Tamron 180mm f3.5 SP Di Macro Lens – Gear Review2 min read time

Macro photography is one of my favorite types of photography.  I use my Nikon 105mm f2.8 Micro lens for most of my macro shots, but there are some things you cannot get close enough to use this lens.   While at a Macro Photography Summit I was able to use the Tamron 180mm f3.5 SP Di Macro lens.   The shooting setups at the Summit were all indoors so I used the lens on a tripod.  I was so impressed with the images I made, I ordered the lens!

When I received the lens I was eager to see how it performed out in the real world, so I visited my favorite local plant nursery to see how it worked.

The Red Rose was shot handheld in somewhat diffuse light.  You can see that this lens focuses well.

Pinks (Dianthus) are one of those flowers that are usually tough to get in focus.  The Tamron 180mm lens handled it well.

I really wanted to put the lens to the test so I drove down to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida.   This was a good test as there were many flowers and plants, some at a fair distance from the walkway.   Also challenging was the diffused and spotty light in the conservatory.

Then I went outside and again all were handheld.

One of the main advantages to a longer macro lens is the ability to make images of subjects that are not thrilled with you getting close to them.  The 180mm gives shy insects and critters a bit more room.

The 1:1 macro of this lens makes small things look bigger.

The Tamron 180mm lens (be sure to purchase the proper mount for your camera) is a great investment if you like to shoot macro and flowers.   I highly recommend it.

That is all for now!

Lynn