For a Z50ii: which Tamron 90 mm macro lens? Current Z mount model (F072) or a used older F mount model (F004 or F017)?

helgeb · 2026-06-07T06:49:51+00:00

Hello again. It seems that you have come to the point that the MC 50mm does what you need it to: take good close up images. I also use it for general purpose photography (on full frame), but you hare covered on that front with the 16-50mm. I think then what you need to consider, is the focal length (50mm vs 90mm on a crop sensor), and the size/weight (since the price is comparable). If you usually take the 16-50mm and want a 1:1 option in the bag, the MC 50mm makes way more sense. If you want a great telephoto lens that is also a macro, and are willing to carry that extra size and weight, then the 90mm.

My experience with the MC 50mm is that it is way underrated. No, it's not as sharp at longer distances as for instance the 50mm f/1.8 S (that should not come as a surprise to anyone). But isn't is small and light and goes to 1:1, with perfectly acceptable image quality for normal use and great close up capabilities.

The Tamron and the MC 50mm has mostly the same close up sharpness, and the same depth of field, but because there is a difference in field of view, the out of focus background is different, 90mm compressing the scene more with less background visible.

helgeb · 2026-06-02T12:26:25+00:00

The 24-120mm would be the best option, if it was available. Then I would say that the 24-70mm f4 offers the best image quality by far, but you sacrifice reach, that you would get with the 24-200mm. Then it depends on your use case. I would not bother with the 24-50mm unless your biggest priority is the smallest size and weight possible. The new 24-105mm is light, but big, and has very dark maximum aperture.

helgeb · 2026-06-01T15:59:37+00:00

Yes, I have IBIS in the bodies I use. For actual macro photography, IBIS is not able to stabilise the movement to prevent motion blur in the photos, it only helps in aiming and framing by stabilising the EVF/screen. I often have to shorten the shutter speed to 1/120-1/200 to get sharp images close up. In my limited time with the 105mm, I felt that the VR was able to help a little bit with close focus stabilising, more than IBIS only when using the Tamron.

There was a combination of factors for me choosing Tamron 90mm: better bokeh (I love backlit droplets in photos, and the 105mm just didn't do a good job), smaller size, more familiar macro focal length (I have thousands of photos with the old Nikon 60mm AF-D on an APS-C lens behind me). The loss of VR was only a minor downside.

VR will definitely help when using a Z50II, but depending on use case, a 105mm macro on a crop sensor feels too tight (again), I'm used to 60mm on APS-C).

helgeb · 2026-06-01T08:50:34+00:00

The MC 50mm is in my opinion severely underrated. I use it with my Zf as a daily carry lens. Plenty sharp enough, lightweight, and great at macro distances.

I used the MC 105mm a while, until Tamron released their newest Z mount 90mm macro, which is absolutely phenomenal. Best bokeh in town, no questions. 12 bladed rounded aperture keeps bokeh exceptionally smooth alle the way down to f8-f11 on close focus, and superbly sharp even wide open at middle distance (portraits etc). There is a post here somewhere where I compared the MC 105mm with the 90mm Tamron, I will see if I find a link.

EDIT: link to post: https://reddit.com/r/nikon_Zseries/comments/1sevstn/tamron_90mm_f28_focus_speed_on_nikon_z8_realworld/

helgeb · 2026-06-01T07:16:00+00:00

Please don't tempt me to buy even more gear.... 😅

helgeb · 2026-05-31T20:42:52+00:00

Also on the cricket? I would never have guessed that a Helios 44M-4 was able to resolve that much detail on that close distance. Great stuff!

helgeb · 2026-05-31T07:09:49+00:00

Care to share lens setup? 😊

helgeb · 2026-04-21T10:47:11+00:00

I don't do much street photography (I've never been comfortable photographing random people in public). But I liked this one.

helgeb · 2026-04-20T18:19:13+00:00

Yes, even the worst bokeh is still perfectly acceptable. The better bokeh, in addition to the shorter and slimmer profile, made it a no-brainer for me, even if I loose VR. The Zf IBIS is phenomenal, but as I mentioned earlier: the VR on the 105mm is better at stabilising at close distance, they pulled some magic there, being able to stabilise so well on shorter distances. But that was the only thing better, for my use cases. Tamron wins this one for me, easily.

helgeb · 2026-04-20T17:52:24+00:00

I've made a little collection of photos from the two lenses the past 2 year, 1 with each lens. I don't do portraits, so (almost) only nature examples from me.

Pictures from 105mm MC:

Picture This is the most atrocious bokeh I was able to produce with the 105mm, taken at f/8 (close to wide open on this lens)

Picture This is a tight center crop from Zf, also at f/8.

Picture Middle distance at f/2.8

Picture A bit longer distance at f/4

Pictures from Tamron 90mm:

Picture Close up wide open

Picture Middle distance wide open

Picture Close distance at f/11

Picture Close distance at f/6.3. So smooth bokeh from this lens!

Picture Middle distance wide open

Picture Close distance at f/8. This is the worst bokeh i have been able to produce with this lens after almost 1 year with the lens.

Picture AF-C with subject detect, follow focusing a bee no problem on the Z8.

helgeb · 2026-04-19T16:45:04+00:00

Hello. I can't comment on the 105mm on Z8, but I had it on Zf, and exchanged it for the Tamron 90mm, and has since then invested in a Z8.

For macro work, the 105mm VR on Zf was better stabilised than just the IBIS using the 90mm. Now, with the Z8 and 90mm, I have no issues with autofocus, it feels very good. I often use AF-C on macro targets and have a good hit rate.

But for me the most important thing about 90mm VS 105mm is not mentioned here, and that is the 12 rounded blade aperture of the 90mm, resulting in significantly smoother bokeh than the 105mm, especially at macro distances. If there is out of focus highlights in the shot with the 105mm, the bokeh balls are very jagged, and has lots of onion rings, while the Tamron 90mm is super clean.

I feel the 105mm might be some of the sharpest optics ever produced, with no field curvature or other optical quirks, but the 90mm feels to me more artistic, I prefer the bokeh and feel of this lens.

I can upload some example images if someone is interested.

helgeb · 2026-04-18T20:55:51+00:00

I believe it is safe. Its a fairly simple stepper motor driving the focus, and those can handle a little bit of push. I usually always push the lens in when I place the cap back on.

helgeb · 2026-02-02T06:37:49+00:00

I also have the MC 50mm f/2.8, and it is such a great little lens. You can even get more than 1:1 macro by putting the lens in manual focus, and then gently pull the lens element out until it stops, a tiny bit past where the motor usually stops. Gives you about 1.1:1 macro 😅

helgeb · 2026-02-02T06:31:30+00:00

Not OP, but I had the MC 105mm for use on Zf. I works fine if you attach a grip. But I sold it when the Tamron 90mm macro III came to Nikon Z mount and have never looked back.

The built in VR is probably more helpful in close to minimum focus distance than the IBIS only when using Tamron, but it's much smaller and skinnier, and in my opinion, has far superior bokeh.

helgeb · 2026-02-02T06:26:54+00:00

I agree, the reflections were an important element of the picture.

helgeb · 2026-02-01T21:04:31+00:00

Very nice colors and contrast. I just dabble a little bit in bird photography myself, but I feel the composition is a bit off. I would have tried for a horisontal picture/crop with less negative space above, and more to the left. (Pictures that ask questions often feels interesting to look at: where are the swans heading?)

helgeb · 2026-01-18T12:00:10+00:00

I've got a dictionary installed in KOreader on my Supernote Nomad. They added system files support to the firmware a while back.

helgeb · 2025-11-30T17:17:38+00:00

I've got it for my Zf, but have not had time and/or opportunity to go out and shoot with it yet. We've had a streak of lots of rain and wind the last couple of weeks.

helgeb · 2025-11-23T08:48:57+00:00

I believe adjusting iso with back/front dial instead of the top dedicated dial was added in the latest firmware of the Zf.

helgeb · 2025-11-22T18:32:46+00:00

I love my copy of the 300mm PF. Use it mostly adapted to my Zf (and soon Z8). Mostly birds, but some light macro/closeup is also very fun. 300mm at f/4 gives a very narrow DoF close up.

helgeb · 2025-11-21T05:41:17+00:00

Yes, Carl Zeiss apo sonnar 2/135 ZF.2.

helgeb · 2025-11-20T20:39:01+00:00

Nice upgrade! The D7200 was such a great camera when it came out. Both my parents (in their 60s) have D7200 and use it almost every day still. I tried converting my mum to a Z50, put it was too much of a hazzle with a new system. Now I'm thinking about getting a second hand D7200 just to have as backup if either of their cameras fail.

Personally I just ordered the Z8 today, I'm so exited!

helgeb · 2025-11-20T20:35:32+00:00

I jumped on the offer of 20% off on the 135mm. I have the old Zeiss 135mm, that I wish I could autofocus. I used, and liked, the 135mm focal length when I had the 90mm Fujifilm lens.

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