The new 90mm F2.8 MACRO Lens
for Mirrorless Cameras
A timeless masterpiece
Inheriting the philosophy of
TAMRON’s legendary 90mm MACRO Lens 90mm F/2.8 Di III
MACRO VXD
[Model F072]
Combining the legacy of high resolution and beautiful bokeh with cutting-edge technology, this lens was born for mirrorless cameras.
Celebrating the 45th anniversary since its release,
TAMRON's 90mm macro lens.
Lovingly called
"TAMRON-Q" by many professional and amateur photographers,
it has been cherished and nurtured.
With beautiful bokeh and sharp image reproduction,
the long-selling TAMRON 90mm macro lens continues to receive high praise.
Hoping to remain a beloved
macro lens for many, we introduce
the evolution of the legendary 90mm macro lens.
First 90mm
F/2.5 Macro released
Also known as the "Portrait Macro".At a time when the main purpose of macro lenses was thought to be document reproduction,
"We want a medium telephoto lens that can be used for portrait photography. And, if the closest focusing distance is shorter, that would be even better." That was the desire of photographers at the time.
A lens with a focal length in the medium telephoto range that can also shoot in the macro range. TAMRON's idea of a medium telephoto macro lens was close to this needs.
At that time, the closest focusing distance of a typical medium telephoto lens was about 1 meter. If you wanted to get a close-up shot, you had to switch to a lens with a higher magnification.
And macro lenses were strongly associated with "special lenses for document reproduction", and their straight depiction and bokeh were said to be unsuitable for general subjects.
Also, because they were relatively expensive, purchases were often hesitant, thinking "a macro lens with few uses...".
Our idea was this: "Extend the Gaussian optical system used in ordinary medium telephoto lenses to perform close-range correction, making a lens usable in the macro range as well".
It might have been an idea possible only because of TAMRON's expertise in zoom lens design.
Using a modified Gaussian optical system, which is generally characterized by soft depiction, we aimed to design a compact, versatile lens that could be used as both a medium telephoto and a macro lens.
As a result, we created a macro lens suitable for general photography, which is sharp and three-dimensional while still having soft, beautiful bokeh.
The beginning of the legend
First SP 90mm F/2.5
[Model 52B]
![First SP 90mm F/2.5 [Model 52B]](img/lens/img-lens_52b.png)
This macro lens was initially praised for its usability, but it began to establish a new status in the photography world thanks to the nature photographers who were captivated by its soft and sharp depiction beauty.
"If you want a medium telephoto macro, you should use TAMRON". That was the evaluation from photographers.
Even though 100mm macros from genuine manufacturers and others were available in the market, veteran amateurs and discerning professional photographers designated "TAMRON's 90mm macro lens".
And the works left behind by that lens created the "legend".
Improved performance and operability
SP 90mm F/2.5
[Model 52BB]
![SP 90mm F/2.5 [Model 52BB]](img/lens/img-lens_52bb.png)
Improved performance and operability of the long-selling 52B, and a new exterior design. Achieved high contrast and sharp image quality with the O.A.C optical design and new coating adoption used in Model 52B from medium telephoto to macro shooting (maximum shooting magnification 1:2).
Autofocus
SP AF 90mm F/2.5
[Model 52E]
![SP AF 90mm F/2.5 [Model 52E]](img/lens/img-lens_52e.png)
Combining the two elements of a portrait lens and a macro lens, and further realizing autofocus. This allowed for certain capture of even slightly moving subjects and shallow depth of field shooting with open aperture.
Adopted a focus limiter mechanism that allows you to set the usual shooting side and close-up side for speedy focusing.
The first 90mm F2.5 macro was loved by the market for 17 years, with no fundamental changes to the optical system, despite subtle improvements in its mechanical structure and coating.
Brushed up the design
SP AF 90mm F/2.5
[Model 152E]
![SP AF 90mm F/2.5 [Model 152E]](img/lens/img-lens_152e.png)
Attempted 1:1 magnification
SP AF 90mm F/2.5
[Prototype]
![SP AF 90mm F/2.5 [Prototype]](img/lens/img-lens_152e_demo.png)
However, as cameras transitioned from MF (manual focus) to AF (autofocus), the market trend was shifting towards "1:1 magnification", and even TAMRON's 90mm macro lens could not ignore this "demand of photographers".
At that time, we were particular about maintaining the "F2.5" specification at 90mm, but the result was a prototype lens that was like a "metal tea can".
The depiction and image quality up to 1:1 magnification were the best. Aperture opening was F2.5. But could such a large and heavy macro lens really be used?
After considering whether photographers would be satisfied using this lens in the field, it was concluded that it was indeed an "impractical lens".
We reconsidered our approach and re-focused on how "TAMRON's 90mm macro lens was used by photographers and for what purposes".
The conclusion we reached was, 'Maintaining the traditional depiction ability of the TAMRON 90mm macro lens, while minimizing the burden on nature photographers who roam the fields, achieving 1:1 magnification. This is the new TAMRON 90mm macro lens.'
To achieve this mission, we decided to set the maximum aperture to F2.8 for the new TAMRON 90mm macro lens.
The difference between F2.5 and F2.8.
In a bright AF camera viewfinder, the difference in usability is hardly felt, and there is almost no decisive difference in actual shooting results during macro photography.
We knew that such a small difference in brightness would result in significant differences in size and weight.
Therefore, by consistently following a policy of adopting engineering plastics for lightweight and durability, we gave birth to the new TAMRON 90mm macro lens, which is the lightest and most compact in its class.
1:1 magnified
90mm F/2.8
Macro released
Adopted a newly developed focus ring clutch mechanism
SP AF 90mm F/2.8 MACRO[1:1]
[Model 72E]
![SP AF 90mm F/2.8 MACRO[1:1] [Model 72E]](img/lens/img-lens_72e.png)
Although it has a different optical system from the SP 90mm F/2.5 (Model 52B), it was highly evaluated as a macro lens inheriting the same soft bokeh and sharp image reproduction ability.A 1:1 macro lens that achieved significant compactness with a weight of 403g (for Nikon AF), emphasizing portability in the field.
Also, to improve the operability of manual focus frequently used in macro photography, a newly developed focus ring clutch mechanism was adopted, providing comfortable macro focusing with a wide focus ring and smooth operation.
Achieved significant lightweight and compactness
SP 90mm F/2.8
MACRO 1:1
[Model 72B]
![SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO 1:1 [Model 72B]](img/lens/img-lens_72b.png)
A 1:1 macro lens that achieved significant lightweight and compactness with a weight of 366g (excluding the exchange mount weight), emphasizing "portability" in the field.
It boasts soft bokeh, high resolution, and sharp depiction, which are especially valued in the photography of plants and flowers.
Inherited the status of the "legendary 90mm macro"
SP AF 90mm F/2.8 MACRO1:1
[Model 172E]
![SP AF 90mm F/2.8 MACRO1:1 [Model 172E]](img/lens/img-lens_172e.png)
The SP AF 90mm F/2.8 MACRO[1:1] [Model 72E], which received high praise since its release, inherited the beautiful and high-quality depiction ability as it is, with a new exterior design that excels in "portability" and "operability" required in the field.
Also, combined with the improvement of operability of the focus ring switching for AF/MF (for Nikon/Canon AF only), it inherited the status of the "legendary 90mm macro".
Adapted for digital
consideration,
90mm F/2.8 Di
released
Di adapted
SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1
[Model 272E]
![SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 [Model 272E]](img/lens/img-lens_272e.png)
Responding to the rapid digitalization in the mid-2000s, the 90mm macro also evolved into digital adaptation with a new design.
By significantly reviewing the coating, we succeeded in minimizing "inter-surface reflection", which is a problem especially in digital cameras. As a result, high image quality was achieved in both digital and film.
Since the release of the first 90mm macro, with model changes to match the times, such as achieving 1:1 magnification and considering digital adaptation, the TAMRON 90mm macro continues to receive unwavering support from many macro photography fans.
Equipped with image stabilization
SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD
[Model F004]
![SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD [Model F004]](img/lens/img-lens_f004.png)
The Model 272E was highly praised by photographers who loved macro for its lightness and good reproduction.
However, with the advent of the high-resolution era accompanying the growth of digital cameras, even the slightest blur, which was not a major issue in the film era, became a problem.
In line with this background, the Model F004 was born out of the desire to create a 90mm macro that can be shot handheld even in the macro range while equipped with image stabilization.
Equipped with TAMRON's independently developed image stabilization mechanism "VC", it reduces blur even in low light, making handheld shooting more comfortable. The focus method was also changed from the front group extension method, where the front element extends significantly during macro shooting, to the inner focus method, which does not extend the front element, making it more streamlined. Combined with the ultrasonic motor "USD", it moved nimbly, making it the new TAMRON 90mm macro.
Although the optical method has completely changed from the first generation, it inherited the beautiful and three-dimensional depiction tradition with sharp depiction at the focus point and soft, natural bokeh in the out-of-focus areas.
Also, it features a simple moisture-proof structure that can be used with confidence even in outdoor photography.
Evolved to be more user-friendly
90mm F/2.8
MACRO Lens
Brushed up each part to make it more user-friendly
SP 90mm F/2.8 Di
MACRO 1:1 VC USD
[Model F017]
![SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD [Model F017]](img/lens/img-lens_f017.png)
Model F004, which was highly supported among macro photography fans for its high depiction power, fast AF, and comfortable image stabilization mechanism, further spread the name 'Tam-Q' along with Model 272E.
As its evolved form, Model F017 was introduced. Along with a new design, it features a new image stabilization mechanism VC (Vibration Compensation) that suppresses shift blur, a major enemy in handheld macro shooting.
Also, an ultrasonic motor was adopted to improve AF speed and accuracy, especially in the macro range.
As the macro lens manufacturer TAMRON, the answer that was thoroughly thought out was this lens, considering "inheritance and evolution".
The legendary MACRO Lens
reborn for
Mirrorless Cameras
TAMRON’s first lens
with a 12-blade circular diaphragm
90mm F/2.8 Di III
MACRO VXD
[Model F072]
![90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD [Model F072]](img/lens/img-lens_f072.png)
Celebrating 45 years since the debut of the original, the long-awaited mirrorless version has finally arrived in 2024. To carry on the legacy of TAMRON’s legendary macro series, this new lens combines the beloved image quality of its predecessors with the latest in optical technology—delivering evolution worthy of the name "Tam-Q".
TAMRON’s first-ever 12-blade diaphragm enables clear, well-defined light rays when stopped down. Even in scenes with numerous light sources—such as factory nightscapes or holiday illuminations—you can enjoy dramatic, beautiful rendering without distracting flare around the subject.
The passion for superior image quality and optical performance, passed down through generations, now opens a new chapter in the story of the 90mm macro.
Product Introduction
90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD [Model F072]
Optical Construction : 15 elements in 12 groups
The 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD (Model F072) inherits the hallmark high resolution and beautiful bokeh of its predecessors, while integrating the latest optical technologies.
To deliver exceptional performance on mirrorless cameras, this lens offers soft, creamy bokeh and dimensional rendering that makes the subject stand out. It also achieves outstanding resolving power across the entire frame—from the center to the corners. Even in challenging backlit situations, it captures fine subject details with clarity and excellent contrast. In addition to natural scenes, it also excels in reproducing flat subjects such as text copies. Thanks to its advanced optical design, it maintains edge-to-edge sharpness even in close-up shooting, where shallow depth of field often results in a loss of corner sharpness.
This is the first TAMRON lens to feature 12-blade diaphragm. Special attention has been given to the macro shooting range—especially from 1:1 to 1:4 magnification—to ensure that bokeh effects remain beautifully circular even at maximum aperture, while effectively minimizing vignetting all the way to the edges of the frame. In addition, by using an even number of blades, the lens produces clear, well-defined starburst when stopped down. You can enjoy dramatic, aesthetically pleasing images even in scenes with multiple light sources, without distracting from the subject.
Since the release of the first 90mm macro,
adapting to digital with Di, and equipping with image stabilization,
the TAMRON 90mm macro continues to receive unwavering support from
many macro photography fans despite model changes over time.
And from now on, the macro of TAMRON,
"Tam-Q", will further inherit the macro legend of TAMRON.
