I'd really like to recommend this, there's a lot to like, Lenstip's review is right about the sharpness, colour and superb VC. However my experience means I can't - for me you're taking a chance with a Tamron. I've had 3 of these in 1 month, all sent back as defective.

Price if copy is good (especially now it's dropped for earlier unrealistic expectations); Sharp at f2.8, very sharp by f4 (at least where it does focus), build is decent for price; VC is extremely good; 3-position focus limiter useful; Hood (are you listening Canon

Tamron's woeful quality control (hence value for money = 0); Focus not quite as fast as Canon USM

The most affordable macro option available at around this focal length, the Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 and its previous incarnations have long enjoyed popularity as a budget third-party alternative to the bigger brands.

The most affordable macro option available at around this focal length, the Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 and its previous incarnations have long enjoyed popularity as a budget third-party alternative to the bigger brands.

I picked up a Tamron 90mm Macro F 2.8 a week back and I was truly dissappointed to see the aperture change to F5.6 at close range. There is no manual way of controlling the aperture to keep it steady at F 2.8 as it is made to seem in th specs.

1.Good sharpness; 2.Good flash reproduction; 3.Good pricing

1.No F2.8 aperture control trhough the focus range; 2; No VR or IS in the lens

It is comparatively cheap on price, but great on performance. It gives super sharp images and is one of the best in this price range. It has a light body which makes it easy to handle. Definitely one which should be considered.

This is a good budget macro for all around work with plants, flowers, and insects. The MFD is pretty long, but not quite like the S 100mm macro lens. If you're on a budget this is a good choice. My only gripe is the lens could be sharper (like the S100mm) and the AF speed is quite slow.

Price Sharp F/2.8 aperture

Slow AF Speed

With 10 elements in 9 groups, it's worth noting there's no internal AF motor so mounting it on a Nikon D3100, D5100 or similar which doesn't have an in-built AF motor will limit you to using it manual focus only.

This is a good budget macro for all around work with plants, flowers, and insects. The MFD is pretty long, but not quite like the S 100mm macro lens. If you're on a budget this is a good choice. My only gripe is the lens could be sharper (like the S100mm) and the AF speed is quite slow.

Price Sharp F/2.8 aperture

Slow AF Speed

Lens seems to be built very well and the shots that I have taken with it so far are crisp and clear. Compared to my other lenses (Tamron 18-270 and Canon 50mm 1.8), picture quality is very good.

Consistent Output; Lightweight; Strong Construction

Lens Creep; Loud auto-focus

The Tamron 90 has true macro capabilities, and unlike say a 60mm macro, allows you to stand somewhat back from your subject, for example "spookables" such as birds and insects.The 90 also has lot's of non-macro uses, especially creative portraits and subject-oriented landscapes such as a lone tree...

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Lightweight; Nice Bokeh; Strong Construction