Quick answer
A classic manual-focus 90mm macro lens, one of Tamron's best-known vintage designs. It uses interchangeable Adaptall-2 mount adapters and focuses as close as 0.39 m for 1:2 magnification.
Pros
- Interchangeable mounts via Adaptall-2
- Sharp, well-regarded optics
- Pleasing rendering for portraits
- 1:2 magnification
Cons
- Manual focus only
- Needs the correct Adaptall-2 adapter
- Aged coatings flare
Verdict
A favourite vintage macro and portrait lens. A mount adapter is required.
About this lens
A 90mm f/2.5 manual-focus macro lens, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 Adaptall-2 Macro 52BB is designed for Tamron Adaptall mount bodies, from the Tamron SP series. It is intended for close-up work with small subjects such as flowers and insects.
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 Adaptall-2 Macro 52BB specifications
- Brand
- Tamron
- Mount
- Tamron Adaptall
- Focal length
- 90mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.5
- Lens type
- Macro
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Optical construction
- 8 elements in 6 groups
- Autofocus motor
- none
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.39 m
Specification source: en.wikipedia.org
What can you shoot with the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 Adaptall-2 Macro 52BB?
- Portraits with vintage rendering
- Close-up work with a manual lens
- Use on mirrorless via adapters
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor (adapted mount, so sensor size depends on your camera). Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 90mm | 22.6° | 27° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 135mm | 15.2° | 18.2° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 180mm | 11.4° | 13.7° |
Frequently asked questions
What does Adaptall-2 mean?
It is Tamron's system of interchangeable rear mount adapters, so one lens can fit many camera mounts.
Can I use the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 on a mirrorless camera?
Yes. Fit the Adaptall-2 adapter for a mount such as Nikon F or Pentax K, then add a mirrorless mount adapter. It is manual focus, so focus peaking helps.
How close does the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5 focus?
It focuses down to 0.39 m, about half life-size, which is useful for flowers and details.
