Main features

Outstanding image quality by virtue of "Di" (Digitally Integrated) design
The lens provides outstanding image quality whether the medium in use is silver halide (film) or a digital image sensor, since it features Tamron's "Di" optical system designed* to meet the performance characteristics of digital cameras as well as film cameras.

*Model 272E uses the same type optical configuration as that of the conventional model 172E, but the "Di" design is achieved by applying a new optical design to its coating surfaces to eliminate optical aberrations commonly seen when traditional optics are used on digital SLR cameras.

Improved coating
One major difference between digital cameras and film cameras is the likelihood and extent of internal reflections, which can cause unwanted flare or ghosting on the final image. In a film camera, internal reflections can be created inside the mirror box of the camera or from light reflecting off the film surface itself. In a digital camera, stronger reflections can occur from light bouncing off the sensor, since CCD and CMOS sensors are almost mirror-like on their surface, making the problem more noticeable with digital cameras. Unlike conventional lenses designed to cope with internal diffused reflections of a the mirror box and film surface, Di lenses offer new anti-reflection measures in the form of improved coating technology, keeping potentially problematic reflections to an absolute minimum.

Focal length ideal for film and digital photography
The 90mm lens offers a medium telephoto focal length making it particularly useful as a portrait macro lens when used with a film camera. When used on a digital SLR camera (with a Nikon DX format image sensor), the lens provides an angle of view equivalent to that of 140mm on a 35mm SLR camera. It can be used conveniently as a telephoto macro lens for digital photography.

Easier handing with improved outer design
The rubber pattern on the focus control ring of the lens has been improved to ensure a better grip since, as a macro lens, it is often used in the manual focusing mode. In addition, finishing touches like the graphic display and imprinting are the same as found on other Di-series lenses and provide better visibility of controls and markings, while at the same time gives a highly aesthetic presentation of the lens as a quality product.

The most lightweight in its class
With an improved design that makes it the most lightweight* medium telephoto macro lens available, the lens weighs 15 grams (0.5oz) less and is 2.5mm (0.1") shorter than the previous model 172E. The tradition of Tamron's 90mm macro renowned for quality compact design is continued and improved with this new Di version.

* The world's most lightweight among AF 90mm to 100mm F/2.8 class life-size macro lenses available at present in the market. The weight values used for comparison are those of Nikon AF-fit lenses.

Focusing clutch mechanism
The focusing ring clutch engages and disengages the focusing gear so that the switch between AF and MF — that is, connection and disconnection of the focusing gears — is done by sliding the focus ring back and forth, leaving the ring properly positioned for focusing. This mechanism and a wide, smooth focusing ring make delicate manual focusing in the macro mode both easy and precise.