8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Wide-angle on a Budget (for Nikon AF-D)
Date of Review: Apr 30, 2002
The Bottom Line: Only flare vulnerability and a poor focusing ring prevent a 5 star rating.
It is well known to any photographer that the cost of lens kits is often through the roof. It is often the case that the lens is more expensive than the camera.
While looking at a way to do wide-angle photography I came across this Tokina lens.
I wanted something cheap as I did not want to spend huge amounts on a lens doing a specific job.
So how does this lens perform in the real world? The answer is very well though certain points have to be taken into account.
As it is not supplied with a lens hood you have to keep it pointing some way from bright light sources as like all lenses of this focal length flare is a problem.
Optical distortion is noticeable towards the 19mm focal end at the edges, but this is to be expected for this type of lens and I like the effect it generates. Overall quality is good for the price.
I use it on my Nikon F100 and it is compatible with Nikon distance sensing D-type autofocus, so when you take an exposure reading the subject distance is noted. This allows you to use Nikon's wonderful 3-D Matrix flash exposure and 3-D Matrix (for normal light) metering.
What is the build quality and control feel like? The zoom ring is great with unusual diagonal grip lines and a firm and supple action. The focusing ring is too loose though and does not inspire confidence. The aperture ring however is lovely, better than the one on my Nikon 28-200mm lens (also reviewed). Overall rating?, very, very good. I would rate it at 8/10.
I mainly use manual focus but be assured the autofocus is very good. A little violent compared to my Nikon 28-200mm but very fast.
In summary this lens has it's faults but it is so cheap compared to the marginally better brand lenses and it greatly increases your photographic horizons.
