Lens review

Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Di Macro

4. Image resolution

If we forget for a moment about the f/2.8 stop, then we can only describe the sharpness of images of Tamron, with one word: perfection. It is the first lens in our tests, which for the stops f/4, f/5.6 and f/8 exceeded the level of 40 lpmm. It means that the tested equipment works there, practically, in a diffraction limit.

Again, forgetting about the f/2.8 stop, the quality of the image is also sensational at the edge of the frame. It exceeds the level of 30 lpmm for the 4.0-16 range of stops, which is a very good result. For the f/5.6 Tamron reaches over 30 lpmm. It means that Tamron is sharper at the edge than many lenses in the centre of the frame!

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If, however, we remind ourselves about the maximum aperture, we will find out slight reasons to complain. In this situation we would wish the lens to achieve at least the mentioned 30 lpmm in the centre of the frame. Unfortunately, it does not!

The below crops of our test chart show the comparison of the work of the tested Tamron with the worst and the best value of the stop.

We present 1:1 fragment of a picture of 2 Polish zloty coin below, to show how important is a very good resolution in the macro mode. The tested lens was attached to Canon 20D and the picture was taken at f/8.0 stop.