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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED vs Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro

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Nikon 105mm F1.4

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED
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BUY from B&H PHOTO
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Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro

Macro Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon 105mm F1.4 vs Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Nikon 105mm F1.4 is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 105mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.4 whereas Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro is a Macro Prime lens with a 90mm focal range and max aperture of F2.8.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Nikon 105mm F1.4 Key Specs

  • 105mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 985g.
  • Diameter: 95mm
  • Length: 106mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1m
  • Max Magnification:0.13x

Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro Key Specs

  • 90mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 405g.
  • Diameter: 72mm
  • Length: 97mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.29m
  • Max Magnification:1x

What type of photography are the Nikon 105mm F1.4 and Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 105mm F1.4 and the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Nikon 105mm F1.4 Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro
Bird/WildlifeAverageFair
SportsGoodFair
PortraitExcellentGood
TravelFairAverage
StreetAverageAverage
WeddingVery GoodGood
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingAverageFair
LandscapeFairAverage
MacroPoorVery Good

Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro was replaced by Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro Nikon F FX. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro Nikon F FX vs
Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro Nikon F FX vs

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Nikon 105mm F1.4 is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro with a length of 97mm is 9mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 105mm F1.4 also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro's 72mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro weighs 405g, 58% (580g) lighter than the Nikon 105mm F1.4's weight of 985g.


Lens Mounts

Both Nikon 105mm F1.4 and Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Pentax KAF mounts.

Focal Range

Nikon 105mm F1.4 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 157.5mm.
Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 90mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 135mm.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED over Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro

Focal Length - Tele 105mm vs 90mm 15mm more Tele coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.4 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.4 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust

Reasons to choose Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED

Focal Length - Wide 90mm vs 105mm 15mm Wider coverage
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 405g vs 985g 580g lighter
Diameter 72mm vs 95mm 23mm smaller in diameter
Length 97mm vs 106mm 9mm shorter
Filter Thread 55mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.29m vs 1m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1x vs 0.13x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED and Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED and Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon 105mm F1.4 vs Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Nikon Tamron
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Macro Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 105mm 90mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.4 F2.8
Min Aperture F16 F32.0
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 14 10
Optical Groups 9 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1m 0.29m
Max Magnification 0.13X 1X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Micromotor
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Extending front
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 985g 405g
Diameter 95mm 72mm
Length 106mm 97mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 82mm 55mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Unknown Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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