Tamron SP 60mm f/2 DiII Macro 1:1 Nontechie Review and a Personal Opinion
I've been using this lens for quite sometime and here are my thoughts about it.
Overall Impression
Overall, this is a great lens. The images it produce is really sharp even at its widest opening of f2. Its capability of 1:1 magnification is really amazing. Being my first 1:1 macro lens, I was really astounded by how much I can go close to my subject while staying wide at f2. It can capture the tiniest detail down to the hair of an ant leg or even tinier than that.
Tamron 60mm macro mounted to Canon 6D, a full frame camera
Camera Mount
This lens is designed for APS-C cameras but it can be mounted to full frame cameras too. The lens perform exceptionally in both types of cameras, the only downside when using it in full frame is the vignette around when not in closeup mode.
Tamron 60mm macro mounted to Canon 760D, an APS-C camera
Bokeh
Note that Canon APS-C cameras has a factor of 1.6, so this 6omm has an effective focal length of 96mm, a nice focal length for portraiture according to photo experts. I found it too close though in tight spaces but not really a problem outdoors when you have enough space to step back to take a portrait.
Katya Santos
Camera and Lens: Canon 650D, Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro
Settings: f2.8, 1/125, ISO100
As you can see, the bokeh is very clean and soft, it makes the subject standout from all potential distractions in the background. The shot of Katya Santos above is not yet at its widest aperture as it was taken at f2.8. Bokeh at f2.0 is more impressive, it is really soft and very clean you can't complain.
The Macro
I can't express it fully in words except that it's amazing if you are into macro photography. Not sure though if professionals in this field of photography is amazed too by this lens, but for a noob like me, this blows my mind.
Mother ant
Camera and Lens: Canon 650D, Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro
Settings: f5.6, 1/125, ISO400
Ice Cube in Red Wine
Camera and Lens: Canon 650D, Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro
Settings: f4.0, 1/30, ISO400
Spider vs Fly
Camera and Lens: Canon 650D, Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro
Settings: f8.0, 1/200, ISO400
Strong Points
Macro: there is no doubt for the macro capability of this lens, it can deliver superb macro images
Bokeh: superior bokeh, unbeatable in my opinion
Price: This is the cheapest real 1:1 macro lens I found and I bought mine during the caravan sale of Tamron in our area.
Weakness
Autofocus: a little slow specially if you compare it to Canon STM lenses. Autofocus is not also suitable for live insects because of the noise of the motor when you focus. It is unnoticeable noise though if you are not into live insects.
Vignette: Large dark circle will appear around your photo when you use this lens into a full frame camera. This will not happen though if you are doing macro shots in full frame. Note however that this lens is designed for APS-C cameras.
Should you buy this lens?
If you are not into macro, the answer is no. Canon 50mm 1.8 STM is a better option specially if you are into portrait. A big absolute YES if you are into macro and extension tubes no longer serve your needs.
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