Review on Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di SP A/M FEC LD (IF) 1:1 Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (B01N Model) by Brandon Carraway

Pros: Extremely sharp Smooth focus Lighter than a Canon L lens (easy to carry) Nice rubberized tactile focus ring Circular rotating ring for the polarizer Longer 1:1 macro distance Black (can t stand) like Canon) Has a lens collar Versatility (180mm is also good for portraits) Cons: Slowest autofocus among lenses Lighter than Canon L lens (less resistant to shocks/mirror bumps) Depth of field 1-2mm! As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons. And the cons are really gross, except for the depth of field. When shooting macro, you rarely need autofocus, and the light weight of the lens is both a plus and a minus, a faster shutter speed and you don't have to worry about slaps in the face. Use a monopod with this lens if you can, or even a tripod, although it's tricky when you NEED 1:1 and the subject is moving. For stabilization, it is better to use an improvised support and breathing technique than a tripod. They never use autofocus at close range. DOF is razor thin. Literally 1-2mm is all that is in focus at f/3.5. Stop at f12 with Blitz for best results on bugs and flowers. Otherwise, you may have one eye but not the other, or the tip of a stamen but not the root of a stamen stalk. Now about these pluses. This lens is very sharp like most Tamron lenses. I can pluck a hair from a spider with this thing. This is the end. Focusing is very smooth, with no judder. Manual mode is so good, but if you really want to use autofocus, all you have to do is pull the lens's focus ring forward (or pull it back, I don't remember, never use autofocus). It's comfortable to hold because it's lightweight and the focus ring has a nice texture. If you attach a circular polarizer (72mm btw, they can be expensive, I recommend B+W) you can rotate it with the lens hood on using the polarizer rotating ring on the front, which is amazing if you choose to do so. This thing is 180mm tall, so it has a longer 1:1 working distance. With my 28mm macro lens you need 3 inches for 1:1, with this lens it is 14 inches son! No more fear of wasps, bees, hornets and spiders! It's also black, making it less noticeable on the street. It has a lens ring like many other telephoto lenses. I also have the option of using a lens collar or camera mount for the camera as it is very light, but I still prefer using a collar as it can damage the EF mount if I don't. This lens is also good for portraits as it can focus to infinity and has a good f/3.5 aperture. It's worth every penny spent on it, and while camera bodies change every year or two, lenses last for decades. Invest in a good lens.