TOKINA AT-X 80-200 F2.8 any good?

[kysham]

Hi, I got offered a Tokina AT-X 80-200mm F2.8 lens (with red ring, not the gold ring version, i.e. not the AT-X PRO version) for a reasonably good price (will not disclose publicly). I had searched through the database in dyxum and found relatively little user feedbacks on this lens. Whatever limited feedback, however, indicates a pretty good (if not stellar) performance. Wondering if any member(s) in this forum have any experience with this particular lens and what are the limitations (read: Potential Problems) I should be expecting. Any form of feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[kysham]

I own the 80-200 ATX-Pro 2.8, and while it is built like a tank, it demonstrates a pretty good amount of CA/PF opened up on high contrast edges, and it back focuses on my digital bodies. It's a little soft wide open, but it sharpens up fairly quick, and the bokeh this lens delivers is OK but it's not great.

-Sonolta

Thanks Sonolta!

OK.Gotta check backfocus & CA/PF. I do expect it to be a bit soft wide open at f2.8 though. Even the new Tamron 70-200 F2.8 which I tested on a Nikon D200 body was soft at f2.8... By what aperture will the Tokina sharpens up? And how about the AF speed? Fast enough? (Not comparing to SSM though...)

[kysham]

I tested out the lens, but never bought it.... It wasn't what I hoped it to be so I politely apologized to the owner and said I can't take it because it cannot do what I want. The owner understands and was gracious in accepting that I'm not going to buy the lens. It indeed has a very good tank-like built quality. But the CA was just too much for me to bear....

[lattiboy]

I had this lens (gold-ring version) and was disappointed overall. Speed was good, but it was very soft below f/4 or so and has CA out the whazoo! For the sheer size and weight I thought it should've performed much better. After a few Tokina experiences like this I wish they'd stop making blunt-force weapons and actually invest in optical quality.

[alanscape]

Having owned and used this lens together with the Vivitar series 1 70-210mm (Tokina made version) I would say that although all are good lenses, if you want
(not just my opinion) the best 70-210 to come from the '80's the Tamron SP 70-210mm beats the lot. email me and I'll sent some test shots.
Tamron adaptall 2 mounts for Sony/Minolta aren't cheap but there seems to be a few more on ebay than is usual.
Andrew Alan [email protected]

[kysham]

I went ahead and bought the new Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG Macro HSM instead.

[Dr. Harout]

Congratulations and happy shooting.