free1ance's reviews

  • Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di LD IF Macro 1:1 SP AF

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Nikon version * Great reach and MFD * Accurate AF for Nikon bodies with built-in AF motor * Buttery smooth manual focus * Accurate exposure * Electronics (except AF) integrate well with Nikon Z FTZ adapter * Good build * Rotating tripod collar
    Clunk when switching from AF to MF // Doesn't AF with Nikon Z (but focus peaking, IBIS and EVF 100% zoom-magnify make MF a charm so it's not actually a con)

    I purchased this lens new some years ago. It is a beautiful optic capable of making stunning images. It's a macro lens (my version: Nikon mount) requiring an in-body AF motor for autofocus so AF works differently than with a non-macro AF-S lens: That's not a con, it's just the reality of any such lens including Nikon OEM AF lenses.

    Wide open at f/3.5, images are surprisingly sharp and contrasty. Peak sharpness is somewhere in the f/5.6-f/8 range (which is fine for macro) and, similar to other lenses of this design (where wide-open sharpness is not the emphasis), I find I am able to stop down even further for greater DOF (e.g. f/16) without feeling like I have lost everything to diffraction limits.

    While I wasn't sure how I would like this lens on a Nikon Z body, I have found the many other benefits of the Z (as mentioned under 'cons') actually make the lens an excellent longer focal length macro lens for Nikon Z. I have the F-mount 105mm VR Micro Nikkor as well which AF's quickly on the Z: That's great for shift focusing for focus stacking. I'm glad to have both options.

    There is one review on this site with only positives but giving the lens 0/10: User error. There is another review, seemingly found on every review website, about the aperture mechanism breaking: That seems to be a well-publicized outlier. I haven't seen other complaints like it and my sample is as sturdy as any lens I have bought over the years... and I've had several dozen lenses over the years!

    reviewed May 8th, 2022