Tamron 60mm macro or 90mm macro?

[KoleTang]

I have the Nikon 5100 camera but want to get advice between the Tamron 60mm macro or 90mm macro lenses.

The 60mm has f2 and the 90mm has f2.8. Which is better for taking pics of corals, fish & top down shots? Which is better under AI LEDs or is that not relevant.

Both are auto focus for fish pics.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF AF272NII-700

Tamron SP AF60mm f/2 DI II LD (IF) 1:1 Macro Lens AFG005NII700

 

[amay121]

I'd choose the 90mm over the 60. Just due to the focal length. Both are pin sharp though.

 

[KoleTang]

I'm new to photography. I talked to a guy at National Camera, he was saying that the f2 (60mm) is "faster" whatever that means. But I remember hearing that you want the f2.8 for taking pics in a reef.

 

[Bry]

The f stop is the size of the opening the camera takes the photo through - f2 is larger and let's more light through than the f2.8. However it also shortens the depth of field (or what is in focus). The only time it is faster is if you shoot at f2

The 90mm will be better for top down shots.

 

[Tinola]

I'd get the 90mm. I don't think you'd need the f2 aperture since you'd want smaller aperture for more depth of field (More areas in focus)

 

[KoleTang]

Thanks for the info. I now understsand the f-stop difference. But what is the mm difference? 60 vs. 90.

 

[reef life]

Tagging along. I also have the Nikon 5100 and are looking at these same lens.

 

[Bry]

Thanks for the info. I now understsand the f-stop difference. But what is the mm difference? 60 vs. 90.

That is the focal length... The smaller the number the wider the view
Something in the 20-30ish range is considered a wide angle lens. Used to shoot landscapes or if you wanted a full tank shot. 50-60ish is considered normal (kind of like our eyes see). 70-500 are telephoto. The larger the number the larger your subject will be in the photo. Kind of like binoculars.

Hope that makes sense!

That's why the 90 would be better if your wanting to shoot individual corals or fish.

 

[clowns101]

Start off with a 90mm, dont get a 60mm. The 90 will get you in closer to your corals, and if you get interested in outdoor macro work, the 90mm will be good for insects since it will allow you to stand further back.

What the guy means when he says faster, is the aperature, @ f/2, your lens will let more light in allowing for a brighter exposure (which is nice in our photography), @ f/2.8, you will also still let in plenty of light, I have used lenses that are as wide as 1.2, but NEVER do I shoot at 1.2, to much is out of focus. The smaller the number, aka, the f-stop, the more light that lets in, and the more background blur that you will have, the larger the number, the less light, and the less background blur you will have.

The mm difference is 30mm, which is quite a bit in photography world. The 90mm will let you get in closer without having to physically move, and tighter to your corals, where as the 60mm will let you physically move in close. The mm stands for millimeters, and the larger the number, the more zoom, generally, the longer the zoom, the smaller the f-stop. Your going to want to get the 90mm for sure.

 

[reef life]

Start off with a 90mm, dont get a 60mm. The 90 will get you in closer to your corals, and if you get interested in outdoor macro work, the 90mm will be good for insects since it will allow you to stand further back.

What the guy means when he says faster, is the aperature, @ f/2, your lens will let more light in allowing for a brighter exposure (which is nice in our photography), @ f/2.8, you will also still let in plenty of light, I have used lenses that are as wide as 1.2, but NEVER do I shoot at 1.2, to much is out of focus. The smaller the number, aka, the f-stop, the more light that lets in, and the more background blur that you will have, the larger the number, the less light, and the less background blur you will have.

The mm difference is 30mm, which is quite a bit in photography world. The 90mm will let you get in closer without having to physically move, and tighter to your corals, where as the 60mm will let you physically move in close. The mm stands for millimeters, and the larger the number, the more zoom, generally, the longer the zoom, the smaller the f-stop. Your going to want to get the 90mm for sure.

Great info! Thanks!!!