Macrophotography in Natural Settings

In June 2024, TAMRON entrusted photographer Alyce Bender with a thrilling mission: to explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity using the new TAMRON 90mm F/2.8 MACRO lens. Her task was to capture the intricate beauty of the country’s small wildlife—snakes, frogs, insects, and other invertebrates—within their natural habitats. Over several days, she traveled across different regions, guided by expert herpetologists, to photograph more than fifty species, often in challenging tropical jungle conditions. The 90mm MACRO lens was her constant companion, proving invaluable throughout the expedition.

One of the standout features of the TAMRON 90mm F/2.8 MACRO is its impressive 1:1 reproduction ratio, enabling photographers to capture incredible details with precision. This macro capability unveils textures invisible to the naked eye, from the fine pores of a frog’s skin to the intricate veins in its eyes, ensuring extraordinary sharpness even in the smallest of subjects. During her Costa Rican adventure, Alyce Bender masterfully showcased these mesmerizing details, bringing them to life with remarkable clarity.

One of the standout features of the TAMRON 90mm F/2.8 MACRO is its 12-blade diaphragm, which produces a beautiful, creamy bokeh. At F/2.8, the lens creates a silky-smooth background blur that is perfect for isolating the subject, but it also performs exceptionally well when stopped down, offering sharper, more defined compositions. When shooting with natural light filtered through the dense jungle canopy, the 12-blade diaphragm adds soft, unique highlights, subtly enhancing each shot with a refined, elegant touch.

Weighing just 630g and measuring 126.5mm, the TAMRON 90mm MACRO is the ideal companion for photographers who are always on the go. Whether hiking or traveling internationally, its lightweight and compact design ensures maximum portability without sacrificing optical quality. This makes it perfect for wilderness photography, especially with its tropicalized, weather-sealed build. Featuring over seven protective seals, the lens is designed to withstand extreme environments, such as the high humidity of mountain rivers at night. The fluorine-coated front element also repels water, allowing photographers to focus solely on capturing their vision without worrying about weather conditions.

Precise Manual Focus for Delicate Subjects

The manual focus ring of the TAMRON 90mm F/2.8 MACRO offers smooth, precise control, making it ideal for focusing on delicate subjects like tiny amphibians or insects. This precise adjustment capability ensures that photographers can achieve sharp, well-balanced images in any situation, giving them complete control over their final results.

With the flexibility and durability of this lens, Alyce Bender was able to capture Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife in all its glory, even amidst the rugged conditions of the tropical wilderness.