Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z Mount Announced

Lens News

by Alexandra ThompsonOctober 2^nd, 2024

Tamron has introduced the new 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro Lens for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens has true 1:1 magnification, Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive (VXD), a Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.11m (4.3 inches), and, for Macro shooters in the field, weather-sealed construction. Let’s have a look!

Tamron has recently expanded their lineup with lenses like the 50-400mm for Nikon Z-mount and the 28-300mm for Sony E-Mount. Now, they are celebrating 45 years of their 90mm macro lens series by introducing a new version for mirrorless cameras, continuing the legacy that began in 1979 (and affectionately nicknamed “Tamukyu.”)

Features of the Tamron 90mm Sony E-mount / Nikon Z mount

This lens has 15 elements in 12 groups, including four LD (Low Dispersion) elements, which help correct spherical and chromatic aberrations. The BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating reduces ghosting and flare, so it should enhance clarity and detail, even in backlit situations. According to the company, the lens delivers high resolution from the center to the edges and features a soft bokeh. When used with APS-C format cameras, the equivalent focal length is approximately 135mm, maintaining a minimum aperture of f/2.8.

The lens is corrected for flat-field resolution – this pertains to shooting flat items like documents and artwork and is important in close-up shots where sharpness at the edges can easily be lost. The lens should provide even lighting and minimal distortion, giving you clear, detailed images from edge to edge.

The 90mm f/2.8 Macro introduces Tamron’s first 12-blade circular aperture, creating smooth, circular bokeh, especially at macro magnifications from 1:1 to 1:4. It also reduces vignetting and enhances the quality of out-of-focus areas. When stopped down, the 12-blade design creates a distinct 12-ray starburst effect, making it well-suited for capturing scenes with point light sources, such as candles or city lights.

The design

The lens is quite compact at 126.5mm/5 inches and weighs 630g/1.38 lbs (Sony Alpha E-Mount) or 640g/1.4 lbs (Nikon Z mount). The 90mm f/2.8 Macro comes with a redesigned lens hood featuring a sliding window for easy filter adjustments, which allows for seamless rotation of filters like PL, ND, or cross screen without having to remove the hood. The lens has moisture-resistant construction (splash-resistant and sealed in critical areas) and has fluorine and BBAR-G2 coatings.

Functions can be customized and firmware updates applied using Tamron’s Lens Utility software tool. Other design elements, according to Tamron, include:

• 67mm filter size, same as most other Tamron lenses for mirrorless cameras
• Focus Set Button for assigning camera function and Tamron Lens Utility function
• Focus limiter switch for faster focusing during AF shooting and quick refocusing on subjects
• Precise torque for accurate MF operation
• Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation

Specs for Tamron 90mm Sony E-mount / Nikon Z mount

• Focal length: 90 mm
• Light intensity: F2.8
• Minimum Object Distance: 0,23
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
• Filter size: 67mm
• Weight: 630g (Sony E-mount) / 640g (Nikon Z mount)
• Item number: A072
• Groups-Elements: 12-15
• Angle of View: 27°2‘
• Diaphragm Blades: 12
• Aperture (min): F16
• Largest diameter: 79.2mm
• Length: 126.5mm
• Color: Black

Similar lenses

Sony offers their own FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens for the Sony E-mount only, with the major difference being that it has image stabilization (OSS-Optical SteadyShot). The two lenses’ features vary – for example, the minimum focusing distance of the Sony is 28cm/11.02 compared to 23.1cm/9.1 inches for the Tamron. Depending on your needs and the features, the Sony is priced at $1098/€815, whereas the Tamron is considerably less expensive.

Price and availability

The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro Lens for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount is available now for preorder and is priced at $699/€599. For more information, please visit their website.

Do you use Tamron lenses, and if so, have you used any of the previous Tamron 90mm? How do you see this lens fitting into your current workflow or photography style? Let us know in the comments below!