Tamron 90mm or Canon 100mm?

So I fell into a steal of a deal on a Tamron SP 90mm Macro today. I already have the Canon 100mm 2.8 non-USM (first version) macro, which I like. I also have the Canon 85mm 1.8 (which I'll hold on to for now). Between the two macros, which would you say is a better lens, and why? I have zero need for two macro lenses, so one will be finding a new home.

Both are 1:1, both are f/2.8. Tamron is smaller, lighter, and quieter. AF seems a bit faster on the Tamron. Both are in near mint condition, except the Canon has lost it's AF/MF switch, but that hasn't bothered me, as a fingernail works just fine. I don't have the time right now to do significant head-to-head comparisons, so I'm hoping maybe you guys/gals can offer some insight. Thanks!

canon is sharper
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

majix wrote in post #16562438
canon is sharper
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

actually that's at different focal lengths, try it with the same focal length

sites like http://www.photozone.d​e rate the Tamron 90 2.8 macro and Canon 100 2.8 macro the same in resolution and sharpness

if prices were the same, sure I'd take the Canon but the old original non-di version of the Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro is pretty good and cheap ($200 used)


60D
Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro non-di
f6.3
ISO 800

The Tamron is the non-Di version. The Canon is the non-USM version, which TDP doesn't have in their comparison tool.

I have used the Canon for portraits, and have been happy with it for that genre. How should the Tamron fair?

This is really a tougher decision than you would think....

Not a tough decision. If you're going to sell the unneeded lens, sell the Tamron.

Although it might not bother you, not having the AF/MF switch on the Canon will hurt it's resale value. Keep it.. and keep living with the lack of a switch.

IQ issues between similar FL/aperture macro lenses are largely irrelevant.

KirkS518 wrote in post #16562578
The Tamron is the non-Di version. The Canon is the non-USM version, which TDP doesn't have in their comparison tool.

I have used the Canon for portraits, and have been happy with it for that genre. How should the Tamron fair?

This is really a tougher decision than you would think....

the Tamron works fine for portraits but it's not a difficult decision, the Canon has a shorter minimum focusing distance and if it works and price is not important I would choose the Canon


60D
Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro non-di
f2.8
iso 800

Wait if they're both one to one, how does the canon have a shorter min focus distance if the Tamron is a 90mm?

The Canon's MFD is 0.31m, and the Tamron's MFD is 0.29m.

That's what I figured. IMHO, I'll always pick the longer macro lens because of the longer minimum focus distance.

i asked the same question as i was looking for a macro lens and the poll i offered the canon blew the tamron and sigma lens away for what the people would choose. so i decided on the 100mm

I've decided that since I have both, and I'm really in no rush to decide, I'm going to do a head to head comparison.

As the Canon is the NON USM, and the Tamron is the NON Di, I'm having a difficult time finding good info out there. Lots about the USM and the Di versions, but not these two.

I'll try and do something similar to what Talley did as far as the comparisons go. Any suggestions on subject, etc? I'll be shooting on tripod, MLU, 10 sec timer, same exposure settings. Should be a fun project.

jgood122 wrote in post #16563238
i asked the same question as i was looking for a macro lens and the poll i offered the canon blew the tamron and sigma lens away for what the people would choose. so i decided on the 100mm

LOL at a poll. A poll doesnt mean a thing. FWIW, most of the current macro's from Canon, Tamron and Sigma are about equal in terms of image quality. I personally tested both Canons and the new Tamron 90mm before deciding on the Tamron. But rest assured, all produce stellar images when used correctly

Just picked the Tamron so far I am impressed.

scorpio_e wrote in post #16639478
Just picked the Tamron so far I am impressed.

Hmm. Wonder if you bought it from me off ebay?

I liked the Tamron, but liked the feel of the Canon better. IQ between the two was nearly impossible to tell.

Actually picked it up on Amazon. Ebay sellers were from Korea.