frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

Leaning toward the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro in one of the two models: F004 or F017 (newest). Will be buying used.
As my first macro, and on the older Nikon D700, is one a better value than the other (assuming that the newer model will cost more than the older).

It appears that the F017 has optics are very close to the same, the VC is improved, some glass coatings and more metal with better weather protection. The newer also can be tweaked with the console unit.

If the newer costs significantly more, I’m not sure the improvements are worth the extra dollars. The older unit got quite excellent reviews before the new SP model arrived.

Thoughts?

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

I have the newer version and am using it with both a D750 and a D810. I took this photo handheld. I am very impressed with the lens.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-712032-1.html

Dodie

frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

Super nice!

ricardo00

I have the F017 version too and have been very happy with it. Not sure if the difference in price is worth it but I thought the ability to update the software in the lens with the console might be worth it in case Nikon made a change which made it impossible to use the Tamron lens with the firmware in it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/60519499@N00/albums/72157664707715810

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Depends on what you are shooting. I use a full frame camera and a 150 Sigma and a 180 Tamron - just because they have greater working distances. Lighting is easier and live subjects tend to not run or fly away as quickly. I have no use for optical stabilization - for really close work, there is no substitute for a solid tripod and faster shutter speeds.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Nice!

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I've used my Tamron 90 mm 1:1 macro for intramural photographs and excellent results

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You would be FAR better off with the Nikon 105 2.8 VR macro.
This one.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1311&_nkw=nikon+105mm+micro+vr&_sacat=0

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Why far better?
Just because it has nikon on lens?

frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

Many reviewers and users argue otherwise.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Few people ever have the opportunity to compare two very similar lenses like the Tamron F017 and F004 90mm macros. They either have one or the other.

Fortunately there are some good reviewers online who look closely at these things for us.

A reviewer I like is Bryan Carnathan with The-Digital-Picture website. If you can overlook that he primarily focuses on Canon gear, he goes in depth about these lenses:

Full review of Tamron 90mm F017: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-90mm-f-2.8-Di-VC-USD-Macro-F017-Lens.aspx

Image quality comparison of F017 versus F004: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1046&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=959&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0 Although the F017 seems slight sharper, I really don't see much difference. You may want to look carefully into other factors such as flare resistance, distortion, chromatic aberration, bokeh, AF performance, stabilization performance, etc.

Here's another, rather opinionated comparison of some of the most popular macro lenses: https://petapixel.com/2020/04/15/macro-lens-test-canon-nikon-sony-laowa-sigma-and-tamron-compared/

Oh, and I both agree and disagree about image stabilization (VC in Tamron) on macro lenses. On the one hand, it's not of a great deal of help at higher magnifications. But, on the other hand, we don't always use those lenses for high magnification work and some people use them for a lot of non-macro, short to moderate telephoto work, where stabilization can be very nice to have. Note: Personally I don't have stabilization on any of my macro lenses. But, I shoot with Canon gear which gives me the option of tripod mounting rings on the primary macro lenses I use. Unfortunately that's not an option for most other brands of macro lenses unless they're 150mm or longer focal length.

Camara john

Great lens! I have one that I Used on my FILM CAMERA and I Loved it!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I photograph in the real world and not in the internet world of reviewers. In my opinion I think the Nikon lens delivers excellent, consistently sharp images. It is hard to beat the colors delivered by Nikon glass. I also shoot Canon and Sony, and they are also outstanding. The OP wanted our opinion, and that is what I did.

nealbralley Loc: Kansas

I have used the Nikon 105mm micro, f/2.8, and I have used the Sony 90mm f/2.8 micro, both are excellent.

I have not used a Tamron micro, but I have used several late model Tamron lenses, and of all those I have used, they have all been excellent on both the Sony A7III and Sony A6600.

You may see some minor issues with a lower cost lens on a high-end, higher resolution, camera, but if you operate in the 24mp or so range, I think you will be fine with the mid-range modern lenses regardless of who builds them: Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Tamron, or Sigma. You can go with the Leica, Zeiss, and other lens manufacturers, and you will likely get what you pay for. (I think the photographer's skill level becomes the main factor in whether you will see the best images from the highest quality lenses and cameras. I believe Ansel Adams said words to the effect that: It is the 12-inches behind the camera that matters the most in taking a great picture.) Nothing has changed in the accuracy of Ansel Adams' statement in the intervening years!

You can use a telephoto for some close-up images and gain some nice results. They might not be micro/macro, but they can render nice images with nice compressions in the background. There is more than one way to skin a cat if you can get by with other than a 1:1 image.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The OP asked for our opinion. And that is mine, based on having used Nikon Macro lenses for over 45 years. I think I have owned and used ever model since 1972. I have never used a bad one over those years. The OP is free to make whatever decision is best for him/her. I have made mine and I have never been disappointed.