Verdict
Pros
- True 1:1 macro ratio
Cons
- Average AF performance
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £550
Macro”]
If an APS-C camera records the same composition as a full-frame macro lens then does that mean that it too is a macro lens? The answer is a firm ‘no’ because the APS-C sensor is smaller, so the image is recorded on a smaller scale.
The best way to think about true macro performance in practice is to consider the closest image that could be taken of a ruler. Using a full-frame camera the included markings (across the width of the frame) would amount to 36mm, because that is the width of the sensor and in a true macro photograph the image is recorded the same size as the object. For the same reason, the included markings across an APS-C image should be about 24mm but some APS-C lenses cheekily claim the ‘macro’ label if they are limited to a wider view and include 36mm or slightly more at their closest setting.
Tamron’s 60mm does not need to cheat in this way: it is a true macro lens that is genuinely capable of a 1:1 reproduction ratio and also benefits from a fast f/2 aperture. Admittedly, its wide-open performance is a tad weak but the f/2 aperture gives a bright viewfinder and stopping-down to just f/2.8 pushes the lens into the realms of excellent resolution figures.
Ergonomically there is nothing to fault. Internal focusing means there is no need to keep fingers clear of the perfectly-located focusing ring and manual intervention can be applied effortlessly at any time. The AF/MF mode switch falls comfortably under the user’s left thumb and there is a focused-distance window if needed. All that is missing is a focus-limiter.
This last point is important because the AF system is not especially brisk and is also a bit noisy, so having the lens hunt right across its extended distance range can become annoying at times. This is not a big issue but it is an area that might be improved in a future version.
Though some chromatic aberration was seen in high-contrast technical shots, real-world pictures were fine.
As well as being a very useful macro lens, Tamron’s 60mm f/2 is a prime contender for portrait photography as it will give the same perspective as a 90mm lens that is used on a full-frame camera, and 85-135mm is considered to be the ideal focal range for portraiture.
Verdict
There is some variation in price depending on where you buy this lens but anything around £350-£400 represents good value for money if you are in the market for a genuine macro lens that can also double-up for high-quality general-purpose photography.
Macro”]
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Value 9
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Design 10
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Image Quality 9
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Features 10
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Professional conduct
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
