Canon 85mm f/1.8 vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di ??

[ST_sg]

Which is a better buy? If mainly use of portrait zoom and Macro (flower/insects) ?

If I'm not wrong, if I go with 85mm f/1.8, I need additional component like Uniplus 25mm extension tube?

Need some input from you guys.

Thanks a lot.

[mpenza]

for macros, go with the Tamron macro lens. However, the focussing is slower than the 85/1.8 for non-macro distances.

[Stoned]

If you want to do macros of course a dedicated macro lens is better. If you need an extra stop go with the 85/1.8. Both are excellent pieces of glass.

[ST_sg]

I'm a bit greedy,.. best of both world
but, I guess, I would do more Macro than some long distance portrait zoom.

Is 90mm give a decent working distance on shoot butts? Or need at least 180mm?
As you know I have the Sigma 70-300, but at 200mm-300mm end, almost impossible for handheld, did try with a Monopod, not bad... it helps though.

Btw, any good tips to proper hold & shoot with a monopod? sometimes I feel shaking too

TIA.

[mpenza]

I used to shoot handheld with the Sigma 70-300 (at shutter speed of 1/200s). Just the usual techniques of handholding and follow-through shutter pressing would do.

I find it pretty hard to use the 70-300 for macro shots.... macro lenses in the 100mm range seems easier.

[Tzuen]

Its like apples and oranges. A macro lens is sharp but excels at close up and is designed to be used at small apertures. The Canon 85mm f1.8 is designed as a portrait lens and for low light work. If you wanted a lens for versatility I would go for the Macro. Its not very fast but can be used for portraits but it is harder to adapt the 85mm f1.8 for macro use.

[ST_sg]

Originally Posted by Tzuen Its like apples and oranges. A macro lens is sharp but excels at close up and is designed to be used at small apertures. The Canon 85mm f1.8 is designed as a portrait lens and for low light work. If you wanted a lens for versatility I would go for the Macro. Its not very fast but can be used for portraits but it is harder to adapt the 85mm f1.8 for macro use.

I see..... I think I already have something in mind
Thanks man. Your input really appreciated.

Cheers!
ST.

[Zplus]

I happen to have both these excellant lens. So I shall give you my thoughts.

Canon 85mm f/1.8
-Very sharp lens either wide open or stopped down
-AF is very fast. Good for AI servo.
-Nice bokeh
-Not a dedicated macro lens so not really suitable for that use
-AF/MF is via a switch
-Hood sold seperately


Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di
-Very sharp lens either wide open or stopped down
-AF is quite fast, has a focus limiter switch to help it along. Not as fast as the canon
-Nice bokeh
-Macro lens. Gets you real close to the subject. 1:1
-Lens extends quite long <- may scare away your insects
-AF/MF is via switch and also a "clutch" mechanism
-colors seems a little warmer
-Hood included. But you will notice the front element is already quite recessed. So flare is quite well controlled even w/o the hood.

I'm using both for different purposes. Canon for people shots and Tamron for macros. Of course if I only have my Tamron with me... I will press it into service for people as well. So far the Tamron can still make it, but really its a bit slow in AF for moving people compared to the Canon.

[fw007]

Hi Zplus, when you say the Tamron 90/2.8 AF is slower than the Canon 85/1.8, how much slower exactly is it? The Canon 85/1.8's USM is ring USM, so it's exceptionally fast right? What about with the Tamron? Do you find it acceptable?

[ST_sg]

Hi Zplus, really appreacite your insight comparison thoughts. Since I already have 50mm f/1.8, = 80mm for my usage, this lens already good enough for me to shoot people (of cos not for stage shots)

I'd the 24-85mm USM lens before, and now drop to normal motor driven lenses (50mm f/1.8, 24mm f/2.8, Sigma 70-300) Their AF speed/noise still acceptable to me. (Probably due to my noob skill)

Guess, I'll give the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 a try.
OK, regarding the working distance on Tamron 90mm, what is the recommended distance away from the subject? say, a Butterfly or a dragonfly?

Actually how to calculate the actual distance from the cam to subject based on this jargon : 90mm, 180mm, 200mm, 300mm huh??
Sorry for such a noob questions

[BobCheong]

90mm or 100mm is too short for butts. Most butss wont let you get close enough for a good shot. Most butt shooters use 180mm or 70-200L

[ST_sg]

Originally Posted by BobCheong 90mm or 100mm is too short for butts. Most butss wont let you get close enough for a good shot. Most butt shooters use 180mm or 70-200L

huh?!... Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di LD + a tripod? It's back to my current Sigma 70-300 @ 200mm f/5.6 Macro mode already, which I find it hard to give a steady shot without tripod and tripod very cumbersome for me lor. As the result, I just bought a Slik ProPod 600 with a Giottos MH1000-300 ballhead last week. (pocket dry liao) Anyway, this Tamron 180mm can make me to break a bank liao

Can this Tamron 90mm + a monopod able to deliver a decent butts shots? I don't hope for 1:1 to fill up the entire frame of a butt. ? Possible?

Thanks in advance heh.

[MaGixShOe]

Some photos taken by Canon 85mm F1.8 + 25mm ext. tube for ur comparism










Its a sharp lens, magnification is not there. but can always crop to make it look bigger.

[Zplus]

fw007, the Canon 85mm kinda snaps into action while the Tamron will ease into focus. Something like that. The Canon is a snappier. Tamron can still do a decent job of course but when I need speed I will used the Canon.

ST_sg, its quite right that some of the insects are jumpy and will run away if you get too near. Anyway, the Tamron can zoom quite close. Don't have the specs with me... For anyway insect, you can either fill the frame up or leave space for composition depending on y our style. Urmmm sorry, I don't really understand the last question though.... The Tamron should be able to get your nice butt shots.

BobCheong, yeah... don't we all love long macro lens...

BobCheong, cool stuff... yeah... the Canon is a very good lens. Good alternative use you've shown...

[ST_sg]

Thanks guys. Ya, both are good lens. Won't go wrong with either one

decision really depends much on the $$$ liao
1. 85mm f/1.8 + HMC UV + 25mm ext tube
2. 90mm f/2.8 + HMC UV

Any idea what's the price range above roughly? Anyway, most likely will keep an eye on B&S

Cheers!

[ST_sg]

Raymond, Thanks for sharing such good photos, were they shoot handheld or with tripod?

Thanks.

[MaGixShOe]

they were taken handheld. the lens is light, no need for tripod

[megaweb]

If you like to shoot portrait, go for 85mm f1.8

else if you like to shoot macro like 1:1, go for Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di.

Any lens can shoot portrait shots but not macro

[simonsng]

Originally Posted by megaweb If you like to shoot portrait, go for 85mm f1.8 else if you like to shoot macro like 1:1, go for Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di. Any lens can shoot portrait shots but not macro

yeah, agree with johnny

if you seriously into butterflies then you should at least get the 90mm, have seen a few b'fly shooters using that lens and still manage to shoot them. of cause having the 180mm will make your life slightly easier but not that much