Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 § 03 Head to head
Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 vs Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 is 145 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 is a 90mm f/2.8 prime, and the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro is a 90mm f/2.8 prime. On paper the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 
Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 better than the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro?
No measurable advantage on paper.
Why is the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro better than the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8?
- 145 g lighter (420 g vs 565 g)
- 14 mm shorter (74 mm vs 88 mm long)
- Focuses 21 cm closer (0.29 m vs 0.5 m)
- More aperture blades (9 vs 8)
- Smaller filter thread (55 mm vs 58 mm)
- Newer design (1997 vs 1991)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it is 145 g lighter to carry.
- macro For macro photography, the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.29 m.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 | Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 90mm | 90mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 565 g (19.93 oz) | 420 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 73.6 x 88 mm | 97 x 74 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.5 m (19.69 inches) | 0.29 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | — | No |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 5 groups | 10 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 58 mm | 55 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K |
| Released | 1991 | 1997 |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Tamron
- 88 × 73.6 mm
- 74 × 97 mm
The Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 is 14 mm longer and 145 g heavier than the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro.
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Sample frames
Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8
Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 or the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro?
- The Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro weighs 420 g, 145 g less than the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 (565 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 or the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro?
- The Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro focuses down to 0.29 m, against 0.5 m for the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8.
- Is the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 or the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it is 145 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 or the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro better for macro photography?
- For macro photography, the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it focuses closer, down to 0.29 m.
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