Thoughts-reviews on tokina atx 100-300 f4

[bobandcar]

As anyone used this lens and Ur thoughts?

Looking at one for a canon but reviews should be same across the brands

 

[Patrice]

Plenty of favorable reviews available on the web.

Of the three best known 3rd party manufacturers, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina, Tokina is considered by some to the better choice, both in terms of build and image quality. They have a small but good selection.

 

[bobandcar]

The reviews I have read seem good also. Didn't know if anyone had real world expierience though

 

[bobandcar]

Anyone?

 

[Derrel]

I have a Sigma 100-300mm f/4 HSM, which has been a decent lens,albeit less than perfect in its AF performance and occasional focus hunts for no discernable reason. The range and the weight and balance of the Sigma are both very nice. The Sigma balances very well on a bigger camera, with a battery grip on it. On a professional Nikon body, which weighs in around 3.5 to 3.8 pounds, the Sigma's balance fees almost 100% "neutral", and not front-heavy whatsoever. I mention this so you can compare the Sigma's length and weight specifications to those of the Tokina you are considering,and to your camera.I think a lens of this general size and weight demands a battery grip type camera, for less fatigue in the wrist over sessions lasting more than 20-30 minutes. I think the 100-300mm f/4 Sigma EX HSM lens is a good compromise between a 70-200 f/2.8 with a TC 1.4 added, and having basically the same max aperture but with slightly BETTER optics wide-open; you lose one f/stop, BUT the Sigma at f/4 is actually better than a zoom is with a 1.4x added. And, to make matters worse, the 70-200 lens with TC is "compromised" at each focal length UNDER 200mm....one really only gains the range from 200 to 280mm when using a TC 1.4x on a 70-200. So, in all, the better choice is to get a 100-300mm f/4 lens if you are going to need more reach than 200mm.

I wish I knew specifically about the Tokina, but the above is what I can tell you about a similar,competing product from another maker.

 

[bobandcar]

Currently using the sigma dx 70-300 4-5.6

Was thinking of upgrading and then selling this lens.

Need to reach 300 minimum but would like something a little sharper and faster.

 

[Patrice]

Currently using the sigma dx 70-300 4-5.6

Need to reach 300 minimum but would like something a little sharper and faster.

At the 300 mm focal length a Nikkor 300 f/4 AFS is hard to beat. The Nikkor 300 f/2.8 is also very good and then there are the 400, 500 and 600 Nikkors at f/4 which are also excellent performers. It's just a matter of how much money you want to dish out. Excellent quality fast telephotos are out there, but they are expensive, the best mostly always is. A good, fast and affordable zoom in these ranges is a rare bird.

 

[jake337]

Currently using the sigma dx 70-300 4-5.6

Need to reach 300 minimum but would like something a little sharper and faster.

At the 300 mm focal length a Nikkor 300 f/4 AFS is hard to beat. The Nikkor 300 f/2.8 is also very good and then there are the 400, 500 and 600 Nikkors at f/4 which are also excellent performers. It's just a matter of how much money you want to dish out. Excellent quality fast telephotos are out there, but they are expensive, the best mostly always is. A good, fast and affordable zoom in these ranges is a rare bird.

Don't forget the 300mm f4.5 ais if your a broke ass and don't mind manual focusing(or metering depending on body).

 

[jwbryson1]

I own the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro and that thing is built like a tank!

 

[jake337]

I own the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro and that thing is built like a tank!

Same here.

I really want their 300mm f2.8 atx pro d. Hard to find and I know when one pops up I won't have the funds.

 

[Patrice]

The op's telephoto length requirements start at 300 mm (he states 300 mm minimum) so there is really no point discussing 100 mm lenses. But it's seems to be true what is said of the build quality of Tokina. All the ones I've seen were very solid.


Jake337 is bang on with his assessment of the older manual focus 300 mm f/4.5. A really nice lens that can be found in good condition starting at about $200 if you shop carefully. Look for one where the seller is including the tripod collar. Watch out for strong light sources raking across the front of the lens, it does not have all the modern coatings and is thus more susceptible to flaring.