How well does the Tokina AT-X 16-28 F2.8 resist flare?

Question

Nowadays (among other projects) I'm shooting candle lights in churches (using mostly long exposures) using a Canon 17-40mm F4. (A small part of) The results are here.

I'm thinking now to buy a Tokina AT-X 16-28 F2.8 mostly because it gives me:

• One stop faster
• Much lower distortion

...but I'm concerned on how much the Tokina lens are flare resistant in the above situations (shooting candles & other light sources in a dark environment - see the link) and will not give me different green 'aliens', ghosting or any other artifacts in a much more percentage compared with Canon 17-40 F4. Perhaps I should note that I use a Canon FF camera.

Answer

I use this lens a lot, but I have not taken any pictures by candlelight. I have done long exposure photography in the vicinity of streetlights with no flare issues. I do know that you have to be very careful about flare in sunlight.

Check more discussion of this question.

How can I decide which lens to prioritize between Tokina 11-16 or Canon 15-85?

Question

I currently have a Canon T3i with a 50mm f1/8, 18-55 kit, and 55-250 f/4.0-5.6. I love the 50, but outside of setup shots, I seem to grab the 18-55 mostly just for the flexibility. (Mostly used on the wide end.) For my next lens, I'm torn between a Tokina 11-16 2.8 (fast, sharp, and wide) and the Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (USM and flexible).

I only have enough budgeted before my next trip (San Francisco) for one lens, and I'm torn. I probably won't bring every lens with me when travelling, which has me leading toward the 15-85; my question is more: so is there anything I'm missing or should consider? This will be my first "quality" glass. I don't plan on going full frame any time soon. I could just rent both lens for a few day and see which I like more; but that would delay the next purchase....

Of note: I don't plan on bringing a tripod or monopod with me while travelling, which means either wider aperture (2.8 on Tokina) or IS (15-85) would make a big difference when shooting night/indoors... I don't know which would work out better for me.

Answer

Look through your recent photos. Which scenes could have been captured better if they had been shot with one of the candidates? Also, think of photos that you could have taken, but didn't even try due to limitations of your gear. Ditto with ideas that you could turn into photos in future. Which lens would help you with those?

Pick the lens that will bring you more good photos.

Check more discussion of this question.

Which lens upgrade? (Tokina 11-16 or Canon 15-85)

Question

I currently have a t3i with a 50 f1/8, 18-55 kit; and 55-250 f/4.0-5.6. I love the 50, but outside of setup shots; I seem to grab the 18-55 mostly just for the flexibility (Mostly used on the wide end). For my next lens; I'm torn between a Tokina 11-16 2.8 (fast, sharp, and wide) and the Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (USM and Flexibility)

I only have enough budgeted before my next trip (San Francisco) for one lens; and I'm torn. I probably won't bring every lens with me when travelling; which has me leading toward the 15-85; my question is more so is there anything I'm missing/should consider? This will be my first "quality" glass. I don't plan on going full frame any time soon. I could just rent both lens for a few day and see which I like more; but that would delay the next purchase... :)

edit For note; I don't plan on bringing a tripod or monopod with me while travelling; which means either wider aperture (2.8 on tokina) or IS (15-85) would make a big difference when shooting night/indoors... I don't know which would work out better for me..

Answer

Look through your recent photos. Which scenes could have been captured better if they had been shot with one of the candidates? Also, think of photos that you could have taken, but didn't even try due to limitations of your gear. Ditto with ideas that you could turn into photos in future. Which lens would help you with those?

Pick the lens that will bring you more good photos.

Check more discussion of this question.

What are the differences between two generations of Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX AF 12-24mm f/4?

Question

I have been looking for a wide angle lens for a long time and have finally decided on the Tokina 12-24mm. When I went looking on eBay, I found there are two different types:

• The Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX AF 12-24mm f/4
• The Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX AF 12-24mm f/4 II

The only difference I can find is they've put some different coating on the glass – but there has to be more differences than that, right?

Also, does anyone have this lens? If so, what do you think of it?

Cheers.

Answer

From looking on DXOMark it appears the new one has its own focussing motor and it's a bit lighter as well as it has a new coating.

Check more discussion of this question.

What are the differences between two generations of Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX AF 12-24mm f/4?

Question

I have been looking for a wide angle lens for a long time and have finally decided on the Tokina 12-24mm. When I went looking on eBay, I found there are two different types:

• The Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX AF 12-24mm f/4
• The Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX AF 12-24mm f/4 II

The only difference I can find is they've put some different coating on the glass – but there has to be more differences than that, right?

Also, does anyone have this lens? If so, what do you think of it?

Cheers.

Answer

From looking on DXOMark it appears the new one has its own focussing motor and it's a bit lighter as well as it has a new coating.

Check more discussion of this question.

Can the Tokina AT-X 165 PRO DX AF 16-50mm f/2.8 actually be found new, and how does it compare to the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM?

Question

I am having difficulties finding in-depth (Canon mount) reviews and comparisons for the Tokina AT-X 165 PRO DX AF 16-50mm f/2.8 lens. This lens is currently not sold on Adorama and B&H says that is has been discontinued by the manufacturer. In fact many other sites state it is currently unavailable. However, on the Tokina site it is called a "new" lens. I am confused.

In any case, suppose I could get this lens somewhere for roughly $550 - $600 USD, how does it compare with the $1100 - $1200 Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM? Does anyone have hands on experience with this lens?

Also, does anyone know of any reputable place that actually offers this lens?

Answer

Lenstip has quite a complete review of the lens, they compare the canon to the nikon mount, even with some history: they mention how it was postponed after tokina realized how good the tamron was.

Tokina lenses can be hard to find, resellers only have the most recent ones available. Maybe you can find one in the second-hand market, that's how I found my Tokina 50-135 Canon mount not so long ago: clean, never unpacked, with a small premium.

In Japan though they seem to be well distributed, maybe you can find a shop there that will ship it to you.

Check more discussion of this question.