Tamron 90/2.5 52BB in Canon FD mount, is the price ok?

Pontus · Expire: 2016-08-25

I have been offered the Tamron 90/2.5 52BB in Canon FD mount with the 1:1 with extension tube for 120 euros plus shipping. The lens seems to be in nice shape with normal signs of wear.

The price seems low, is there something I'm not aware of. I've heard of the well documented sensor flare problem (above f8 in some situations) due to the flat rear element. What about the Canon FD mount, does that make the lens less attractive?

Btw, would you rather buy this lens with the 1:1 extension tube or the matched 2x teleconverter.

I'm a sucker for macro lenses, and this one wouldn't break the bank. But I don't really need it and I would hate to pay too much.

EDIT: This seems to be an adaptall-2 lens so the mount can be changed for a small cost. But as I have the NEX with an FD adapter I wouldn't have to.

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

Not knowing the market, all I can't say about the price.

But:

the 1:1 extension tube is really very good to have - there are no additional optics to mar the image quality. The downside is once you've got it mounted, and you see something further away you just have to shoot, you're out of luck Wink

I.e. you have to be in macro mode with the tube on.

The 2x converter of course allows you infinity focus. But the downside is there are additional elements and thus IQ can suffer, especially at wider apertures. And you lose some speed.

The 52BB can have a problem with digital sensors - the rear element is flat and can pick up glare from the sensor - essentially a hazy blue spot in the middle of the frame, under certain lighting conditions.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

I had all variant from this lens, I did like them. With Canon FD mount about same price you can find Kiron 105mm which has 1:1 without converter. Tamron is very good general purpose lens rather than real macro lens.

Olivier · Expire: 2015-08-06

Maybe the price is low because of the FD mount.

Listen to Attila, he has wise advise. Smile

ChromaticAberration · Joined: 23 Dec 2010 Posts: 819 Location: Portugal

Since we're talking about an AD2 mount, the mount doesn't really matter to the price. Being interchangeable most buyers already have the proper adapter or think about getting one.

Still, I wouldn't spend that much, you can check on eBay some of the last ones sold for as little as £30, I guess you can get one between £50 and £80.

Olivier · Expire: 2015-08-06

Yes, you're right about the adaptall-2 mount.

Pontus · Expire: 2016-08-25

I will keep my eyes open for a cheap one. I didn't know they could be had for so little. Thanks!