60 Macros: Canon or Tamron?

Ok, thinking about buying a 60mm macro. Have read alot about the sharpness of the Canon. Tamron's F2 60mm macro is relatively new so I haven't been able to find too much info on it from users (please don't copy links to old threads... I've probably read it already).

Any opinions out there comparing the Canon 2.8 vs the Tamron 2.0? I already know about the cost difference. I'd love to hear from those that have used them both and can describe any differences (beside 2.0 vs 2.8)... or, if you've used the Tamron, what do you think?

Thx in advance!

Never used the Tamron, but love the Canon. What body? I ask because the 7d on a canon brand macro will use a macro AF mode, for when you are hand holding a macro shot.

Any new thougts? maybe?

I have the Tamron and I've really enjoyed it. Very sharp and I really don't have any complaints about. I've never used the Canon but I've read great reviews about it. I went with the Tamron because of the f/2.0

I've owned both.
(since i'm into MMA/Boxing, i'll score them as if they're in a fight)

WEIGHT:
DRAW
They're both very light. Weight difference between the two are negligible.

BUILD QUALITY/FEEL:
CANON=10, TAMRON=8
The Canon just feels better in your hand.
The focus ring on the Canon is EXTREMELY buttery smooth.
The Tamron's focus ring is MUCH stiffer...
There's also a little play when you rotate from one direction to another which only gets exaggerated because of the innate stiffness of the ring.
Yes, when you're shooting macro you're better off moving the camera+lens back and forth. But when you're using MF for non-macro shots this can get frustrating. Which brings me to...

AUTOFOCUS:
CANON=10, TAMRON=9
Both have FTM override.
Canon USM focuses silently and locks focus fast.
Tamron focus movement has a high pitched hum but the AF speed was impressive. (about 85% as fast as USM)
Where the Tamron falls short is when it misses focus it has to go ALL THE WAY to infinity and back. (about 2-3 seconds)

IMAGE QUALITY:
TAMRON=10, CANON=8
The TAMRON's max magnification is actually 1:0.9 (or 1.1x) so it does a better job.
I got better sharpness from center to edge out of the Tamron vs the Canon (slight margin)
Not only that, the CANON's working distance (distance from front element to subject) is 3.5" vs. 4.0" on the TAMRON.
Yes, only half an inch but when you're up this close that extra 15% is DEFINITELY useable.
Along with the ability to go down to a fairly sharp and useable f/2.0, Tamron takes this one.

DETAILS WORTH MENTIONING:
Tamron provides a lens-hood. Canon does not.
Tamron's lens-caps have a pinch-release mechanism. Canon does not.
(easier to take off and put on, ESPECIALLY if the hood is on.

Also, right now Tamron has a $100 mail-in rebate on this lens valid til 12/31/2010.
From B&H, the Tamron is $489 shipped minus $100 mail-in rebate = $389
With Canon's instant rebate, it's $392 shipped.


FINAL VERDICT:
If you're NOT a CANON-ONLY snob, u can get used to the stiff focus ring, and can overlook the occasional to-infinity-and-back AF intermission then go with Tamron.

If you don't think u can handle the Tamron's quirks and don't need f/2.0 then go with Canon.

Hope this helps.