Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Macro

[beepclick]

You don't hear much about this lens. I bought one today. I have the Canon 60 and 100 macros, but I wanted this lens for one reason only - butterflies. I went to the local butterfly exhibit several times this summer, and found the 60 got too close, often disturbing the butterflies. And the 300L with 1.4x needed too much room in a very cramped setting.

Then, on my 3rd or 4th trip there, I saw another guy shooting, and he looked like he knew what he was doing. He had those knee pads you slip one, a 5D, a big lens and a macro ring lite. As I approached him, I recognized the Tamron design of his lens. It was the 180 Macro. I asked him if he would be posting his images on the internet (in hopes of getting a link so I could see the results), but he was rather vague about it, so I didn't press it. Anyway, I've been thinking of getting this lens ever since, and finally pulled the trigger this week.

No butterflies around, but thought I'd share some images of the lens, since many here are probably not familiar with it. It got good reviews at photozone except for the micro-motor AF and no limit switch. Over at fredmiranda, many users complained of AF noise/hunting. For my first shots today, I used manual, set the distance window close to 1:1, moved in with my 40D till the focus hit, then set up my tripod.

Based on the size of today's subject, and dried sunflower, I think it may work out OK for butterflies - need to get over there soon before the exhibit closes for the year.

The build on this lens is very nice, IMO. There seems to be some conflict on the weight of this lens. I get 1020g on my postal scale with the tripod ring. The lens has a nice finish, and the case is about on a level of the case for my 300 4L, though not as good-looking.



http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6470web.jpg




http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6475web.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6477web.jpg





http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6484web.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6485web.jpg


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6379.jpg

A couple quick shots. I didn't even see the fine hairs in the viewfinder (my vision's not so good). I will need some practice, no doubt.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6507web.jpg



http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6509web.jpg

[Greg_C]

Congrats on the new lens. Looks good.

[Tee Why]

Yea, looks like a nice lens. I'm thinking one reason for it not being as popular is that Sigma also has a 150mm macro for a bit less with HSM AF to boot.

I think both are nice lenses.

[fWord]

If I ever bought another macro lens, the Tamron 180mm and Sigma 150mm would be the two biggest contenders. Reason why you don't hear too much about the Tamron 180mm is because as a macro lens, it's starting to get long and fairly specialized. Bearing in mind that most people are using APS-C cameras such as the likes of the 40D, 180mm is very long indeed.

[Mrvile]

The Tamron 180 is probably one of the "prettiest" looking lenses around, IMO. I've been lusting for one ever since I started shooting long macro, even though I never actually had the need for one (the Sigma 150 treated me well for years).

[fiveFPS]

must be a better deal than canon

[beepclick]

One from today. SOOC, sharpness bumped in DPP, convert/resize JPG.
STill getting the hang of it.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/vectorcafe/Lenses/IMG_6900.jpg

[LW Dail]

I got to shoot with one of these this weekend at the Tamron workshop in OKC. NICE lens!

Did great with butterflies and flowers and did a great job on caged birds. Really well with the birds. Nice DOF. I was pleasantly surprised that it handled both situations nicely.

The fixed length takes some getting used to and the AF is klugy and loud, especially coming off of L glass, but once it's found it's focus it's not as annoying.

[davebreal]

figured i would bump this thread. i've been an owner of the Tamron 180mm for Canon for a few months now. I was out in the field a couple of days ago, and a friend let me try his 180mm Canon L 1:1.

The autofocus on the Canon definitely blows the Tamron out of the water. It is much smoother. My Tamron hunts fairly often even with good lighting. The autofocus on the Tamron is also rather noisy compared to the silent motor on the Canon. I didn't run any controlled test shows so I'm not qualified to compare IQ's. However, I'd imagine both are very acceptable.

Don't get me wrong, I do like my Tamron 180mm. But right now I am autofocusing 99% of the time for macros (wrongly?) and was amazed at the difference. I haven't seen anyone else post here with first-hand experience with both lenses before so I figured I'd report back. I haven't gotten my hands on the Sigma 180mm, but would like to try some test shots with that also.

anyways, here's one of my better insects shot... Tamron 180mm on an Xti w/ Kenko tubes

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidraymond/2715582999/http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2715582999_9b7aa687d2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidraymond/2715582999/)

[formula4speed]

I like my Tamron 180 a lot, however I find the autofocus to be just slightly better than useless. I personally manually focus all my macro work anyway.

[davebreal]

I like my Tamron 180 a lot, however I find the autofocus to be just slightly better than useless. I personally manually focus all my macro work anyway.


any samples you'd like to share?

was this your first macro lens?

[beepclick]

davebreal: I agree with you on the AF shortcomings of the Tamron. I did a lot of research beforehand, and a vast majority of Canon 180 users lauded it's AF performance. What sold me was resolving power - the Tamron had better numbers at photozone.de. You just have to work a lot harder for them.

Moneywise, I'm glad I went with the Tamron, because I've gotten away from macro and close-up shooting, so don't use it much these days. Still, the Tamron has very fine optics, but it's mechanicals aren't the best. Built very solid though.

[angryhampster]

If I ever bought another macro lens, the Tamron 180mm and Sigma 150mm would be the two biggest contenders. Reason why you don't hear too much about the Tamron 180mm is because as a macro lens, it's starting to get long and fairly specialized. Bearing in mind that most people are using APS-C cameras such as the likes of the 40D, 180mm is very long indeed.


Sigma's 180 is a stellar lens as well, with slightly higher MTF numbers than the 150. However, the 150's AF is really good for a macro lens. I wouldn't hesitate to say that it is the best lens that I've ever worked with.

[davebreal]

Moneywise, I'm glad I went with the Tamron, because I've gotten away from macro and close-up shooting, so don't use it much these days. Still, the Tamron has very fine optics, but it's mechanicals aren't the best. Built very solid though.

I'm outside taking wildlife pics all the time (long lens), so I lug around a 2nd body with the Tamron Macro attached to handle all incidental butterflies and dragonflies. I'm always happy with the end results and I personally do need the "long" length of the 180mm for these critters. Thus I'm not tossing mine in the dumpster just yet ;)

However, if someone offered to straight up trade my a good copy of the Canon 180mm macro I may not resist! Sigma, not sure, I haven't tried it yet.

Another shot from the Tamron:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidraymond/2769029720/in/set-72157600985744723/
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2769029720_e402cd569f_b.jpg

[puttekula]

Just got my lens the other day. gotta say I love it. That sharpness is absolutely 1:st class.... Here´s a sample. Absolutely nothing done with the pic´s. Just cropping. Canon 5D, still going strong...:cool:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6770/img1706ro2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6652/img1706v2tj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[puttekula]

Heres two friends fighting about my wine. Yes, its those small "fruit fly´s" that circulates around old fruit etc. Maximum 2mm in size....
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/269/img0174v2su2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3743/img0171v2on1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[puttekula]

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6740/img1004v2sq6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9248/img0911v2ac6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[puttekula]

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/449/img1084v2lv7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7942/img0935v2yi8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Drozz119]

Wow! that's ridiculously sharp

[puttekula]

Thx, and the best part is that there is nothing done to them. Just sharpening them up a bit. The colour and sharpness is magnific!

[puttekula]

With Soligor 1,4 converter...
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/25/img2107v2.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2107v2.jpg)

[puttekula]

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6024/fly.jpg (http://img505.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fly.jpg)

[puttekula]

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/6526/31026407.jpg (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/31026407.jpg/)

[derick]

supper sharp. I wish I have one like this.

[puttekula]

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5965/heli.jpg (http://img162.imageshack.us/i/heli.jpg/)

[pwnguin]

nice shots

[racketman]

If you want to see what this lens is capable of in the right hands check out this gallery:

Allon Kira Butterflies (http://www.pbase.com/allonkira/butterflies)

Allon Kira Dragonflies (http://www.pbase.com/allonkira/dragonflies)

[K6AZ]

Just received this lens today. With the rebate and Bing Shopping cashback I got it for about $600 net from J&R. I've only taken a few shots so far but I'm impressed. I wanted to try this before deciding on buying the Canon 180L. I need to do some more testing but from what I've seen so far I don't think I'll be buying the 180L.

http://www.k6az.com/temp/30d_0093_crop.jpg

[arentol]

A couple of mine showing what this lense can do when shooting non-Macro. No PP, Straight out of the camera with only the defaults from ACR applied.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_T2unue4Vses/TBsdh2FiGpI/AAAAAAAAAGM/D8drB05id2I/s800/Duck1.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_T2unue4Vses/TBsdg8WT6RI/AAAAAAAAAGI/5DphewwBf2Q/s800/Duck1-100crop.jpg

I have about 40 shots of this duck and the male that was with it (You can see the males shadow on the chest of the duck in this shot) and they all came out this good in terms of color, contrast, and sharpness.

[nekrosoft13]

I have a chance to buy this lens for 300 is that a good price?

[nekrosoft13]

No comments? anyone?

[dbdors]

I have a chance to buy this lens for 300 is that a good price?If it's in good condition that is a great price. I bought mine used, but paid a lot more that $300. That's way less than half Adorama or B&H.

[nekrosoft13]

I got the lens, wow it looks brand new!!

[dbdors]

Thats the way mine was, almost like new. But I paid nearly $460. Still a great deal, but $300 is a steal.

[nekrosoft13]

were there any recalls? or service alerts for this lens?

[dbdors]

Not sure why I havent posted here. These are a couple of my first shots with this lens.

http://www.pbase.com/dbdors/image/132754050/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/dbdors/image/132754052/large.jpg

[nekrosoft13]

i'm new to Macro, trying to figure out what could help me to get closer.

I have both Canon 100L Macro and now Tamron 180. Would you recommend extention tubes? or extender (1.4 or 2x?)

[Sher]

I've been using this lens for a while now. Indeed it is slow and big, but it's still in my bag because of its stunning IQ :D

180mm with a 50D:

http://www.shermansham.com/Wildlifes/Flowers-and-Trees/flora2/1032821912_vX7RJ-L-9.jpg

http://www.shermansham.com/Wildlifes/Flowers-and-Trees/hb1/1234822550_am6DH-L-1.jpg

http://www.shermansham.com/Wildlifes/Flowers-and-Trees/i-5NzFK5h/1/L/hk1-L.jpg

>> Click here (http://www.shermansham.com/Wildlifes/Flowers-and-Trees) to see more samples (half of them were taken with this lens)

[Oiotoshi]

Gonepteryx rhamni deposing eggs onto a leave

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/64440284/flickr.jpg

[Oiotoshi]

Lycaeniadae Polyommatine
http://i48.tinypic.com/2q8ys9i.jpg

Tamron 180mm + Tripod
F14, 1/60s, ISO250, Natural light

[Oiotoshi]

http://i49.tinypic.com/w1pl6d.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/35bcy95.jpg

[Oiotoshi]

http://i46.tinypic.com/34fntyt.jpg

[rioni]

woah ^

[stoshdwalshphotography]

Just picked up a used copy of this lens, and, 2 outings later, it has impressed me so far. As mentioned earlier, build quality is not "L," but is very solid. IQ is outstanding. The AF is noisy and tends to hunt, but that is not an issue for me in the least, because I don't use AF for macro. I bought this lens because I needed to be further away from insects so as not to scare them off, and the Canon 100 would not allow for that. I'd put the IQ and build on the same plain as the Canon 100 (non IS), which IMO is one of the best "bang for your buck" lenses Canon has.

A potential drawback of the Tamron by comparison, though, is that it does not function as well as a medium telephoto, which some might want in order to justify carrying a larger lens like that around. The capabilities of this lens at distance as a medium tele are put to shame by any of the Canon lenses I've owned at the same focal length, both in terms of IQ and AF. For me, this is not an issue, though, as I'd prefer to use a 70-200 or a long prime if that is what I want. Some people complain about the push/pull AF to MF transition, but, again, if you are using this as a strictly macro lens, that probably won't be an issue, as the "rock into focus" method using MF tends to work the best at 1:1.

As a strictly macro lens, I haven't used one better, and it falls in the sweet spot of rendering 1:1, but also giving a longer working distance. If you want a strictly macro lens, I'd recommend it. If you want an all around lens that can do macro, I'd advise looking elsewhere.

2 samples from my first 2 shoots with the lens--both MF, on camera 580 ex ii with a diy snoot:
http://www.stoshdwalshphotography.com/Nature/Animals-1/i-k7GXTjP/0/L/bee-8-3-12-1-L.jpg

http://www.stoshdwalshphotography.com/Nature/Animals-1/i-8mrbDKh/0/L/bee-8-1-12-1-L.jpg