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 03/25/2008 06:10:14 PM · #1
Well I finally put together enough scheckles to buy two Lenses any help would be greatly appreciated I am looking at these 4. I will be getting one of each macro & tele.

Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro
Tamron 200-500 F5-6.3 SP/AF DI

Canon 100mm 2.8 macro
Canon 100mm - 400mm 4.5-5.6

Message edited by author 2008-03-25 18:11:33.
 03/25/2008 06:13:59 PM · #2
Although the Tamron might be longer, I'd always go for the Canon 100-400 ahead of it. It's faster, has IS and has a much stronger build. Haven't seen samples from the Tamron, but I know that the Canon is pretty good, optically.
 03/25/2008 06:18:19 PM · #3
The Tamron 90mm macro is pretty much similar in terms of quality to the Canon 100mm macro, except the Canon is 10mm longer.

For the Tele zoom, no question I'd go with the Canon 100-400 for sure.
 03/25/2008 06:26:25 PM · #4
What I like about the Tamron macro lens is the fact that the front element is recessed not exposed like on the Canon.
 03/25/2008 06:30:47 PM · #5
Originally posted by doctornick:
The Tamron 90mm macro is pretty much similar in terms of quality to the Canon 100mm macro, except the Canon is 10mm longer.

For the Tele zoom, no question I'd go with the Canon 100-400 for sure.


Can't speak for performance on the two Tamron's but I do own the other two lenses and you will not be disappointed by either. The IS on the 100-400 just amazes me, I have handheld the lens at 1/125 sec at 400mm with no shake, that's pretty silly.
 03/25/2008 06:31:44 PM · #6
If you are planning to buy the Tamron 90mm with rebate, this is the last week.
 03/25/2008 06:42:18 PM · #7
On the macros, I'm sure both will be excellent for you. I own the Canon 100mm macro and couldn't be happier with it. It focuses fast and is v sharp. It doesn't extend as you focus either. Build quailty is excellent. It seems only marginally cheaper at B&H. If it only had IS.

I've used mostly for portrait work - here are albums all shot with the 100mm:

//www.flickaway.com/glen/newcam

//www.flickaway.com/glen/dinner
 03/25/2008 06:58:02 PM · #8
For the macro: Canon and Tamron are optically identical, Canon has better build quality and faster focus. It's up to you whether you like that enough to pay the price difference. I am very happy with my Tamron. :)

for the zooms: I never used either of them, but from what I know and hear, that's a difference between good (Tamron) and great (Canon). You will, as said earlier, appreciate IS in these focal lengths.
 03/25/2008 07:50:45 PM · #9
I have both tamron lenses.'nikon mount' I usually use the 200-500 with a 2x tele taking it up to 1000. It is not a very great lens. Ok but not great, The 90mm Macro is a great lens. As said above, For the Distance go for the Canon.

03/25/2008 08:01:08 PM · #10
On the telephoto side, another strong vote for the Canon 100-400. On the macro side, my preference of the two would be the Canon, but of the third party lenses the Tamron is, IMO, best-in-class. Optically, both the Canon 100/2.8 and the Tamron 90mm are very close. The things I like abou the Canon are:
- Non-extending design (internal focus)
- USM with full-time manual override
- Switchable focus limiter for faster focusing in non-macro applications
- General build quality (really to "L" standards, just no stripe)
Things I *don't* like about the Canon:
- No lens hood included
 03/26/2008 01:04:37 AM · #11
The Canon may be non-extending but when extended the Tamron is the same length as the Canon but the front element is recessed.
 03/26/2008 05:10:53 PM · #12
Thank you to all of you for your advice it was greatly appreciated looks like we are going with the canon 100-400 4.5-5.6. Still split on the macro tho.

Thanks again to all of you.
 03/26/2008 08:44:00 PM · #13
Here's a vote for the Canon macro. I have NEVER been totally satisfied when buying a 3rd party lens, no matter what the reputation has been.
 03/27/2008 09:53:09 PM · #14
Well we ended up ordering the 100-400 & 100 macro, both canons delivery Saturday already looking out the door. :).
 03/27/2008 10:28:01 PM · #15
Originally posted by Frankie_Lv:
Well we ended up ordering the 100-400 & 100 macro, both canons delivery Saturday already looking out the door. :).


Well, you won't be disappointed with your choices. Congrats on your two new pieces of glass, fine one I might add!
 03/29/2008 05:39:29 PM · #16
Thanks Trevytrev, They have arrived :) :).
 03/29/2008 05:49:40 PM · #17
Woot, have fun man! Show us some pics when you get time!

Message edited by author 2008-03-29 17:49:58.
 03/29/2008 07:05:39 PM · #18
Good choices Frankie. I owned the Tamron 200-500 and liked it becasue it was so long. I even used it with a 1.4x TC. But without VR (IS in Canon speak) and given it was slower I always had trouble with focus speed. Worked pretty well on manual though. In any case I opted to sell it and now own the Nikon 80-400 VR. Glad I made the switch.

Have fun with the two new lenses. Macro and long lenses are fun.

Message edited by author 2008-03-29 19:06:20.
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