Tamron AF 18-270mm Macro / zoom

[laxing22]

Anyone use the Tamron AF 18-270mm yet? Looks pretty cool and maybe that all-in-one we always want.

 

[BlueCorn]

It's not a true macro, if that's what you mean. There is no such thing as a real zoom macro.

 

[laxing22]

Doh! I am guessing you mean it cannot make a true 1:1 on the image sensor?
Has anyone used it and gotten quality Macro (really close up) shots?
I am really looking for a lens that I can leave on the camera most of the time.

 

[BlueCorn]

Read the specs. 1:3.8 @ 20" that's hardly a close-up lens. It's also quite slow. There's a reason it's so cheap.

 

[laxing22]

I just saw the 1:38 (and there is a very similar) 1:3.5. Not sure what the difference is, but neither are close to a Macro (they are just listed as such on B&H)

 

[laxing22]

Are there any macro's that are good for non-macro shots?
I do like the Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED a lot, but wonder how it is not close up.

 

[BlueCorn]

True macro lenses are just prime (non-zoom) lenses that have a modified focus mechanism to allow a closer minimum focusing distance. The 105 is just as sharp when used as a 105 prime as when it's used as a macro.

 

[Recty]

Basically, you'll like your non macro shots you take with that Nikon you listed. They will most likely be very sharp when compared to zoom lenses, especially cheaper ones like you listed in your first post.

However, you're stuck at that focal length... so your mileage you get out of the lens will vary based off how willing you are to use your feet to compose the shot rather than use the zoom in and out ring to compose...

If you can compose right with a 105mm lens, you'll really like the pictures, fixed or prime lenses are known for being superior to zooms in picture quality.

 

[Donw]

I don't know anything about nikon. But if your camera is crop I'd look at a shorter macro prime just so you can get your monies worth out of it. 100mm is great for a FF but not all that fun with a crop for general photography.

Don

 

[laxing22]

What is a FF?
I can crop with my D90.

 

[Donw]

What is a FF?
I can crop with my D90.

FF is full frame. Crop means for example a Canon crop camera is 1.6 so a 100 would be 160 mm. On a Full frame no mater the brand 100mm is 100mm. You would know if you had a full frame camera. If not its probably a crop camera. Sorry not great at explaining.

Don

 

[Recty]

Your D90 is a crop sensor, meaning that your 100mm lens will really shoot like a 150mm lens.

Personally, I think you need to pick your MAIN use and buy a lens to suit that. If you want to do amazing macro, buy the 100mm macro. If you want a walk around lens, buy a walk around lens and suffer with not having amazing macro.

There isnt a perfect lens that can do everything, unfortunately.

 

[Misled]

There isnt a perfect lens that can do everything.

That's beautiful. It needs to be stuck somewhere.

 

[Recty]

That's what she said!

 

[BlueCorn]

That's what she said!

Eavesdropping again?

 

[Recty]

Heh, dang it, I cant think of a good comeback to that one.

 

[Misled]

It's better than peeping!!!!!