This is a model built to professional specifications and is based on the AT-X 828AF optical system. Tokina has utilized coating changes in the optical
This is a model built to professional specifications and is based on the AT-X 828AF optical system. Tokina has utilized coating changes in the optical system and the unique floating element system separately focuses the first three and last two elements in the forward lens groups. This provides uniformly high image quality from infinity to close focus. The new exterior finish improves overall handling and durability. A focus clutch mechanism further assures top performance during auto and manual focusing.
Simply one of the best of my Canon lenses. I have been through many in the past 20+ years, and this lense has held up to the test of time.
I have watched other lenses hit the market with similar specs, at many times the price, and I have yet to find a more compelling piece of hardware. It simply "does the job" of etting the shot I want, when I want it. People say the f/2.8 is a little soft, but I have had no problems at that stop. The high speed gets the image for me.
Strengths:
Fast lense and highly rugged and resiliant construction. Comes with a tripod mount on the lense.
Focus ring has solid feel and makes it easy to get to the settings you want. No slop or loose feeling mechanism, as I have experienced over time with more "name brand" lense setups. Nice size and configuration gives a good control of the lense during the shoot, even off a tripod.
I like to take nature shots, and this lense does it for me, even in less than perfect light levels.
Weaknesses:
People clain a soft f/2.8, but I have not experienced it with mine. I have had mine for many years, but do not see any manufacturing changes since my purchase.
The only weakness is from purists who insist only "name brands" can curry their favor. Quite frankly, nothing will ever satisfy them. Let them spend 4 times as much for similar quality. I know what has worked for me, and done so for the long haul.
Similar Products Used:
Canon
Nikon
Pentax
Customer Service:
Never had occasion to use them. My lense has been the perfect companion.
Of all lenses i have used, this is the one I trust the most. The build quality is superior to everthing I have come across, and it is allways with me on nature shoots.
Strengths:
Build quality and optical performens!
Weaknesses:
Like every other f 2.8 lens, it's better stoped down to f 4.
i have just sold both of my nikon g lenses to get this tokina atx pro f2.8 80-200mm..after a month of testing it out, i must say its the best lens in its range..no doubt, i love it..its beats all nikon in its price range..i sold my 3 nikon lenses. 24-120mm, 18-55mm, and 28-200mm, to replace with this tokina atx..its got all the beef i want..its got best build, quality, design, great optics, awesome results in pics, very sharp in all ranges, nice colors, very contrasty...what else does one can ask for? , its a perfect lens for my shooting..i use it on my fuji s2 pro, also , i have the tokina atx pro f2.8 28-70mm and the sigma 15-30mm too, its the best combo any fotoman can have..best buy, go out and buy all these 3 i mention here, u'll be 1 happy fotoman..and save money too.trust me..i give it a 6 stars.lol.
Strengths:
best strong build, heavy, solid, great optics, best price, great looks, got tripod collar a big plus.comes with big hood and nice leather case.very pro feel and looks.
Weaknesses:
only complain i have is for those whos bashing tokina atx.im pround to have replaced it with my others canons and nikon lenses.tokina is way of shooting.
The build quality is excellent, solid and you can feel the robustness of it. Optical quality is excellent, especially at F3.5 to F8. F2.8 tend to a little soft but acceptable up to 6R print. Good contrast at all range, and when i hooked this up with a 2x Tele converter (tamron), i can still take sharp image at F6.3 @400mm (equiv to 600mm on my Dynax 7D), with Anti-shake on.
Strengths:
Optical sharp at F3.5 to F8, comparable to lens at 2x or 3x its price.
Solid, Well build
Price, affortable
Smooth zoom ring
Weaknesses:
Some softness in F2.8 but consider the low price, it worth every penny.
Manual focus ring is not as smooth
Focus hunt especially at low light condition.
Rating Reviewed by: Robin (Unregistered User)
(Professional)
Review Date May 5, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Review 5 of 16
Price Paid:
$800.00
from Camera World
Summary:
I bought this lens over 8 years ago and it has been a workhorse. I use the 80-200 more than all my other lenses combined. As a nature,sports, wildlife shooter I use the lens at f/2.8 and get great results. I was going to buy the Nikon 80-200 but 8 years ago it had no tipod mount. I don't know it there are any major changes in 8 years, but this is an outstanding lens. I have used it with Nikon N90, N90s, F5, and F100 with no probems. I would recommend this lens to anyone who wants tack sharp images and a lens that will last with abuse.
Strengths:
Strong, durable, great optics/sharp, tripod collar, comes with lens hood & case, fast f/2.8, less expensive than Nikon but excellent optics.
Weaknesses:
Lens hood is plastic, f stop lock button a little small
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