The Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II LD [IF] Macro for Canon EF-S is a fast prime macro lens offering a maximum aperture of f/2 and true 1:1 reproduction, making it a versatile choice for macro, portrait, and everyday shooting on APS-C Canon DSLRs.
Key Specifications
- Focal length: 60mm (prime)
- Maximum aperture: f/2 — over a stop faster than most competing macro lenses at this focal length
- Lens type: Macro (1:1 reproduction ratio)
- Mount: Canon EF-S — designed for APS-C DSLR bodies
- Internal focusing: Yes (IF) — the lens barrel does not extend during focusing
- Focus type: Autofocus with manual override
- Optical design: LD (Low Dispersion) elements to control chromatic aberration
- Brand: Tamron SP series — the brand's performance-oriented lineup
Who is the Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II Macro for?
This lens punches well above its class for APS-C Canon shooters who want one lens that covers a lot of ground. The f/2 aperture is unusually fast for a macro lens, which means you're not locked into macro work — it doubles as a solid short portrait lens on a crop-body Canon, giving you a field of view roughly equivalent to a 96mm on full frame. Street photographers who like to shoot tight will appreciate the compact, non-extending barrel design. Wedding photographers on a budget will find it handy for detail shots — rings, flowers, table settings — without carrying an extra dedicated macro. And for anyone shooting nature close-ups like insects or flowers in available light, that wide f/2 aperture is a genuine advantage when there's no room for a flash. If you're building a lean kit around your Canon APS-C body, this is one of the more flexible primes you can pick up. Comparable alternatives worth considering are the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM (slightly smaller minimum focus distance, but over a stop slower) and the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro (longer working distance, better for skittish subjects).
Buying a used Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Macro
Picking up this lens second-hand makes a lot of sense. It's a well-built SP-series prime that holds up over time, and the internal focusing mechanism means the front element doesn't move — reducing the chance of dust ingress compared to extending-barrel designs. When buying a pre-owned copy, check for smooth autofocus operation across the full focus range, and inspect the front element for any coating marks that might affect contrast. Every used lens on Camera-tweedehands.nl is individually photographed and professionally inspected, and comes with a minimum 12 months warranty — so you know exactly what you're getting before it arrives.
