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phiggys
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Registered: Apr 7, 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 25
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Review Date: Apr 16, 2013
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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I have been using this super Heavy weight lens for a number of years now if anything it's probably over engineered.
But it still produces the goods on both film and digital.
I have to admit where possible I try to buy genuine Nikon gear but when I first purchased a zoom lens back in the 70s it was a Tokina and even the build and optical quality were top drawer back then.
My friend purchased the Nikon AFS-VR version and did a shoot using them both.
Even he had to admit that he couldn't tell the difference shooting in good light.
But at over 4 times what I paid for mine I would want it to have the edge on speed and VR assistance in low light.
I would certainly recommend at least a good mono-pod or a solid tripod to get the best out of this lens.
If you do you will not be disappointed.
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Cons:
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Slower focusing than current day AFS and no VR technology but that moves on daily these days. No Focus Limiter or stabilizer but even a bean bag can help in the right circumstances. weight is the biggest problem for me these days but it's still lighter than my Sigma 800mm f5.6.
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 Apr 16, 2013
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terrier boy
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Registered: May 12, 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 0
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Review Date: May 16, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,000.00
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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SHARP! 2.8 is very usable. Great build quality. Smooth manual focus. Very nice dampening on MF ring. Includes 112mm normal protective filter.
Nice neutral color reproduction with film and digital images.
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Cons:
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This is one heavy lens! Bring your Tripod/monopod. Screw on lens cap is slow on/off but it is metal. AF a little noisy and no focus limiter switch so it may hunt just a little, but I've owned much worse.
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I bought this lens new to go with D2X. I have never owned any lens as heavy as this one, but I am extremely pleased with the price-speed-build quality, and phenomenal picture quality I am starting to get regularly with this lens. I have tried to see a weak point in the f/stop range, but so far I've shot from f2.8 to f16 with no problems.
I need to use a tripod or monopod due to the weight, but this just slows me down enough to really connect with my subjects. Your technique may allow you to hand hold this beast and I have seen a couple of guys do it, but I need more time with it before I get too fancy.
I find the AF fast enough to use for Baseball & Soccer so far and although it doesn't follow as well as Nikon 300mm AFS 2.8, I don't expect it to at 1/2 the price.
If your Credit Card can't stand the big hit for a Nikon or Canon, I can heartily recommend this lens as the best 2.8 alternative to the big boys.
Oh, slap this on a film camera and you are in for a real treat. The neutral color rendition and bokeh really make for some outstanding shots!
Gus
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May 16, 2005
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charlieboy
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Registered: May 15, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 1518
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Review Date: Oct 29, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,300.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Sharp, tough and price was right. Nice color.
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Cons:
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A little slow but the price makes me deal with it!
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Got one used to try it out. Only had it a few weeks but so far I like it.
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Oct 29, 2004
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Unregistered
Offline
Location: United States
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Review Date: Aug 17, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $2,500.00
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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sharp and crystalic images; well built; generally professional lens
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Cons:
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flare as sun is near optic axis, no filter chamber in Canon version - you must use expensive 112mm filter
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Aug 17, 2004
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Arka
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Registered: Jun 13, 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 10078
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Review Date: Jul 13, 2003
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Fairly sharp, fast autofocus. Probably one of the most well constructed and durable lens barrels ever made.
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Cons:
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Built like a tank and weighs almost as much. No FTM.
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When I saw this lens, I was simply astounded by the soundness of it's construction. Even Canon L's cannot match what appears to be the indestructible build of these 'armalite' finish Tokina lenses. They literally look like they were designed for use on the outside of military vehicles. I am not sure if they are weatherproofed, but you could probably drop this lens from a 2 story building and go on shooting with it. Sharpness seemed to be close to the Canon version of this lens, though as much as I have heard about the 300/2.8, I would not make confirmation of that here without more test shooting.
The samples I took were quite sharp, and the autofocus is responsive, if a bit noisy. When the AF clutch is disengaged, the focus ring appears to move a bit TOO easily. Also, like any 2.8 lens in this focal lenght, this thing is a monster. Tokina was not looking to reduce weight on this thing, and that armored barrel can get quite heavy I would imagine.
In short, this lens was a very impressive looking piece of equipment. If I had $2500 to throw at a bright super telephoto prime, this is one that I would seriously consider for it's build quality alone. Only thing I was missing was the FT manual focus, and I'm not sure if it is completely weather sealed.
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Jul 13, 2003
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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5
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41412
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Apr 16, 2013
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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100% of reviewers
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$1,933.33
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Build Quality Rating
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Price Rating
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Overall Rating
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10.00
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9.50
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9.0
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