The Tokina 12-24mm - DPChallenge Forums

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

02/07/2007 02:56:44 AM · #1

I am seriously considering on purchasing a Tokina 12-24mm lens. After reading all the reviews and researching I have done.

Now I would just like to know if anyone here has any experience with this lens?
If you have one (for a Nikon), can you send a link of a unedited picture you took, using it at 12mm f/4 with a non-slim filter? I really would like to know when they say, "there's some vignetting (and/or dark corners)". How much it really is, because this is wht I am most concerned about so far.

Thanks

Message edited by author 2007-02-07 02:58:27.

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

02/07/2007 07:25:06 AM · #2

Hey Ben, I've got a bit of experience with this lens and I highly recommend it. If I can brag a little, check out the second highest rated challenge photo using it here along with some other outstanding photos taken with it.

It took me quite some time to find a photo taken at 12mm using a non-slim filter that has vignetting because I must really be used to the only drawback with this lens.

I just watch it and adjust when I notice vignetting. The only filters that I usually use are either a slim polarizer or Lee 4x6 graduated neutral density filters which aren't a problem because the edges are beyond the view of the lens. To sum it up, the vignetting "problem" has not been a problem.

Along with the Nikon 70-200VR, this is absolutely one of my favorite lenses and I highly recommend it. A large percentage of my portfolio was taken with this lens.

krafty1

Nikon D80

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/07/2007 08:15:16 AM · #3

Make sure to look at the Sigma 10-20 before buying. The difference between 10mm and 12 mm doesn't sound like much but with the 1.5x crop factor there is a significant difference in field of view. Check out some of the pics taken here.

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

02/07/2007 11:02:43 AM · #4

Thank you yakatme, so much! If you could also show me a (unedited) picture 12mm f/4 using your slim filter that would also be awesome!

Originally posted by krafty1:

I already looked at the Sigma 10-20mm, I quickly ruled it out because one)barrel distortion was a tad too much for me. Two) Slow focusing and the weird sound that it makes.

So, right now it's just the Nikon or the Tokina.

Message edited by author 2007-02-07 11:04:47.

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

02/07/2007 11:12:11 AM · #5

I bought the Tokina a couple weeks back. So far I really like it. I haven't used it enough to comment on it with confidence, but it is sharp and easy to use (in particular because the two rings are textured differently, which helps with using it).

It is a heavy lens. It is also a good looking lens (goes from slim to wide, the hood is attractive).

Anyway. For me it also came down to a choice between the Nikon and the Tokina - the Nikon is said to be better, but for me the differences didn't seem to be enough to warrant almost double the price.

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

02/07/2007 11:13:08 AM · #6

I have one for Canon, I like it. But I really want to give the new Tokina 10-17 Fisheye a spin.

Message edited by author 2007-02-07 11:14:08.

MAK

Leica CL

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

02/07/2007 11:15:32 AM · #7

Its a cracking lens that got me my first ribbon.. you will love it

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

02/07/2007 11:17:54 AM · #8

Here are a couple of shots with with the 12-24. I love mine and would only trade it for the Nikon 12-24. But for the price difference the Tokina is a WINNER!

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

02/07/2007 11:42:10 AM · #9

I think it's being about to seeing my filter ring in my pictures is what I am mostly worried about. I was told that it can easily be fixed in PS if I shoot RAW (which thats all I shoot). But the vignetting tool won't fix most dark corners caused by filters. Perhaps is there another way to fix them (without croping), that I am forgetting?

Meanwhile more pictures please!

deapee

Kodak V803

02/07/2007 11:44:04 AM · #10

I had one for 2 days...the plastic on the lens came off exposing the inside to water, so I returned it for the sigma 10-20...best move I ever made.

trnqlty

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

02/07/2007 12:20:40 PM · #11

This is a great lens choice. I've had mine for over a year and half and still works great. I even ordered another one for the school newspaper and it too is perfect. We have the sigma 10-20 as well. While there is a noticeable difference between 10 and 12, I find that having a constant f4 aperature to be of much more importance. The overall construction on the tokina seems to be a little more robust.

Tranquil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

02/07/2007 12:26:10 PM · #12

The 12-24 is a great lens that gives you wonderful opportunities in a wide range of shooting scenarios. I have had it for about 8 months now and I can highly recommend it. It is sharp, the focusing is pretty fast and quiet, and I have found the resolution to be very high as well. Here are a few sample pics.

Rob O

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/07/2007 12:39:12 PM · #13

As most of the others have said ... this is a fantastic lens, especially for the money. It's extremely sharp and f/4 across the range is a nice plus (all others are variable). I was pretty set on the Canon EF-S 10-22 f3.5-4.5, which is also an outstanding ultra-wide angle, but I've not regreted going with the Tokina one bit. Hard to say if I miss the extra 2mm at the wide end, as I've not had a chance to directly compare.

Unfortunately I don't have 12mm samples uploaded yet; both of these are 17-18 ... but they give you a sense for image quality (even if in its midrange sweetspot).

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/07/2007 12:39:26 PM · #14

Tranquil's pics look like a good example of what the 12-24 can do. It's a great performer, and the single "solidist" lens I've ever held in my hands. It feels like it's built like a tank. Depea's comment surprises me. I'm not at home right now, but I can't picture the plastic he's talking about. It's hard to believe anything about that lens is plastic.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

02/07/2007 12:43:21 PM · #15

Originally posted by ben4345:

Although I use a Nikon 12-24 the filter issue is the same. No matter which ultra wide lens you buy you will have filter issues at the widest end. You either need to invest in a slim filter or use Cokin type filters handheld. I have had some luck with the Colkin P filters using their slim (one slot) attachement but mostly just use a screw on slim polarizer and hand hold a neutral density filter when needed.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

02/07/2007 01:30:12 PM · #16

I have the Tokina.
It is good enough for the money you pay for it.
But I had rather paid a little more for the Nikon.

The Tokina is pretty soft from f/4 to f/5.6. I only like to use it at f/8. Also quite a bit of color fringing. Apart from that it is a good lens. For hobby use it is ok, for business use get the Nikon.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

02/07/2007 01:33:59 PM · #17

Used it for these for example: