Tokina 28-70 F/2.8 .. confusing !

Hi there !

 

I'd like to buy a good all around lens to match my 70-200 F/4L. I

looked at the tokina which got good review. But it's confusing ..

You have the tokina 28-70 f/2.8 ATX. The tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 ATX

Pro-SV. The Tokina AT-X Pro II 270 AF 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8.

 

I can't find the F/2.6-2.8 anywhere and don't really understand the

difference between the ATX and the ATX PRO-SV ...

 

Could someone help me here ? :-) Or point me to some review of these

lenses ...

 

Thanks for your help !

Fred,

 

I found this on the Tokina website:

 

"The Next generation of AT-X is the AT-X PRO SV series. The fist introduction is the AT-X 287 AF PRO SV, an exceptional 28-70 f/2.8 auto focus lens. With its emphasis on value, its cornerstone is it�s heritage of Tokina HLD optical glass. Advancements in fabrication technology and the greater use of composite materials have created a lens that is lighter in weight yet more substantial value. The constant f/2.8 aperture makes focusing and shooting in low light situations much easier than other standard lens with smaller apertures. An internal focusing system couple to a Focus Clutch Mechanism yields quick and quiet auto focus as well as smoothly damped manual focus action."

The current (and best) is the 28-70 f2.8 ATX Pro SV. The build quality is excellent (better than Canon's mainstream lenses and probably as good as the L series). Performance is pretty good except wide open especially at 70mm when it is fairly soft.

Have you thought about Canon 24-70L.. you will find it a lot better in build and quality compared to Tokina and is worth the price difference. I just had the opportunity to test one during the weekend and it really equals my primes in quality.. Try it out, you wont regret it.. Tokina's are good but bulky compared to canon's and u dont have USM and FTM.

Anoop,

 

Of course I thought of the 28-70L but I can't justify the cost. Pictures are great but it would cost me three times the cost. And I don't think pictures are 3 times better.

 

But thanks for the tip ;-)

 

Fred

Well mine is an ATX 28-80 f2.8 pro.

As far as I know the choice new is between the 28-70 ATX f2.8 pro and the 28-80 ATX f2.8 pro. The f2.6-2.8's are older lenses.

I'm very happy with the results I've had from mine. I bought it secondhand in mint condition for £270.

Don't know what the SV bit is about.

Performance is considered just about as good as it gets in this class of lens. The Canon L is considered to be that wee bit better, but with mint secondhand versions commanding about £800-900 over here they don't offer value for money.

 

I still use my primes now and again, zooms will never equal primes.

I bought the new Tokina 28-70 f2.8 ProSV and very disappointed. Do not buy Tokina lenses. Why buy a lens with F2.8 and you can't use it? At 70mm F2.8 the image is very very soft. I can tell you know my Canon 28-105mm is outperforming the Tokina lenses. Stick with Canon lenses. If you can't afford the Canon L lenses then go with the Canon 28-135mm IS for approximately $400.

I do my own B&W printing, and I'm happy that the Tokina is a top performer. I always avoid using lenses wide open, this is for when you are running out of light. I suspect that when comparing a 28-135 at f4 or f5.6 with the Tokina at the same f stop, the Tokina's going to blow the socks off the Canon.

Well I did consider the 28-135, especially for the IS part of it. But I believe it's not sharp either wide open (an no lens are ...) So that's mean that's it become useful at f/5.6 ... Is it a fair assumption ? So the Tokina at F/2.8 could be useful at F/4 and cost less ... That's why I'm more headed to the Tokina ...

 

But maybe I'm using wrong assumption. There is not a lot of choice at that range ... (28-105 is out of question and 28-70 f/2.8L as well for different reason ... :-) )

 

Fred

My understanding of this was that the ProSv was a cut down and slightly cheaper version of the AT-X 280AF PRO � e.g. without the 2 x aspherical elements and the SD (super low dispersion), also being made of composite materials rather than the duralumin alloy and chrome plated brass mount plate of the more expensive and heavier big brother. The variable 2.6/2.8 version you see around is an earlier version of the lens. I personally have had the AT-X 280AF version of this lens for a number of years, it has stood the test of time and remains a firm favourite. Its many features include -

 

Internal focus � the lens remains the same size while zooming.

Non-rotating front element.

Solid build � which while being heavy, fits and handles well on the camera.

Parfocal � in that you do not have to refocus after zooming.

Tulip-style, bayonet-mount, plastic lens hood.

One touch - Focus Clutch Mechanism, focusing system � which works well

Really bright focusing screen.

 

Some have reported that the lens is a little soft wide open, so what, to be really honest they all are! I must admit, that I tend to use 2.8 as a last resort, but I really benefit from the faster focusing and much brighter viewfinder. Stopped down the performance is on a par with the more expensive L�s.

 

Is it better than the L arguably not, but when working on a tight budget, as a relatively cost effective solution, you could do a lot worst than consider one of these� As with all these things, try and hire one before making the final decision � it could be the best money you spend.

Have you considered primes ? As you want a lens to match your L lens I'd suggest the 24/2.8 and 50/1.8 or 50/1.4. Yes, you loose convenience but you gain quality.

 

I've heard so many good things about the 70-200/4 USM L that I find it hard to believe that any zoom - save from another Canon L - will deliver such optical quality. As you can't afford the 24-70/2.8 USM L, I suggest that you put image quality as your prime consideration and go for primes (pardon, I couldn't resist the pun).

 

Happy shooting ,

Yakim.