phatstanley02
New member
I may be in the market for a macro lens soon and am trying to see which is better tamron 90 or canon 100. Please give me your input and why you think its a better lens
canon 100mm macro or tamron 90mm macro?
- Thread starter phatstanley02
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bdepp
New member
They are both excellent lenses. The Canon lens has better saturation, more working distance and better AF. the tamron has a better background blur and is better colour, saturation and detail when stopped down.
I would say where prices are similar, the canon is a superiour lens. if money is the issue the tamron is brilliant value for money
these lens's are so close in performance you'll be happy with either
I would say where prices are similar, the canon is a superiour lens. if money is the issue the tamron is brilliant value for money
these lens's are so close in performance you'll be happy with either
Mrs. PL-Reef
New member
I've never worked with the Tamron, but I do own the 100mm and I have to say it's my favorite lens (of course I love macro) I don't think you can go wrong with it 
juniormc8704
New member
being a NIKON shooter i cant comment on the cannon, but i do shoot the tamron 90mm everyday, and love it in every way.
TitusvileSurfer
New member
I highly recommend the Canon 100 f/2.8 Macro. It is the standard.
snommisbor
Premium Member
Always go with the Canon lens over a 3rd party, pertains to Nikon as well. We buy these cameras for the lenses then we want to get a 3rd party lens. Unless it is a huge difference in price you will never go wrong with the Canon/Nikon lens over 3rd party. Look at it this way if you ever want to sell it on ebay later you will always get more for a Canon/Nikon over a Tamron, Tonika, Sigma type lens. I have sold several lenses on ebay to pay for my upgraded Nikon lens and I always would get good money for them to where my actual cost of using it over a cheaper 3rd party lens ended up being cheaper. Heck I see my Nikon 105 2.8 lens going for about 150 to 200 under what I paid for mine on ebay and I have had it for 3 years. Just my .02
griffithimage
New member
The canon lens is sharper than the tamron. However the canon is more expensive. Unless you're a professional, you may not notice the difference. If it's for general use, the cost savings are probably worth it. However, I know what its like..its hard not to get the best.
juniormc8704
New member
I would go with what you are more comfortable using. Go to shop and try out both. Some lenses are awkward to focus, etc.
jeff127
Member
I have never used the tamron so my views are biased but I adore my 100mm. 
As has already been said, it is the standard and is very well known to be a verysharp lens compared to most others.
As beerguy stated, the internal focussing of the Canon is great and I love having the lens resting against the glass and easily adjusting focus without having to move. I noticed how much of a pain it was when I had to use my 18-55 kit lens for a few shots, I really see it as a major advantage.
Jeff.
As has already been said, it is the standard and is very well known to be a verysharp lens compared to most others.
As beerguy stated, the internal focussing of the Canon is great and I love having the lens resting against the glass and easily adjusting focus without having to move. I noticed how much of a pain it was when I had to use my 18-55 kit lens for a few shots, I really see it as a major advantage.
Jeff.
phatstanley02
New member
ill probably lean to the canon seeing as I can get it for the same price as the tamron through work. Thanks for the imput
griffithimage
New member
If you can get the canon for the same price, go for it!
clippo
Member
this question comes up quite a bit and as far as I can see, detailed optical tests reveal these two lenses are extremely clsoe in performance. The Tamron out performs the Canon in certain areas and vice versa.
In terms of build quality, the Canon is better build but is also larger and heavier than the Tamron.
The Tamron is slightly less well built. The lens does extend as mentioned and this has advantages as well as disadvantages. The lens element is recessed so reduced flare effects but is also hard to clean etc.
I tried both but went with the Tamron in the end as it was way cheaper and better balanced on my (then 350D). A couple of years on it is still absolutely fine - no wear and tear issues.
In terms of build quality, the Canon is better build but is also larger and heavier than the Tamron.
The Tamron is slightly less well built. The lens does extend as mentioned and this has advantages as well as disadvantages. The lens element is recessed so reduced flare effects but is also hard to clean etc.
I tried both but went with the Tamron in the end as it was way cheaper and better balanced on my (then 350D). A couple of years on it is still absolutely fine - no wear and tear issues.
