Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of macro and portrait photography, but can’t decide between two exceptional lenses? Look no further!
We’re comparing the exquisite Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR and the versatile Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) Nikon (FX), two lenses that have made their mark in the photography community.
Both lenses boast impressive features, superb image quality, and are tailor-made for capturing life’s most intricate details and stunning portraits. But which one truly stands out?
Let’s dive into an exciting comparison, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each lens to help you make the perfect choice for your photography journey.
Overview
| Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR | Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) Nikon (FX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Aperture | F2.8 | F2.8 |
| Aperture Type | Fixed | Fixed |
| Focal Range (mm) | 105 | 90 |
| Mount Type | Nikon F (FX) | Nikon F (FX) |
Comparing the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 and the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8, both lenses share some similarities, such as having a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a fixed aperture type. They are also designed for the Nikon F (FX) mount system.
The Nikon macro lens has a focal range of 105mm, which provides better compression, making it an excellent choice for close-up shots, such as headshots and macro photography. With the f/2.8 aperture, it can perform well in low light situations, offering a shallow depth of field for subject isolation and creating pleasing background blur.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 has a slightly shorter focal range of 90mm. While it may not provide as much compression as the Nikon lens, it can still produce impressive macro shots and portraits. The f/2.8 aperture allows for good low light performance and subject isolation, similar to the Nikon lens.
Design and Ease of Use
| Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR | Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) Nikon (FX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter x Length (mm) | ⌀83×116mm | ⌀79×117mm |
| Weight (gr) | 790 | 600 |
| Filter Thread (mm) | 62 | 62 |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes |
| Distance Scale | Yes | Yes |
| DoF Scale | No | No |
| Hood Supplied | Yes | Yes |
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 has a diameter of 83mm and a length of 116mm, weighing 790 grams. In contrast, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 is slightly smaller, with a diameter of 79mm and a length of 117mm, and it weighs significantly less at 600 grams.
The Nikon’s larger size and weight may provide a more robust build and potentially better overall performance. However, its size and weight could also make it more cumbersome to carry around, especially during extended periods of shooting.
On the other hand, the Tamron’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more portable and easier to handle, particularly for those who prioritize portability and discreetness. The reduced weight can make a significant difference in the overall balance and handling of the camera setup, especially during longer shoots.
Lens Mount and Barrel
Diving into the world of the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 and Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8, both lenses boast durable metal lens mounts with rubber gaskets for added protection.
The Nikon lens mount features a weather sealing gasket, while the Tamron lens mount has a rubber gasket to shield against dust and debris. These metal mounts offer long-lasting quality and reliability compared to plastic mounts, which may be less durable and prone to wear and tear over time.
Examining the lens barrels, the Nikon macro lens has a solid alloy construction, giving it a sturdy feel without being too heavy to handle comfortably. This lens is built like a tank compared to its 105mm AF Micro predecessor. On the other hand, the Tamron macro lens barrel is made of an aluminum alloy with an attractive semi-gloss black finish. Although somewhat bulky, this lens balances well on a camera, resulting in an ergonomic package.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and Tamron lenses showcase impressive build quality with their metal lens mounts and sturdy lens barrels. While the Nikon lens offers a more rugged construction, the Tamron lens provides a balance of style and ergonomics. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your preferences and priorities as a macro photographer. If you value durability and a robust design, the Nikon lens may be the superior option. However, if you’re looking for an ergonomic and stylish lens, the Tamron lens could be your ideal match.
Weather Sealing
Comparing the weather sealing of the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 and Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8, the Nikon lens features a rubber gasket around the lens mount but lacks full weather sealing throughout the lens.
On the other hand, the Tamron lens offers comprehensive weather sealing, including a rubber gasket at the lens mount, additional seals at the rings, switches, and front of the barrel.
Furthermore, the Tamron lens has a fluorine coating on the front element, making it more resistant to water, fingerprints, and smudges, and easier to clean.
Weather sealing is an essential factor for macro photographers who often shoot in challenging outdoor conditions or want to protect their investment. While the Nikon lens offers limited weather sealing, the Tamron lens provides a more robust solution for those seeking better protection against dust, moisture, and light water splashes.
In conclusion, the Tamron macro lens outperforms the Nikon when it comes to weather sealing. Its comprehensive weather-sealed design and fluorine coating provide a more durable and reliable option for photographers who require protection against the elements. If you often find yourself shooting in adverse conditions or want additional peace of mind, the Tamron lens is the superior choice.
Rings
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens features a broad, rubberized focus ring that provides smooth operation and a well-designed, ergonomic bevel. The focus ring rotates approximately 170 degrees, offering good control for manual focusing. The lens includes a windowed distance scale that displays shooting distances in meters, feet, and magnification ratios. The focus ring is the only ring on this lens and is located in the middle of the lens barrel.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens has a single, generously sized 1.5-inch focus ring with deep rubber ribs for added grip. The focus ring rotates infinitely in either direction, with soft stops indicating minimum close distance or infinity distance. The focusing scale is shown in both feet and meters, along with a macro reproduction ratio. The focus ring offers an ideal balance of damping and resistance, making it an excellent lens for manual focusing. While the lens lacks a depth of field scale, it does feature a distance scale running from the closest distance of 30cm to infinity, along with a helpful magnification scale.
When comparing the rings of these two lenses, both offer ergonomic design and smooth operation, but the Tamron’s focus ring excels with its larger size, deep rubber ribs for improved grip, and an ideal balance of damping and resistance for precise manual focusing. The Nikon’s focus ring also performs well, but the Tamron lens provides a more comfortable and precise manual focusing experience.
In conclusion, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens boasts a superior focus ring design when compared to the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8. Its larger size, better grip, and perfect balance of resistance make it a more enjoyable and precise lens for manual focusing. If precise manual focus control is a priority for you, the Tamron lens is the ideal choice.
Switches/Buttons
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens features 3 switches/buttons on its side, offering convenient control over various functionalities. The top switch toggles between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes, with the M/A label indicating manual override capability. The middle switch acts as a focus limiter, either allowing the lens to focus throughout its range or restricting it from autofocusing closer than 0.5 meters/1.6 feet away. This feature helps prevent hunting and speeds up autofocus for non-macro subjects. The bottom switch controls the vibration reduction (VR) on or off, although its effectiveness decreases at macro distances. The switches are clearly labeled, well-positioned, and their functions are easy to understand.
In contrast, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens also sports 3 switches/buttons. These include a 3-position focus limiter, an AF/MF switch, and an On/Off switch for the VC (Vibration Compensation). The focus limiter allows users to choose between the full range and a reduced range of 0.3m to 0.5m, preventing hunting at macro distances. The AF/MF switch provides full-time manual override for autofocusing, while the VC On/Off switch controls the lens’s image stabilization, which should be switched off when using a tripod. These switches are nicely contoured to the lens barrel and adequately sized, offering strong tactile feedback. Their placement on the left side of the lens makes them easily accessible with the left thumb during use.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and Tamron macro lenses offer convenient switch/button placements and functionality. However, the Tamron has a slight edge due to its nicely contoured design, strong tactile feedback, and the 3-position focus limiter, which provides more flexibility for macro photography. If you value user-friendly controls and greater flexibility in focusing, the Tamron macro lens would be the better choice.
Filter Thread
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens features a 62mm filter thread, which, while not commonly used on current Nikon lenses, is the same size as the Micro-Nikkor 60/2.8G or 200/4.0D. Its front element is surprisingly small, requiring only 62mm filters, which are reasonably priced. The non-rotating filter thread eliminates vignetting issues, even with combinations of thick filters. This lens is compatible with various filter options, such as the Hoya multicoated HD3 62mm UV filter, known for its toughness and protection.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens also sports a 62mm filter thread, made of plastic. Though it is a common size for enthusiast and pro-grade lenses, sharing filters with other lenses in your kit might be challenging due to the uncommon 62mm filter size. However, the filter size is relatively inexpensive, and the front element is close to the filter thread, making it easy to clean. The lens’s filter threads do not rotate during focusing.
In conclusion, both lenses feature a 62mm filter thread, with the Nikon lens having a non-rotating design, while the Tamron lens has a plastic filter thread. Though the filter size is uncommon, it is relatively inexpensive for both lenses.
Lens Hood
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens comes with a deep, reversible lens hood that is included in the package. With a metal finish, it feels sturdy and features an ergonomic bevel for smooth rotation. This hood provides excellent protection for the lens and contributes to a premium feel.
In contrast, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens includes a solid plastic lens hood with a secure bayonet fit. It clicks easily into place, providing outstanding protection for the front element. The large and bulky design effectively blocks light rays from reaching the front element, while the threaded inner part reduces reflections. Although the hood covers the focus ring when reversed onto the body, it can be smoothly rotated for convenient storage.
In summary, both lens hoods offer excellent protection for their respective lenses. The Nikon lens hood, with its metal finish and deep design, is more robust and offers a premium feel. Meanwhile, the Tamron lens hood is made of solid plastic and provides a secure bayonet fit.
Focusing and Optical Stabilization
| Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR | Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) Nikon (FX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| AF Motor | Silent Wave Motor | Ring-type ultrasonic |
| Rotating Front Element | Does not rotate on focusing | Does not rotate on focusing |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.314m | 0.3m |
| Max Magnification (X) | 1 | 1 |
| Full-Time Manual Focus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Method | Internal | Internal |
Comparing the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 and the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8, both lenses have similar specifications in terms of minimum focus distance, maximum magnification, and full-time manual focus. The Nikon macro lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.31m, while the Tamron macro lens has a slightly shorter minimum focus distance at 0.3m. Both lenses share a maximum magnification of 1x and offer full-time manual focus.
The slightly shorter minimum focus distance of the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 allows you to get a bit closer to your subject, capturing fine details and making smaller subjects appear larger in the frame. However, the difference between the two lenses is minimal, and both are well-suited for macro photography.
With both lenses featuring a maximum magnification of 1x, they can capture subjects at life-size, making them excellent choices for capturing the minute details of small subjects like insects and small plants. The full-time manual focus feature on both lenses enables photographers to make fine adjustments to the focus without having to switch between manual and autofocus modes, which can be particularly useful in macro photography.
In conclusion, both the Nikon and the Tamron offer similar performance in terms of minimum focus distance, maximum magnification, and full-time manual focus.
Focusing Performance
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens boasts reliable and relatively fast autofocus performance, thanks to its Silent Wave Motor technology, which ensures quick and quiet focusing. A focus limiter switch helps prevent hunting and speeds up autofocus under certain conditions. Although the autofocus acquisition speed is generally good, it can occasionally struggle when switching between macro and non-macro subjects. The lens offers manual focus override, and its smooth manual focus action is complemented by an internally focusing design that keeps the lens length constant, regardless of focus setting. The front element does not rotate during focusing, which is convenient for using filters, and the lens does not exhibit focus breathing.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens features fast and precise autofocus performance with a virtually silent ring-type USD motor, making it ideal for macro photography. Full-time manual focusing and a focus limiter switch are available to prevent hunting, and the manual focus action is relatively smooth. The lens takes less than 0.4 seconds to focus from infinity to 0.9m and performs well in low-light situations. With a good repeatability score of 96.9% in FoCal, the lens can focus accurately. Neither the front filter threads nor the rear glass element rotate during focusing, allowing for easy use with polarizers and weather sealing for outdoor photography.
In conclusion, both lenses exhibit solid focusing performance, but the Tamron macro lens stands out for its faster and more precise autofocus, excellent repeatability score, and its overall performance in low-light situations. While the Nikon lens is a strong contender, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 offers superior focusing performance, making it the better choice for photographers who prioritize speed and accuracy in focusing.
Optical Stabilization
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens is equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) system, which delivers a solid 3-stop improvement, although it may not always achieve its claimed 4-stop advantage. The VR system is effective at normal distances but less efficient at close distances, where camera shake can be magnified. The VR system can be turned on or off using a switch on the lens and produces a gentle whirring noise during autofocus operation. With only one mode of stabilization, the lens has a single switch for turning it on or off. The recommended formula for shutter speed when shooting handheld is 1/focal length, but the image stabilization allows for a 2 stops longer shutter speed, which is around 1/25 sec for this 105mm lens.
In contrast, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens features optical image stabilization, or VC (Vibration Compensation), with a claimed efficiency of up to 4 f-stops, though this may be optimistic. It is rated at 3.5 stops of compensation and is effective for both stills and video work, making handheld subject framing much easier. An accelerometer is used to enhance VC (Vibration Control), resulting in steadier off-tripod results. The VC switch on the lens activates or deactivates image stabilization, and it is virtually silent when in use. The image stabilization is highly effective at normal distances, and the lens is impressively steady. However, at close distances, its effectiveness diminishes, although it still offers some assistance.
In conclusion, both lenses provide valuable optical stabilization systems, but the Tamron macro lens holds a slight edge with its 3.5-stop rated VC system and its silent operation. Additionally, the accelerometer-enhanced VC offers steadier off-tripod results, making it the superior choice for photographers seeking more effective optical stabilization in various shooting situations.
Image Quality
| Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR | Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) Nikon (FX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Special Elements | 1 ED glass and 1 Nano Crystal coat glass element | LD/XLD elements + fluorine, eBAND, BBAR coatings |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Circular Aperture | Yes | Yes |
Aberration
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens displays minimal spherical aberration, providing an overall sharp image. However, it does exhibit noticeable longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA), which can result in greenish tints in the background and magenta tints on foreground subjects, particularly in out-of-focus areas. Although the LoCA effect is relatively mild, it can be reduced by stopping down to f/5.6 or through post-processing with software like Capture NX 2.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens presents some lateral chromatic aberration, especially at macro distances. Nevertheless, this can be easily corrected using post-processing software. Longitudinal chromatic aberration is also present at wider apertures but improves significantly when stopping down to f/5.6. Furthermore, the lens exhibits good correction for coma, delivering a very good resolution in the full-frame corner.
In summary, the Nikon and the Tamron macro lenses display similar performance when it comes to reducing longitudinal chromatic aberration by stopping down to f/5.6. This makes the distinction between their aberration control less prominent.
Sharpness
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens boasts impressive sharpness across the entire image frame, with some drop-off in center-sharpness at its widest aperture and narrower apertures not quite as sharp as some rival macro lenses. The central region of the frame exhibits exceptional sharpness between f/4 and f/11, while extreme edge/corner sharpness is slightly less impressive. Despite this, the sharpness is more than adequate for most photographers’ real-world needs. When focusing at close distances, corner sharpness is weaker but still acceptable, and stopping down to f/8 achieves near-perfect sharpness for close-up photography.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens delivers excellent sharpness, maintaining near-perfect performance from f/2.8 and extending into the corners. Razor-sharp images are produced at f/4, and the lens performs well across the entire frame at its sharpest aperture of around f/5.6. A slight softening effect due to diffraction is noticeable from f/11 and more so at f/16, with diffraction at f/22 and f/32 negatively affecting sharpness.
In conclusion, while both lenses offer excellent sharpness.
Bokeh Quality
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens produces smooth and enchanting bokeh, with out-of-focus areas appearing as pleasing circles rather than harsh geometric shapes. This lens creates a delightful bokeh quality that adds an artistic touch to your images.
In contrast, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens features an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades, resulting in a mostly satisfying rendering of out-of-focus highlights. However, when using larger aperture settings, some bokeh fringing may occur, which can be reduced by stopping down. The rendering and quality of the blur are subjective, but the bokeh is generally smooth and has a good transition, especially when focusing at reasonably close distances.
In conclusion, both lenses are capable of producing attractive bokeh, but the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 appears to have a slight advantage in terms of smoothness and consistency, making it the superior choice for those seeking beautiful bokeh quality.
Flare/Ghosting
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens demonstrates some flare when shooting against bright backgrounds, particularly at wider apertures like f/2.8, although it’s not always noticeable. Ghosting is also present at f/2.8, but improves as you stop down to smaller apertures. The Nano Crystal Coating on the lens aids in minimizing flare and maintaining image contrast by altering the angle of refraction, allowing more light to reach the sensor. While flare and ghosting may occur in certain situations, they’re not major issues and can be managed with proper shooting techniques.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens is more susceptible to flare and ghosting when facing strong light sources, especially when they’re within the image frame. The included long hood can help reduce these artifacts, but their presence may still depend on factors like the angle and brightness of the light. The lens coatings, eBAND and BBAR, work to reduce flare and ghosting, but their effectiveness can vary based on lighting conditions. It’s important to consider the lens’s susceptibility to flare and ghosting when shooting in challenging lighting situations.
In conclusion, while both lenses experience some flare and ghosting, the Nikon lens appears to have a slight edge in managing these issues, thanks to its Nano Crystal Coating and performance at smaller apertures. Therefore, it’s the better choice for photographers looking for superior flare and ghosting control.
Vignetting
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens exhibits some vignetting when shooting wide open at f/2.8. However, this becomes less noticeable as you focus closer or use a narrower aperture. In practice, the vignetting is not objectionable, but it can be visible against a gray field.
In contrast, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens displays noticeable vignetting at f/2.8, which can be reduced by stopping down to f/4 or higher. On APS-C cameras, the vignetting is essentially a non-issue due to the crop factor. The amount of vignetting decreases by half at f/4 and again at f/5.6, becoming practically negligible by f/8, even in the extreme corners of a full-frame image. Overall, the lens has a normal amount of vignetting, and it shouldn’t be a major issue in most real-world shooting situations.
Vignetting is influenced by factors like lens design, aperture size, and focal length, as well as filters or lens attachments. Stopping down the aperture can help reduce vignetting, as can using a lens hood or shading the lens.
In conclusion, both lenses exhibit some degree of vignetting, but the Nikon macro lens shows less pronounced vignetting in comparison to the Tamron macro lens. As a result, the Nikon lens is the better choice for photographers seeking to minimize vignetting in their images.
However, it’s worth noting that some photographers appreciate a certain level of vignetting for artistic purposes, and vignetting can be corrected using post-processing software or by stopping down the aperture if desired.
Distortion
The Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens exhibits very minimal distortion, with only slight visible distortion at some distances. This can easily be corrected with Photoshop’s lens distortion filter. The lens has approximately 0.44% barrel distortion, which is considered completely negligible. Despite this, the lens performs well in terms of sharpness and color rendition.
On the other hand, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens displays no noticeable distortion. This is expected from a macro lens often used in copy work, where distortion cannot be tolerated.
In conclusion, both lenses perform admirably in terms of distortion control. However, the Tamron macro lens has a slight edge over the Nikon macro lens as it shows no noticeable distortion at all. This makes the Tamron lens an ideal choice for photographers who require a lens with excellent distortion control, particularly for macro photography or copy work where accuracy is essential.
Final Verdict
For macro photography, the Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 lens has a slight edge, with superior weather sealing, a better focus ring design, faster and more precise autofocus, more effective optical stabilization, and better distortion control. The Tamron’s advantages, combined with its $180 lower price, make it an excellent choice for macro photographers seeking a lens that provides great value for money.
For portrait photography, the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 lens stands out due to its better compression, smoother and more consistent bokeh, and slightly better flare and ghosting control. The Nikon lens may be more suitable for portrait photographers who prioritize bokeh quality and compression in their images. However, it is important to consider the price difference when making a decision.
In conclusion, both lenses are strong contenders in the field of macro and portrait photography, with each having its own strengths. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences, priorities, and budget. The Tamron Macro 90mm f/2.8 offers a great value for money, especially for macro photographers, while the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 might be more appealing for portrait photographers who prioritize bokeh quality and compression.
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