Canon 100mm Macro or Tamron 90mm Macro

[CR123]

I could get a bran new Canon 100mm Macro for $469 or Tamron 90mm Macro for $379 after rebate. Which lenses would be a better choice?

 

[neuroanatomist]

I'd get the Canon. Optically, the Canon is a little sharper, which is important in a macro lens (compare them wide open and at f/8). Also, the Tamron front element extends with focusing, which can be annoying, whereas the Canon is an internally-focusing lens.

 

[CR123]

Thanks for suggestion and I bought the Canon. I think I bought it at the right for for $469.00.

 

[Daniel Flather]

Resale on the canon will always be higher too.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

The only problem I had with the Canon when using it outdoors at close focus distances of 2 ft or less was that it took a long time to settle on the focus. This resulted in a lot of out of focus images from me impatently pressing the shutter too soon. Its the same or worse of Tamron and sigma, the point is, be patient and use a tripod if you can. The lens is very sharp if you don't be impatient like me.

Here is a heavily cropped image I took with the lens (handheld). The image was a jpeg, so its old. I have only used RAW in recent years.