Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO § 03 Head to head
Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO vs Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro
Canon 90mm f/2.8 has a newer design. Tamron 90mm f/2.8 is 495 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO 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, 4 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO 
Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO better than the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro?
- Newer design (2017 vs 1997)
Why is the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro better than the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO?
- 495 g lighter (420 g vs 915 g)
- 43 mm shorter (74 mm vs 116.5 mm long)
- Focuses 10 cm closer (0.29 m vs 0.39 m)
- Smaller filter thread (55 mm vs 77 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- 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.
- portrait For portrait photography, the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro has the edge: it is 495 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO | Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 90mm | 90mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/45 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 915 g (32.28 oz) | 420 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 86.9 x 116.5 mm | 97 x 74 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.39 m (15.35 inches) | 0.29 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 11 elements / 9 groups | 10 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 55 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K |
| Released | 2017 | 1997 |
| Price | $2,199 launch price | — |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Tamron
- 116.5 × 86.9 mm
- 74 × 97 mm
The Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO is 43 mm longer and 495 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/2.8L MACRO
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/2.8L MACRO or the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro?
- The Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro weighs 420 g, 495 g less than the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO (915 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO 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 0.39 m for the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO.
- Do the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO and the Tamron SP AF 90 mm f/2.8 Macro have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO 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.
- Is the Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8L MACRO 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 495 g lighter to carry.
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