On Thu, 21 Nov 2002 15:41:20 +0000, T. P. wrote:

>"Dallas" wrote:
>
>>I've used a few of those Tokina's and they were all soft when shot wide
>>open.

>Operator error? Or just another typical pack of lies from Dallas?
>
>On the contrary, several of the Tokina ATX-Pro lenses are superbly
>sharp and are comparable with the best camera brand zooms.
>
>Examples include the 20-35mm AT-X Pro, 28-70 ATX-Pro (and Pro II),
>28-80mm AT-X Pro. The 17mm ATX is also a very good ultra-wide angle
>fixed focal length lens.

I found a 28-70 and a 28-80 ATX generally quite poor
wider than f5.6 or so - and the 17mm ATX I tried was
unacceptable at any stop for high-quality images...
Samples do vary, but this is three out of three...

>The disappointing performer in the Tokina AT-X Pro range is the
>80-200mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro which lags way behind the camera brand lenses
>of this focal length range. Neither is it especially cheap. Avoid.

The early Tokina 80-200mm f2.8 I tried was very sharp
at infinity-focus from wide-open, but it was VERY
distance-sensitive, and was a "pop bottle bottom"
near minimum focus at wide stops...

>The cheaper consumer-grade Tokina ranges are a mixed bunch. Great
>care should be taken to test any example before deciding to keep it.

I agree. I have seen fairly good cheap little Tokina
zooms - and ones that weren't fairly good...