Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro
Announced October 24, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro is a highly capable and sharp lens that offers excellent value for macro, portrait, and product photography. While it lacks some physical controls like an AF/MF switch and built-in image stabilization, its fast autofocus and compact, weather-sealed design make it a standout performer.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image sharpness and detail
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
- Compact, lightweight, and weather-sealed build
- Versatile features including focus limiter and customizable buttons
- Affordable pricing relative to competitors
Cons
- Absence of a physical AF/MF toggle switch
- Significant focus breathing during adjustment
- Lack of built-in optical image stabilization
- Minor distortion and flare artifacts
- Noticeable vignetting at wider apertures
- Launch price $699 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 90mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 23.1 cm (1x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor VXD
- Weight & size 600g · 79.2 x 126.5 mm (3.12 x 4.98 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
As the lowest cost alternative from the major brands, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro Di III VXD is sharp and capable for the value-minded photographer.
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With their 90mm f2.8 Di III macro Tamron finally offers a lens capable of 1:1 magnification for mirrorless cameras from Sony and Nikon.
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So this is a slam dunk from Tamron, and this is coming from somebody who has called the Sony 90mm macro, like, my favorite macro lens.
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I’ve never been moved to actually buy a dedicated macro lens, but the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD is well placed to change that. It has impressive sharpness with very few optical flaws, handles nicely, focuses quickly and is significantly cheaper than its competitors.
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The low price seals the deal.
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The Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III Macro VXD is a lens whose only surprise (to me) is that it took so long to arrive. This lens makes perfect sense, delivering faster autofocus and better image quality than any macro lens we’ve seen on Sony E mount so far.
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[...] I was seriously impressed with this Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro lens. Their 90mm macro options have always been good enough, but this one raises the bar by offering excellent image quality and good functionality at a very reasonable price indeed.
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Our whining over small details cost the Tamron the badge but we have to add you deal here with an excellent macro lens, practically devoid of any serious flaws.
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The Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III VXD Macro is one of the better values we've tested, and certainly has more marks in its favor than against. Its optics are sharp, autofocus is responsive, and 1:1 focus is ideal for photos of flowers, insects, jewelry, and other classic macro subjects.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The latest iteration of Tamron’s iconic 90mm macro lens offers leading-edge technology and superior performance for owners of Sony’s E-mount and Nikon’s Z-mount cameras.
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While it lacks some of the nicer features you find on the Nikon 105MM Macro lens, the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Di III Macro lens still delivers incredibly sharp images and is a safe investment for anyone looking for a great close-up lens, or even a versatile wedding and portrait lens.
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It makes it a super useful lens at a really good price, and sharp!
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For underwater photographers considering a move to the Sony ecosystem, or for those searching for an alternative to the Sony FE 90mm Macro or Canon EF 100mm Macro, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro lens deserves serious consideration.
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[T]he Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens is a very well-rounded performer, offering excellent build quality, precision optics, and portability.
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[T]amron's knocked it out the park with this one.
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This thing is a huge win in my books.
