Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX AF Wide Angle Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras by Tokina
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Digital camera reviews of Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX AF Wide Angle Lens for Nikon Digital Cameras
Digital camera Review: Great Lens - Terrible Packaging
Summary: 4 Stars
This appears (so far) to be a great lens. I am using it on a Nikon D50 and get sharp, finely detailed photos each time. While at f/4 it may seem a little slow, I cannot see where this would be an issue for a wide-angle lens as you are unlikely to use it for action type photography.
Be very careful with any filter choices, as this lens will vignette easily. The Tiffen filter I purchased was terrible for this, whereas a Sigma filter has worked OK.
It is a very large lens (nature of the beast) so beware if you expect to carry this in a relatively small bag - particularly with the hood attached - even when reversed.
The construction quality appears good. Not up at Nikon metal lens or Sigma 'DG' grade lenses, but more robust than than the Nikon 'G' series lenses.
The worst thing about the lens is the packaging, which when ordering via a mail-order company, such as Amazon, could easily be an issue. The box is thin cardboard, with separate cardboard liner to protect the lens. My lens had obviously been shaken around within the packaging, dislodging the lens hood and marking the lens barrel, but not too heavily. I checked the lens and the amount of dust and debris on the lens was not something I would expect. If you do order this lens ensure that you check it before accepting delivery in case of more severe damage. Again in comparison with Nikon (even the 'G' series lenses) and the Sigma 'DG' lenses this packaging comes up short.
Digital camera Review: Better than Nikon (?)
Summary: 5 Stars
I originally bought the Nikon 12-24mm lens, it was expensive. I took it home and found that it simply was not sharp. I may have gotten a bad copy of the lens. I was disappointed and returned it.
A month later I decided to try another copy of the lens. However, after reading about the Tokina, I decided to try it instead. I am extremely pleased. The photos are very sharp. I found no chromatic abberation as reported by other reviewers. Colors are well balanced and saturated. I can't fault it in any way. The lens is solidly built. I highly recommend it. However, before you buy any lens, be sure to read the Amazon reseller's return policy. Some of the camera stores they sell through charge a 15% restocking fee for returns.
Digital camera Review: Great Lens
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this lens for about six months now and find it to be very good. The build quality is amazing. However, with the 1.5x crop factor, it's not as wide as I would like. The weight and finish of the lens gives it a very professional feel. Digital camera Review: Great Lens
Summary: 5 Stars
I can say nothing bad about this lens It shoots great clear shots Digital camera Review: Amazing Value
Summary: 5 Stars
When I recently purchased a D80, I found myself lacking a true wide angle lens. I have always preferred prime lenses, but even the Nikkor ultra wide primes received only lukewarm ratings.
I was one step away from purchasing the Nikkor 12-24mm f4 zoom, but every report that I read said that the Tokina was pretty much its equal at only half the price.
Frankly, I have always had misgivings about third party lenses. I tried a few many years ago and was sorely disappointed. While I'm sure that there are still some poorly made third party lenses, the high end offerings from Tokina, Tamron and Sigma really give the camera brand lenses a run for their money. I guess that computer designing has leveled the playing field.
Anyway, what about the Tokina? As far as I'm concerned, it's a keeper. While I haven't done side by side comparisons with the Nikkor lens, 13X19 enlargements from the Tokina are everything that I could ever want.
If I had to pick a nit, it would be that the Tokina shows a bit of chromatic abberation at the edges. This is easily dealt with in the RAW converter and most people wouldn't notice it anyway. As I said, I'm picking nits here.
If you're in the market for a lens in this range in Nikon mount, the Tokina is the only f4 other than the Nikkor which is twice the price. Don't be a snob as I once was. Check out the third party offerings and base your decision on the results that they deliver and not on brand alone.