Tokina AT-X 20-35 PRO f2.8 Ultra Wide Zoom
Written: Apr 30 '00 (Updated Jan 22 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Constant aperture, "Focus Clutch", price, image quality
Cons: a bit heavy and difficult/expensive to use with filters
The Bottom Line: Near "pro" performance at a bargain price
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| Howard_Creech's Full Review: Tokina AT-X 280 AF PRO for Nikon |
Wide angle zooms have two major functions, first to allow the photographer to shoot in cramped spaces where there is little or no room to change perspective, and out in the wide open spaces, to include as much of the grand vista in front of the camera as possible. Wide angle zooms are not for everyone, they tend to be relatively expensive, prone to flare, have slower maximum apertures, and are difficult to use with filters.
The Tokina ATX 20-35/2.8 AF "Pro" is a constant aperture (f2.8 throughout the zoom range), two touch (one control ring "zooms" and one focuses), ultra wide angle zoom with internal focusing and two aspheric elements. The lens is all metal, with beautiful fit and finish, and comes complete with a dedicated lens hood (very important with ultra wides) and a soft case.
A couple of especially nice features are the proprietary Tokina "Focus Clutch" mechanism, which allows manual fine tuning of the focus during autofocusing. The constant f2.8 aperture makes low light or indoor use much easier. The lens costs less than half what a comparable OEM lens would cost (Tokina about $700.00 Nikon about $1600) which is good news for cost conscious photographers, who want the best image quality possible without having to dip into Junior's college fund.
The Tokina ATX 20-35/2.8 AF "pro" performs flawlessly, image quality is first rate, and compares well with OEM lenses in the same range. Close focus is about 18 inches. The lens uses 77mm filters, which could get very expensive, not to mention the dangers of vignetting or scratching the highly curved front element with cheap or poorly constructed filters. The 20-35 weighs in at just over a pound (20 ounces) which should appeal to back packers, hikers, cyclists, and travellers.
Overall, if you are searching for an ultrawide zoom, the Tokina ATX 20-35/2.8 AF "Pro" is worthy of serious consideration. The lens is a first rate performer both optically and mechanically, with a silky smooth feel. The price makes the lens a real bargain when compared with the cost of a comparable OEM lens, the constant f2.8 aperture and "Focus Clutch" feature should appeal to many serious amateur and professional photographers.
If you enjoyed reading this lens review. Please read my other lens reviews:
Nikon Lenses
Prime Lenses
Nikon AF ED-IF 180/f2.8D Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/content_50492313220
Nikon 105/f2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-ED0-62442B1-393AA9F1-prod5
Nikon 85/f1.4D AF IF
http://www.epinions.com/content_23241199236
Nikon 85/f1.8D AF
http://www.epinions.com/content_29370191492
Zoom Lenses
Nikon AF IF 24-85/f2.8-4.0D Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/content_40820510340
Nikon AF IF 28-200/f3.5-5.6D Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-61AC-14E291B-3909BCF6-prod5
Nikon AF 75-240/f4.5-5.6D Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-Photo-Lenses-All-Nikon_75-240mm_f_4_5-5_6D_AF_Zoom-Nikkor
Nikon AF 70-300/f4.0-5.6D ED Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-4C5A-1489077-3909AEA3-prod5
Nikon AF 80-200/f2.8D IF-ED AF-S Zoom Nikkor
http://www.epinions.com/content_38412717700
Sigma Lenses
Sigma Designs AF 17-35/F2.8-4.0D EX HSM Zoom
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-4C46-145B3FFF-39CE2ADE-prod3
Sigma Designs AF 28-70/f2.8D EX Aspherical Zoom
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5C92-1C455245-39CE9F60-prod6
Tokina Lenses
Tokina AT-X 20-35/f2.8D PRO Zoom
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2E59-2F3F6C0-390C5EB2-prod3
Choosing Lenses for your New Camera
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-283E-10641A05-393D299A-prod1
Just “cut and paste” the URL into your browser’s address bar/window
Recommended:
Yes
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Howard_Creech
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Member: Howard Creech
Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 334
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About Me:
Photographer/Writer fascinated by Movies, Music, Books, American Diner Food, History, "Popular Culture", and Travel.
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