Tokina uses an aspherical glass lens in its AT-X 17AF. In addition to correcting spherical astigmatism, these lenses fully correct light quantity an
Tokina uses an aspherical glass lens in its AT-X 17AF. In addition to correcting spherical astigmatism, these lenses fully correct light quantity and distortion at the edge of the image and provide excellent results when used in combination with floating elements.
I bought this lens to be used as wide-angle prime on a DSLR with 1,5 crop factor (well before I actually bought the DSLR). I also use it on my film body, just because 17 mm is such fun.
Build quality is absolutely top. Sturdy and compact build, heavy, with a nice lens hood. This lens looks professional.
On the film body the edges ot this lens are sometimes a bit soft (as to be expected maybe, after all it is a 17 mm). On the DSLR this problem is non-existing. A wonderful sharp and contrasty lens. To be compared with my 24/2.8 lens on a film body. I've printed extreme sharp pictures up to 25 by 38 cm, without any problem, and I've shot some published pictures with it. I also used this lens in flare-prone situations, and it performed very well. Very contrasty pictures, with the sun actually ín the picture.
Strengths:
compact,
sturdy build,
very sharp,
77 mm filters
Weaknesses:
'only' f/3.5,
a slightly annoying AF/MF push-pull system
I bought the Pro version to replace the non-Pro 17/3.5 ATX I have, thinking the Pro one must be better. I was wrong: the image quality of the non-Pro version is better.
In the center they are the same, but in the corners (both on film and on 1.5x crop DSLR) the non-Pro version is sharper. The difference is significant wide open, noticeable stopped down.
The Pro version has somewhat less CA, however. They both have distortion, but this is to be expected at this focal length.
I'll keep the non-Pro version.
Strengths:
- Build quality (non-Pro: different finish, but solid, too)
- AF/MF clutch (non-Pro doesn't have it)
- Compact size (wider than long)
- Bigger, bayonet-mount lens hood (non-Pro: smaller, built-in metal one which makes it hard to attach and remove filters)
Weaknesses:
- Sharpness is worse compared to the non-Pro version.
- 77 mm filter thread (non-Pro: 72)
A sturdy, sharp lens thats main strength is it's flare resistance. Great complimentary lens for 24-70 F2.8L owners since it uses the same filter size. This lens truly has a "pro" aura.
This lens is not perfect. The AF is very noisy compared to Canon's USM, and the manual focus clutch mechanism is rather convoluted.
My overall conclusion is this is an excellent wideangle lens that cannot be matched in terms of value for money.
Strengths:
Sharp, VERY flare resistant (super feature for a wide angle lens), built like a tank, price.
A great lens, especially for the money. I have been using it on a Konica Minolta 7D, so I don't see any edge degradation (it is an effective 25.5mm on this camera).
I would caution that several of the reviews on here are referring to the 17mm f/3.5 ATX, not the ATX Pro. The older ATX version was a flimsy thing. This ATX pro is built like a tank, IMHO.
Strengths:
- well built
- sharp
- can't beat the price
Weaknesses:
- lens hood makes lens cap hard to remove
- wish it focused a little closer, but you can't have everything!
Similar Products Used:
Sigma 24mm Macro (on Film SLR) so it has an equivalent FOV. This lens is sharper and sturdier than my old Sigma.
It's a lovable lens, with wonderful build quality. Great overall feeling. Sharp from 5.6 and up. Warm colour. Great contrast! Pretty resistant to flare. Distortion is there, but not bad at all for a 17mm.
Strengths:
Build, contrast,colour, feeling
Weaknesses:
Soft edges, no good for low-light, manual focus clutch. Prone to chromatic aberration (which also goes for some of my canon primes)
Similar Products Used:
I also have a Canon 20mm, it's a wee bit sharper, but has less contrast.
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