Tamron Di II SP 60mm f/2 1:1 Macro Review

If you're shooting with a Sony APS-C DSLR and want a dedicated macro lens that can also pull double duty for portraits, the Tamron 60mm f/2.8 Di II is a solid option to consider. It's a prime lens designed specifically for smaller sensor cameras, giving you a 93mm equivalent field of view that's great for close-up work and flattering headshots. The big draw here is the 1:1 magnification, letting you get right up on your subject and fill the frame with tiny details. And with a fast f/2.8 aperture, it's not just for macro—you can get some nice background blur for other types of shots too. At around $348, it sits in that affordable mid-range for a specialty lens.

Optically, this lens scores in the 84th percentile, which is pretty good. In practice, that means sharp images with decent contrast, especially when you stop down a bit from wide open. The f/2.8 aperture lands in the 69th percentile, so it's reasonably fast for a macro lens, giving you more light gathering ability than slower options. Where it starts to show its age is in autofocus, scoring in the 48th percentile. It's not the quickest or quietest, especially in live view or video, but for deliberate macro work where you often focus manually anyway, it's acceptable. There's no image stabilization, which is something to keep in mind if you're handholding close-up shots.

At $348, the Tamron 60mm f/2.8 is priced as an entry-level to mid-range macro lens. You're paying for that 1:1 magnification and f/2.8 aperture more than cutting-edge features. For a Sony APS-C shooter who wants to dabble in macro without spending a fortune, it's a fair deal. Just know that for that price, you're trading away things like fast AF, stabilization, and weather sealing. If those are must-haves, you'll need to look at more expensive options.

This lens exists in a crowded space. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 for Z-mount is a different beast—it's a wider, faster prime for mirrorless, but not a true macro lens. A more direct competitor for an APS-C Sony shooter might be the Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro, which is similarly priced but native to the E-mount system and might have better autofocus compatibility. The Panasonic 14-140mm is a superzoom, not a macro, so it's not really in the same category. The Meike 55mm f/1.8 is a full-frame lens and faster, but its macro capabilities are limited. If you're all-in on macro, this Tamron is a focused tool. If you want a more versatile walk-around lens that can do okay close-ups, a standard prime or zoom might be a better fit.

So, should you buy the Tamron 60mm f/2.8 Di II? If you have a Sony APS-C DSLR (like an A-mount camera) and you specifically want a dedicated, affordable macro lens that can also take a nice portrait, yes, it's a good choice. The optical quality is there for the price, and 1:1 macro is fun. But if you've moved to a Sony mirrorless E-mount camera, you should look at native E-mount macro options for better autofocus performance. And if you need a lens for travel or everyday shooting, look elsewhere—this is a specialist. It's good at what it does, but what it does is pretty specific.