Review – Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 & Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Macro 1:1 Di VC USD
As Professional Travel Photographers we have never really needed to shoot Macro images. However, since starting our Meetup group we have met many photography enthusiasts that were interested in this genre. We were fortunate to have been given the opportunity to test both the Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro and Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro. The Tamron 90mm is often called the “portrait macro” because the focal length is also ideally suited for portraits.
What’s the difference between the two lenses you ask? Well, in image quality we really haven’t been able to pick them apart. Not surprising, as most macro lenses over the last 40 years are known for their extraordinary sharpness. The Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro (Model: 272E) is the older of the two lenses and apparently has been a legend of a lens for macro photographers for many years. As a matter of fact, there have been several improved versions of this lens released over the last 30 years. The Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Model: F004) was only released in 2013. This model has the VC (Vibration Compensation) built into the lens which is great for hand-held shots although, as most macro shots are captured using a tripod you probably would not use this feature. This model has now been superseded by the Tamron SP 90mm f2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model: F017). All models have a 1:1 magnification ratio.

Left: The Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro (Model: 272E) when focusing close Right: Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Model: F004)
There is quite a price difference between the 2 lenses with the only difference being;
- The F004 model has ultrasonic autofocusing (faster & quieter internal focusing) while the older (272E) lens barrel extends when focussing at closer distances making the length grow substantially (see above image)
- The F004 model also has VC (vibration compensation) which will allow you to handhold at slightly slower shutter speeds while attaining a low ISO setting (although this feature is not available on the Sony mount as Image Stabilisation is available in-camera).
- Slight improvement in sharpness, reduction of flare and chromatic aberration which is due to technological advances in the glass elements
The build quality of both lenses is excellent and have a very smooth focus ring. Unlike most lenses where there is a small switch for changing between Auto/Manual Focus – switching between manual and auto-focus on the 272E model is via a focus clutch mechanism by moving the focus ring back and forth. It will reveal a blue-coloured ring when in Manual Mode. We quite like this feature as it can be done without taking your eye away from the viewfinder. This is great for using AF and then switching to Manual Focus to fine-tune the focus although you will find that switching between the two will require some fine-tuning.

Above: The Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro (Model: 272E) – with & without hood
The newer lens (F004) has been weather sealed which is an improvement over the older model and these days is quite a necessary feature for all lenses and camera bodies. It features a virtually silent USD (Ultrasonic Drive) and Vibration Compensation which is Tamron’s version of image stabilisation which is finding its way into many lenses these days. Tamron claim that this will allow you to handhold at shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower. We always take these claims with a grain of salt and always halve the number of f-stops that they recommend. Therefore when using this lens we would recommend only handholding 2-3 stops slower.
Resolution
Both lenses are outstanding at the critical apertures from edge to edge. Wide-open both lenses are great but at f/4, f/5.6 & f/8 they are brilliant although based on the charts below the newer lens is sharper across the board, which is to be expected. From f/11 and onwards the quality deteriorates due to diffraction but this is normal for any lens.

Above: Resolution of the Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro (Model: 272E). Chart from OpticalLimits.com This lens will give exceptional results across the whole image at f/4, f5.6 & f/8

Above: Resolution of the Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Model: F004) Chart from OpticalLimits.com This lens will give outstanding results across the whole image at f/4, f5.6 & f/8
All in all, we have had a great experience with both of these lenses. They are both a delight to use. There is, however, a substantial price difference between the two and this is understandable considering the improvements that have been made to the newer model. The 272E model currently retails* for AUD$400-450 and the F004 model for AUD$700-800 (if you have a Sony camera you can buy this for just over AUD$500 but you will need an adapter to work on E or FE mount cameras). Below is the recommendation of OpticalLimits.com for these lenses and we would have to concur.
*See Important Note at the bottom of this post


Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro
(Model: 272E)
Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro
(Model: F004)
Conclusion
If your speciality is Macro Photography with the occasional portrait shoot we would recommend you splash out and buy the more expensive Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Model: F004), however, if you are adding another lens to your bag for the occasional Macro and portrait shot we would go for the Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro (Model: 272E) which is the lens we will be purchasing. Either way, you will not regret your purchase of either of these lenses.
We ended up purchasing the Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro with a Nikon mount which we use on our Sony A7Riii cameras with an *adapter. After several years of use, we are extremely happy with the results for both Macro and Portrait shots.
*Note: The mounts available for Sony are for A-mount cameras. If using an E-mount or FE-mount camera you will need to purchase an adapter.
Below are some of the images we have taken with the lenses –

Above: Shot with Nikon D7000 with Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di SP Macro (Nikon mount)

Above: Shot with Nikon D7000 with Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Nikon mount)
UPDATE
The Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Model: F004) has now been superseded by the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model: F017) adding XY-Shift compensation to reinforce VC functionality, advancements in USD control software to improve the AF speeds and a high standard of Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of dust or water droplets.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In 2022 Tamron announced the discontinuation of 22 lenses. Both the Tamron AF 90mm f2.8 Di VC USD Macro (Model: F004) and the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model: F017) lenses were unfortunately on the list. So, regrettably, you will be struggling to find these lenses other than in the second-hand marketplace. As most of these lenses were originally designed for DSLR cameras most manufacturers are concentrating on lenses for Mirrorless cameras. Hopefully, in the future, Tamron will release a 90mm macro lens for mirrorless cameras. On the bright side, you will probably be able to pick up a bargain second-hand lens 😀
If you have any comments or questions about these lenses then we’d love to hear from you.
Please Note: We may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews or recommendations. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice.
Sorry i have the tamron 90mm 272e with autofocus with my nikon d5300 and i want to change the body for a z6 with a
ftz adapter, but i read that a lot of people dont work correctly i want to know why and if is true??? Sorry about my english
Hi Francisco,
From the information we have found online the FTZ adapter allows you to use hundreds of F-mount lenses, with particular usability for E, G and D-type lenses, which retain AF and AE capabilities. We have found this link – https://tamron.com.au/news/nikon-z6-z7-ftz-adapter-compatibility/. It is a firmware update for Tamron lens compatibility with Nikon Z6/Z7. At the end of the page you will find the 90mm 272e lens. So you may just need to do a lens firmware update to get full use on the z6.
If there is an issue, then most likely it would be that the auto focus will not work, so you will only be able to use manual focus. Also the exposure settings may not be recorded in the meta file.
We use our Tamron 90mm lens with a metabones adapter on our Sony a7riii cameras. This adapter does not have the auto focus connections so we have to focus manually nor does it show the exposure settings when reviewing images in Lightroom.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you go.
Cheers Paul & Helen
I’d love to acquire this newer model. Does Tamron model F004 fit in and function perfectly with my Nikon D5100? Thanks for your reply.
Hi Oliver. Sorry, we are away at the moment so cannot fully research your comment. However, we see no reason why the F004 model won’t function perfectly with the Nikon D5100. Just keep in mind that the lens will be 135mm focal length on your crop sensor camera. Cheers Paul & Helen
Hi, need advice for Tamron SP 90MM F2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (Sony A Mount) be converted to Nikon Ai-F mount ?
Thanks,
Chong
Hi Chong. Thanks for your comment. If you want to use a Sony A Mount version of the Tamron lens on a Nikon AI-F mount camera you will need an adapter. Have a look at the Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter with 1.4x Multi-Coated Focus Correction Lens for Sony A Lens to Nikon F Mount Camera at https://adorama.rfvk.net/qJ3bn They have them for US$33.95. You will possibly lose AF (Autofocus) when using adapters. Hope this helps.