think it is very similar the AF version and at par with many present day (more expensive) macros.

Some samples are in the following threads:

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/p...sp-non-af.html

Just more fun with Macro

Macro: A few flowers from the local botanical garden

I also have the teleconverter that was designed for the lens and allows for a 1:1 magnification. It too performs well but it becomes even more necessary to have a focusing rail. Remember, you'll need to think about how you will light the subject.. thats just as important as the lens.

As part of my Pentax/Takumar collection, I also have a bellows unit which is often paired to either a 50mm or 135mm. If you are looking for more magnification (10x even) on a budget, that is an option.

[usayit]

btw.. quick additional sample

[RyanLilly]

I'll Just add a bit here. If you do also go for a bellows setup, I can strongly recommend Keh.com I just purchased a M42 mount Mamiya bellows, in EX condition for a very cheap(les than $30 if I remember), and It does not show any signs of use. I would have sworn it was new, exept that it was rated ex, and thats 3 or 4 steps down in thier rating system! Also one 50mm Takumar lens that I purchased to go with the bellows was rated as Bgn(bargin) and that is second from the bottom of their ratings. The lens only shows very minor finish wear on the edges of the focus ring, other than that its near perfect(except it did not include lens caps). So I pretty much got a killer macro setup for about $50.

Keh's inventory changes all the time so check back often, I think that they did have the 90mm you are talking about, in canon EF mount at least.


Edit: BTW, Thanks usayit, one of your posts a few months back got me looking at a bellows in the first place.

[usayit]

No problem... glad I could be helpful.

I too like keh.com, I've purchased a few things from them as well.

[DiamondSCattleCo]

Thanks for the info. Just snooping at macro lenses while waiting for my D50 and saw the lens in a few places for under a hundred bucks. That turned on my cheapskate light.

Rod