How to use Old Tele-Macro lens

[mdmosta319]

This is my lens. Tamron Af 90-300mm f4.5-5.6
It says Tele-Macro lens. Other lens has button for Macro but this one has no button.
Is it Macro in its full length or only @300 or what?

 

[petrochemist]

Probably not true macro at all. Macro-zooms often cheat & use the standard 6x4 print size rather than the sensor image size to calculate 'macro' magnifications.
Depending on the design the largest magnification may well be at the shortest focal length -which needs less extension to get higher magnifications. Nearly all 'macro zooms' are purely closer focusing zooms.

Typically 'macro zooms' will reach ~1/4 life size. This can be enough to give great close-up results. Checking on-line reviews it seems this one will get to ~half life size.

 

[benhasajeep]

Some Tele macros will only let you get closer focus if it's in a certain position. I have a Vivatar 80-200 that allows closer focusing at 80mm setting. The focus ring actually turns farther when in that position.

 

[fmw]

The term "macro" on zoom lenses is more of a marketing term than a meaningful one. It means it will focus closer than some other lens without defining what some other lens is.

 

[480sparky]

Buttons are not a prerequisite for macro lenses.