kcj wrote:
Looking to buy the Tamron 90 mm macro it is. Suppose to be a great lens now Tamron has the 18 to 400 mm lens that is not a macro, but still has good macro capabilities .does anyone have this lens ? How is it for a all around lens? How is the weight?
The 18-400, 18-300, 18-270, etc. are so-called "travel zooms". They are nothing but a barrel full of compromises. But sometimes, that's EXACTLY what you need. Just know that before you buy, so you don't have unrealistic expectations.
The sad fact of physics makes it very difficult to design a fast, light, wide focal length range zoom lens that is well corrected from barrel distortion at one end, pin cushion distortion at the other end, plus astigmatism, coma, chromatic aberrations, vignetting, and light loss from using too many glass elements.
If you want zoom lenses with good sharpness, a reasonable lack of the nasties mentioned above, and a reasonably fast aperture, go for fixed maximum aperture 3:1 zooms such as a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 pair. If you need portability, pick one of the travel zooms after reading reviews at
https://www.dpreview.com and on YouTube.
For great FLAT FIELD macro work, you need a true macro lens. The Tamron 90mm is a very good IMAGE STABILIZED macro!
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/1002386186/gear-of-the-year-tamron-90mm-f-2-8-di-vc-usd-macroThese are lenses made especially to photograph objects at 1:1 life size on the sensor. They are well-corrected optics, suitable for copying art without distorting it. They can stand up to the highest resolution sensors.
For every day close ups, a so-called "macro" zoom that can get down to 1/4 life-size reproduction on the sensor is okay in a pinch. Just expect some distortion at anything other than the mid-range of its focal length.
Then there is a set of close-up attachments known as "close-up attachment diopters". A set of +1, +2, +4 diopters is reasonably priced ($75 to $150 for most sets). These are used like filters. Many people buy a set of these to try close-up work, then migrate to a macro lens, later. I've actually used them WITH a macro lens for special effects work.
What do I use? I've switched to Micro 4/3, so I use a 12-35mm f/2.8 zoom, a 30mm f/2.8 macro, and a 35-100mm f/2.8 zoom. This kit is equivalent (in field of view) to the typical 24-70, 60mm macro, and 70-200 f/2.8 lenses used on full frame bodies, but with depth of field two stops deeper at every aperture at the same distance. I borrow or rent anything else I need.
MAYBE if I were going on a long trip, I would buy a 14-140 f/3.5 to f/5.6 lens for outdoor use (10:1 zoom range, equivalent in field of view to 28-280 on full frame). But I'd take something faster for use indoors.