Was it wrong decision

Nickler

Nickler

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Nikki
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Hi
I recently bought the tamaron 90mm as wanted to take portraits. The bloke in shop said this was a good buy. Now some say should not have got it.
Did I do wrong :-(
 
I haven't got one myself but lots of people rave about this lens and recommend it so I wouldn't worry. It's a macro lens too.
 
Macro lenses usually make very good, sharp portrait lenses.

Maybe a touch long for indoor use on a crop body though, but by no means a bad buy :)
 
Fine lens, nothing wrong with it at all.
Why not go out and use it and see for yourself instead of listening to some brand snobs who wouldnt know a good 3rd party lens if it slapped them in the face.
 
Well 90mm is a little long for portraits on a crop unless you really plan shoots (i.e. travel to fields etc.) but then again other macro lenses don't really have the DOF needed for portrait lenses, particularly not on crop sensors.

I'd say it's a good buy. It'll be sharper than the portrait lenses at f/2.8 and you have the flexibility of being able to do macro as well. You won't have the extra bokeh that you would from having an f/1.8 or larger (smaller number) aperture, but on the D3100 you don't really have choice; the f/1.8 Nikkor 85mm won't autofocus on your body, and the cheapest 85 that will is the Sigma f/1.4, which costs over £600.

If you find it too long, consider the 50mm f/1.8/1.4 (must be AF-S, or Sigma) to round it out and you'll have a very capable portraiture set
 
You may find it a little long if you are short on space but I always use the 70-200 on a full frame when I can for portraits and love it racked out, on a crop body you will have the equivalent around 180 so no not too long if you have room.

You could pick up a cheap 50 if you haven't already which will give you a bit more breathing room when needed.

Edit: ksanti beat me to it on the 50 LOL.
 
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I've never used this lens for portraits however as a macro lens I'm not dissapointed with it at all.

As TCR said, go out use it and you won't be dissapointed.
 
donutagain said:
same angle of view as a 135 on a ff. ( nikon 1.5 crop )
Click to expand...


Oops how did I come up with that, think I multiplied by 2 LOL. Of course you're correct so even more room to move than the 200 on a FF. I really like using an 85 on both a crop body and FF for portraits too, I think it just comes down to personal preference although wider lenses have not historically been highly regarded by a lot of portrait photographers you see some great work done with quite wide lenses like a 35 and even the 12-24 on a FF.

So I think the point is just see what you like, if it doesn't feel right for portraits sell it or maybe just hang onto it for when you need a macro.
 
I have used mine for portraits, its a nice sharp lens.

As others have said its a bit on the long side at 90mm on a crop body unless you have lots of working space. I am trying to save for a 50mm for portrait use.
 
I think it's only a wrong purchase if you can't find a use for it. If you like macro photography, and the 90mm isn't too close on a crop body, then it'll be a good purchase.
 
I was using my 135 L on my 9 month old yesterday so thats not a bad focal length and to be honest i think you will just accomadate with the focal length. (space permitting) You may want to get out and shoot out doors for more than head and shoulder shots though.
 
Keep it - macro is always a great indoor/outdoor past time lol :D

Also look more to a 30/35 mm ... sigma do a 30mm f1.4 (around 300 new, 250 second hand) - a good calibrated copy works really well.
there is a nikon 35mm f1.8 that should work with your camera - jessops for 170 ish? and you can try it there too.
50mm I personally found still too long - but i have the 50mm f1.4d (approx 200ukp).
If you like manual, you could try m42 lenses (cheaper sometimes).
 
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Thanks. I'm going to my brothers wedding at the weekend. Would you advise me to take it with me
 
Do you like the lens???

Thats all that matters.
 
Yes I do. Not had it long but slowly getting used to it. Do you think I will get some nice pictures with it at a wedding
 
Yes, itll take lovely portraits!

But obviously bring something with more flexibility as well.
 
Thanks I have a sigma 18-200 which I use all the time. Hoping to get some good pictures
 
Considering most churches don't allow flash during weddings (or at least the ceremony), your new tamron will be a godsend and you should be able to get some decent shots. Practice on someone at home in dim light conditions with no flash to get an idea of what iso/aperture/shutter combos work best.
 
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