AT-X 124 AF PRO DX lens gives the Digital Photographer an ultra wide-angle zoom lens that has the equivalent of an 18-36mm zoom range on a 35mm film c
AT-X 124 AF PRO DX lens gives the Digital Photographer an ultra wide-angle zoom lens that has the equivalent of an 18-36mm zoom range on a 35mm film camera while maintaining a bright constant aperture of f/4.
This is a very sharp lens. It compares well with the Nikkor version. There are some important considerations, however.
Sharpness is good corner to corner stopping down to f5.6 or more. I can use this on my F100 from ~16-24mm on with little vignetting at F8 on. Corner sharpness is not as good as on the D200. Thats to be expected.
This is the first Tokina I've ever owned. I will definitely consider Tokina when shopping for lenses.
Strengths:
Build quality is excellent. I had the opportunity to handle the Nikon version and was impressed with the focus on it, but other than being a bit more noisy, focusing is nearly as fast on either of my cameras. Just more noise.
Color rendition is as good as any lens I've ever owned, and I've owned more than a few. For what I shoot, people and landscapes with this wide a lens, it does very well.
Weaknesses:
Flare and ghosting are the weaknesses on this lens. If you are shooting into strong light situations, expect ghosting. From just off the frame, expect sunlight to flare into the frame, this is visible in the viewfinder. CA is not well controlled, but can be corrected in Photoshop if you shoot raw digital. Not much can be done for film however.
Started looking for better quality lenses and knew I frequently wanted wider angle in my shooting. After reading reviews, I started shopoing for this lens and finally bit the bullet.
I find ;this lens to be very sharp and the color is fantastic.
The f/4 limit is only occasionally limiting and the f/11-16 f/2.8 wasn't out yet.
Strengths:
Very sharp.
Great color rendition.
covers 99% of the wide angle I need.
solid construction
quick focus
I bought this lens because I wanted a good wide angle for sports as well as some landscapes. I spent a fair amount of time comparing the Nikon 12-24, Tokina 12-24, and the Sigma 10-20. I would have loved to buy the Nikon, but I didn't have the extra $$ available, so I went with the Tokina.
The build quality of this lens is fantastic. It feels like its built like a tank. It is an internal focusing lens, so its easy to use a polarizing filter on it. You can use a standard size filter on it, but when you zoom out to around 16mm or wider you start getting some vignetting in the photo.
The autofocus speed is very quick. I use it for cycling races and the lens is able to keep up with the riders as they zoom buy.
I have noticed when I'm shooting landscapes or other things at 12mm the horizon bends a little bit, and some straight items on the sides of the frame bend as well. Nothing that can't be fixed easily in photoshop.
Strengths:
AF Speed
Build quality
Price, considering the quality of the lens
Weaknesses:
I would have liked it to be a 2.8 lens, but I really haven't put it in any places where I wish I had that one extra stop.
Well, here are my first impresions about this lens. After some judging between Canon 10-22mm, Sigma 10-22mm and this Tokina I decided to go with Tokina. Mainly because of the price and constant aperture. Mecanicaly, very fine. No difference between Canon L lens and this AT-X Pro. It is probably because this Tokina has metal zoom mechanism, so focusing and zoomig are silky smooth. Focusing speed is quite fast. Opticaly, nothing to complain except chromatic aberration. On contrasty subjects it is relly noticeable (purple fringing). On my example, the lens hood sits tight after clicking into position. Overall I would recomend this lens. For those who need extra stop, the new model AT-X 11-16mm f2.8 should be taken into consideration.
Strengths:
Cosmetics
Build quality
Quite sharp
Fast focus
If needed it can be used on full frame body.
Weaknesses:
Chromatic aberration (very noticeable)
Similar Products Used:
Canon 28mm f2.8
Canon 17-85mm IS USM
Canon 200mm f2.8 L USM II
Tamron SP AF 90mm f2.8 Macro
I was going to buy the 12-24 Nikon when Tokina announced their version, from my previous experience with other Tokina optics, I thought it would be a good idea to try both lenses out. Thanks to my friend who runs a camera store, provided me the Nikon and I ordered the Tokina directly from the UK importer (I can buy direct as I'm in the trade). To my surprise, at first I thought I had a bad example of the Nikon, so I asked my friend to supply me another, in total I have test 4 brand new Nikon 12-24 against the Tokina 12-24mm (which I'm still own and use regularly). The result was the same, the Tokina was sharper both centre and edge at f4 (full aperture) than the Nikon was at f8, image on the Nikon was also badly distorted, I have returned all the Nikon's and kept the Tokina.
There are no guarantee that a marque brand can make every lens a winner, what I do know is when I hear noises from reviews and blogs, there must be certain amount of truth in it, as there is would be no smoke without a fire.
This I consider a true must have classic for DX size chip cameras.
Strengths:
Compact, very well build, sharp edge to edge from full aperture
Sample Images
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