The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro and the Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 82mm. The Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro with a length of 80mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro has a larger diameter of 73mm compared to the Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro's 56mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro weighs 186g, 53% (214g) lighter than the Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro's weight of 400g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro has a 46mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro:
Lens Mounts
The Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro has the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount and OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3 for the Micro Four Thirds Mount.
Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
60mm but while Tamron 60mm f2 II LD IF Macro has the fastest aperture of
F2.0, the Olympus ED 60mm f2.8 Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.
