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Lens review

Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD

16 January 2025
Maciej Lata³³o

4. Image resolution

Tests of Nikon Z system lenses are based on the Nikon Z7 body; the RAW files, produced by that camera, were developed by neutral software such as dcraw. As we have already been able to check thoroughly optical properties of several fixed focal length instruments of this system, we think we can determine proper reference levels. Lenses reaching record revels should be able to get to 85 lpmm or so; maximum results of excellent system prime lenses might fit the range from 80 to 85 lpmm. The decency level we set at 41–43 lpmm.

Let's check how the tested Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD compares – its results in the frame centre, on the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor and on the edge of full frame presents a graph below.

Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD - Image resolution


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When it comes to the frame centre the results of the Tamron can be easily called sensational. Already at the maximum relative aperture you deal with an excellent level of over 74 lpmm, by f/4.0 it increases to over 84 lpmm, a value worth even the best fixed focal length system lenses. It's worth mentioning here that the results of the Tamron seem to be noticeably better than the results of the rival Sony FE 90 mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS or the Sigma A 105 mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro.

When it comes to the edge of the frame, our enthusiasm is rather more curbed. At that point the long, narrow mechanical construction, closed by a relatively small front element, makes itself felt. Of course, overall, the results of the Tamron are not bad at all and don't give you any reason to complain – both on the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor and on the edge of full frame images are fully useful as they exceed 50 lpmm. Still, on stopping down the resolution increase is slow and the difference between the performance in the centre and on the edge of the frame is really noticeable. It's enough to say that the rivals of the Tamron are able to outperform it on the edge without any problems.

It doesn't change the fact that in the resolution category the tested Tamron simply has no weak points; we are sure it will be a joy to use due to its excellent performance in the frame centre.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resolution testing chart which were saved as JPEG files along the RAW files, used for the analysis above.

Nikon Z7, JPEG, 90 mm, f/2.8
Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD - Image resolution
Nikon Z7, JPEG, 90 mm, f/4.0
Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD - Image resolution