Amid the growing popularity of APS-C size DSLRs, photographers are looking to explore macro photography with a focal length that provides an angle of view equivalent to 90mm. With these users in mind, Tamron developed the SP AF60mm medium telephoto macro lens, boasting an extremely fast maximum aperture of F2. The sharp image quality at the point of focus and soft blurring effects in the out-of-focus areas render superlative images that will stimulate the photographer's imagination. From macro photography of flowers and insects in a natural environment, to portraiture that exploits the soft blurring effects, the speed of the lens also makes low-light photography possible. This high-performance lens was designed to be used in a wide range of photographic situations, allowing the user great flexibility.

Exposure: F/7.1, 1/50 seconds, ISO640, WB: Auto (equivalent to 93mm when converted to 35mm format)

This high-resolution macro lens achieves the overwhelming brightness of F/2, while at the same time preventing increases in aberration variations that may occur with the adoption of the large aperture. The adoption of two large LD (low dispersion) lenses allows advanced correction of chromatic and other aberrations. The new BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) multi-layer coatings and internal surface coatings (coatings on cemented surface of elements) have also been introduced to thoroughly reduce ghosting and flare.

Exposure: F/4, 1/250 seconds, ISO400, WB: Sunlight (equivalent to 93mm when converted to 35mm format)

This lens' working distance of 100mm, the longest in its class*, means that an appropriate distance may be maintained while still enjoying 1:1 macro photography (when hood is not attached). Due to the internal focusing system employed, the overall length of the lens does not change when adjusting the focus, achieving major improvements in ease of use.

*Standalone life-size macro lens with a focal length equivalent to 50-60mm. Based on present Tamron research (June 1, 2009).

While the large focus ring maintains a solid grip during auto-focus mode, when fine-tuning of the point of focus is required the photographer can make delicate adjustments in manual focus mode by merely rotating the focus ring. This full-time manual focusing control mechanism enables seamless use of the auto and manual focus modes without needing to adjust the AF/MF switchover button.

To prevent the lens from growing in size due to the adoption of the F/2 maximum aperture, the internal construction of previous macro lenses was reviewed, and the accuracy and precision of all components has been improved, resulting in a compact lens with a maximum diameter of only 73mm. In addition, through extensive use of precision molded components using highly reliable plastic engineering, the lightness of the lens is without compare, and its size enables use in a wide range of photographic situations in the field.

Exposure: F/2.5, 1/160 seconds, ISO640, WB: Auto (equivalent to 93mm when converted to 35mm format)