The Tokina AT-X Pro SD 12-24mm F4 (IF) DX is a member of an original triumvirate of third party wideangle zooms which were introduced just as affordable APS-C format DSLRs started to become mainstream products, along with the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM and Tamron SP AF 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF). It first became available in 2004, and has since acquired a reputation as solid performer in its class. Tokina's technical details for the lens are (typically for the company) somewhat sparse, but reveal an optical formula of 13 elements in 11 groups, which features 2 aspherical elements plus SD glass elements to combat aberrations. One other outstanding feature is a one-touch focus clutch mechanism, which allows the user to switch from auto to manual focus simply by pulling the focus ring towards the camera. Show Tokina has recently updated this lens; most importantly, the new 'II' model adds an autofocus motor for Nikon users (allowing AF on the D40 / D40X / D60 bodies), but also features improved coatings to reduce flare, plus a distinguishing red stripe on the name badge. However the underying optical and mechanical design remains the same, so Canon users will benefit only from the new coatings. Because these changes are relatively minor, and availability of the 'II' version is limited, we have chosen to use the original version for this review. Tokina clearly cooperates very closely with Pentax (and its parent company Hoya), and even a cursory glance at the respective lens lineups shows many designs in common. The Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4 ED AL (IF) shares many of its vital statistics with the Tokina, and appears to use an essentially identical optical design, although in a lighter body styled similarly to mid-range zooms such as the 17-70mm F4. It therefore seems likely that the performance of these two 12-24mm lenses will be very similar. Of course the Tokina's major competitive disadvantage is its relatively limited wide end; many buyers will choose the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 or Tamron 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 instead, based simply on field of view considerations. Tokina has recently addressed this (at least partially) with a new 11-16mm F2.8, but this sells alongside the 12-24mm at a higher cost (and unfortunately is not yet available to us for review). And while the F4 constant maximum aperture is sure to be an attraction for some users, Sigma has attempted to trump this with its recently-announced, although not yet shipping 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM. With this pressure from all sides, does the 12-24mm F4 have anything left on offer to tempt the discerning photographer? Headline features
Angle of viewThe pictures below illustrate the focal length range (on Nikon DX format, 1.5x).  Tokina AT-X Pro SD 12-24mm F4 (IF) DX specificationsStreet price• US: $490 ($580 for 'II' version) • UK: £440 (£450 for 'II' version) Date introduced 2004 Maximum format size APS-C/DX Focal length12-24mm 35mm equivalent focal length • 18-36mm (1.5x DX) • 19-38mm (1.6x APS-C) Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) 99º - 61º Maximum aperture F4 Minimum aperture F22 Lens Construction • 13 elements/11 groups • SD glass elements •2 sharp-cut aspherical elements Number of diaphragm blades 9 Minimum focus 0.30m Maximum magnification 0.13x AF motor type Micro Motor (Canon mount versions and Nikon mount 'II' version) Focus method Internal Image stabilization None Filter thread • 77mm • Does not rotate on focus Supplied accessories* • Front and rear caps • Lens Hood BH-777 Optional accessories Fitted case Weight 570 g (20.1 oz) Dimensions 84 mm diameter x 89.5 mm length (3.3 x 3.5 in) Lens Mount Canon EF, Nikon F * Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area You may also likeLatest sample galleriesLatest in-depth reviewsThis $250 electronic lens adapter is perfect for Nikon Z-mount curious Sony shooters — shhh, we won’t tell anyone. Sony updates the ZV-1, giving the vlog-centric compact camera a 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens that's now wide enough for less cramped selfie mode videos. OM Digital Solutions has updated its flagship high speed camera just two years after launch. The latest version includes more memory and some performance and handling tweaks. The Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR delivers a 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view and stands out due to its small size and weather-resistant build. However, it faces stiff competition from lenses with faster F1.4 apertures. In this review, we tell you what you need to know about this popular lens. The EOS R100 is the cheapest way to get into Canon's RF-mount system. But, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, since its older components make the R100 feel dated. Latest buying guidesIf you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites. What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best. 'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked. What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out. Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder. |
