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.

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S**t happens, but usually before I can get my camera out

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.

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. My Flickr

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.

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You can see some of my photos here if you are so inclined

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.

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. My Flickr

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

Is this what i need?

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S**t happens, but usually before I can get my camera out

Ok Mike, hit me.

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S**t happens, but usually before I can get my camera out

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.

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. My Flickr

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

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S**t happens, but usually before I can get my camera out

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.

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S**t happens, but usually before I can get my camera out

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

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Regards,
Dan

https://www.flickr.com/photos/honourabletyr/

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.

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Tim
AF - Pentax K5, Sigma 10-20/4-5.6, Tamron 17-50/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Tamron 70-300/4-5.6
MF - Vivitar CF 28/2.8, Tamron AD2 90/2.5, MTO 1000/11
Stuff - Metz 58 AF1, Cactus v4, Nikon SB24, Raynox 150, Sigma 1.4x TC, Sigma 2x TC, Kenko 2x macro TC, Redsnapper 283 tripod, iMac 27”, Macbook Pro 17”, iPad, iPhone 3G
Flickr • Fluidr • PPG • Street • Portfolio site
Feel free to edit any of my posted photos! If I post a photo for critique, I want brutal honesty. If you don't like it, please say so and tell me why!

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.

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Giorgio

Pentax Photo Gallery