TAMRON SP 90MM F2.5 MACRO LENS.

Hi all, can anyone tell me what they think of this lens for my k-x. Seems to be going v.cheap even for s/h, and needs adaptall mount, another thing i have to learn about Very new to photography and dont know much about the different lenses and especially whether they fit my camera. thanks in advance.
I do want a true macro but they are very expensive (have not learned to ignore price yet) and this seems like the job.

Very good lens at a reasonable price but really needs the PK/A mount to go with it which adds another £60 or so.

It's 1:2 magnification on it's own or 1:1 with the (sometimes) supplied macro tube.

I love this lens. Very sharp and beautiful, warm colours. The PK/A mount makes life a lot easier. I have the extension tube for 1:1 but I find it a complete PITA to fit on and off and focusing is then very close. The 1:2 magnification however is very good for flowers and the like. If you want to see some sample shots then please ask.

thanks Mike and DrOrloff, i fear much rolling of eyes, but i have already ordered two lenses from e-bay, still waiting on postie, and i just cant keep away from it! Think i will go for it, and worry about the adaptor thingy later. maybe some kind soul here will have one for sale, there seems to be a pretty high turnover in gear...

I do have one I was thinking of selling.
Problem is that it is absolutely mint and comes in a presentation set along with the hood (optional extra) case, macro tube, little spray bottle and coloured cards.

So would be looking for a pretty high price compared to others.

RARE PENTAX PK-A PK/A FIT TAMRON ADAPTALL 2 MOUNT AD2

Is this what i need?

Ok Mike, hit me.

Yes

I will dig it out tomorrow and make sure everything is ok with it then get back to you.

Also have a spare PK/A mount I think.

ok mike, now to figure out how to afford all this gear

I agree that the Tamron 90 2.5mm is an excellent lens, and something of a bargain. I used it a lot with my old Nikon camera and was very pleased with the results. I have bought a PK mount so as to use the lens with my K-5. As I understand it (I can't test it because my K-5 is away having its sensor seen to), using the PK mount means that you have to use the lens in manual mode but in any case I always preferred manual control for macro work with the Tamron on the Nikon because I found it more accurate and precise than auto. If you're concerned about cost, Katie, the PK mount is much cheaper (I think I paid £25) and it is much more readily available. However, if you've set your heart on the PK/A mount you can easily talk yourself into it by thinking of what a bargain you've got in the Tamron lens!

Good luck,

Chris

thanks chris, have my eye on both e-bay, trying to hold my nerve and not bid too soon. Just as happy with either one really.

Sharpest macro lens I have ever seen and used. Not tried with the 1:1 extensions as it was borrowed.

I also have this lens and love it. Not for sale Very sharp, great colour and bokeh. I agree that the 1:1 extension tube is a right PITA. I never use it simply because it's such a hassle. One thing I would say is these lenses often come without hoods, and the hood is quite expensive to buy separately (approx £20).

Something else to consider, once you've added up the cost of the lens and tube (£90ish), a PKA mount (£60ish), a hood (£20), you're not too far off the cost of an autofocus version of this lens. I've never used the AF version but by all accounts it's pretty good too.

True a brand new Tamron 90mm f2.8 is about £250 from One Stop Digital in Hong Kong although quite a bit dearer from a UK seller.

Tim, do you know where I could find the hood, I have been looking for it without success.