Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 AF Lens for Sony A-Mount [55] 272E

Model #236398
  • $196.00

Select Payment Method

Purchase Starting at $196.00
Rent Monthly Out of Stock
Select Gear Grade
EX+ Excellent Plus
With Case, Caps and Hood
$196.00
Only 1 left!
Rental powered by Whim
Rent on your schedule
Free shipping both ways
Simple gear upgrades
  • KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†

  • All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition

  • Standard accessories included

Learn More About Rental
Free 180 Day warranty on all purchases
FREE SHIPPING OVER $75 + NO HASSLE 21-DAY RETURNS

Tamron's proven 90mm macro, true 1:1 on A-Mount

The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro (272E) has earned a long reputation as one of the sharpest paths into close-up work for Sony A-Mount shooters. At 0.29m minimum focus distance you get true 1:1 magnification, meaning a 36mm subject fills the full frame, no cropping, no interpolation. The 10-element, 9-group optical formula is built around a 90mm focal length that also works as a short telephoto portrait lens when you step back from macro distances, making it a genuinely two-purpose prime.

The 9-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth, circular out-of-focus rendering across the aperture range from f/2.8 to f/32. Full-time manual focus override lets you fine-tune without switching the lens out of AF mode, and both distance and depth-of-field scales are printed on the barrel, useful when you're calculating working distance on a copy stand or bracketing focus in the field. This 272E variant retains the aperture ring absent on the later 272EII, giving you direct aperture control independent of the camera body. At 405g and 97mm long with a 55mm filter thread, it's compact enough to carry as a daily prime.

Who It's For

Close-up and macro photographers working on Sony A-Mount bodies get true 1:1 magnification at 0.29m, with full-time manual focus override for precise focus stacking on insects or small botanical subjects. Portrait photographers benefit from the 90mm focal length and 9-blade bokeh at f/2.8 for controlled subject separation. Film photographers and those preferring body-independent exposure control will appreciate the aperture ring, a feature this 272E carries that the later variant dropped. Product and copy-stand shooters gain from the printed distance and depth-of-field scales for repeatable setups.

Key Features

  • 90mm prime macro with true 1:1 magnification
  • 0.29m minimum focus distance for extreme close-up work
  • 10-element, 9-group optical formula
  • 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh
  • Full-time manual focus override without mode switching
  • Aperture ring for direct f/2.8 to f/32 control
  • Distance and DOF scales printed on barrel
  • 405g compact body with 55mm filter thread

FAQ

What's the actual working distance at 1:1 magnification?
At the 0.29m minimum focus distance, you're about 11.4 inches from the subject plane - tight enough to require careful lighting setup, but standard for a 90mm macro design that doubles as a portrait lens.
Does this have image stabilization?
No. You'll need a tripod or fast shutter speed for shake-free macro work, especially below f/4 where depth of field gets thin.
Can I use manual focus without switching the lens out of AF mode?
Yes. The full-time manual focus override lets you adjust focus by hand while the lens stays in AF mode - useful for fine-tuning at high magnifications.
What's the difference between the 272E and 272EII?
The 272E (this model) has an aperture ring on the barrel. The 272EII removed it, forcing you to control aperture through the camera body. If you value direct aperture control, this 272E variant is the one to get.
What size filters does it take?
55mm. The hood is included (product code 2C9FH).
Does the lens have depth-of-field and distance scales?
Yes to both. Printed scales on the barrel are practical for calculating working distance on a copy stand or bracketing focus in the field.
Will this work on both full-frame and APS-C Sony A-Mount bodies?
Yes. The 90mm focal length and 1:1 magnification remain constant across both sensor formats - you'll just get different framing on crop bodies.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length90mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
Min Aperturef/32
MountSony/Minolta Alpha (A-Mount)
StabilizationNo
AF SystemYes
Min Focus Distance0.29 m (11.42")
Lens TypePrime
Elements10
Groups9
Diaphragm Blades9
Aperture RingYes
Maximum Magnification1×
AF Motor TypeMicromotor
Full Time Manual FocusYes
Focus MethodExtending front
Distance ScaleYes
DOF ScaleYes
Filter Thread55mm
Diameter72 mm (2.81")
Length97 mm (3.82")
ColorBlack
Hood Product Code2C9FH
Notes272EII variant does not have an aperture ring. This listing is for the 272E (with aperture ring) in Sony A-Mount.
Weight405 g (0.89 lb)

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Tamron
Filter Size 55mm
Focus Type Autofocus (camera motor)
Lens Mount Sony A & Minolta A
Lens Type Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 90mm
Min Focal Length 90mm

Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .

Exceptions


New
New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Like New
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
As Is
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.

Like New Minus

Like New Minus
Like New Minus

Like New Minus

Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Excellent Plus

Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus

Excellent Plus

Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Excellent

Excellent
Excellent

Excellent

Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Bargain

Bargain
Bargain

Bargain

Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.

Ugly

Ugly
Ugly

Ugly

Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.

You will provide standard shipping and billing details, and basic information to verify your eligibility with Whim. Most approvals are processed immediately. Verifying eligibility will not affect your credit score. See subscription agreement.