Fotoclub | Tokina 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 AT-XD

, 28th 2007

Tokina 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 AT-XD11/28/2007 07:42 PM

Category : Nikon Accessories

In 1996 Tokina created a new class of telephoto lens when it introduced the original AT-X 840 AF. This was the smallest lens available that had a bright f/5.6 aperture at 400mm. Now Tokina is recreating the lens for the digital age.

Still the smallest SLR lens available that zooms to 400mm, the AT-X 840 AF D has a smooth and quick internal focusing system that means the all-metal inner barrel that houses the heaviest glass elements does not have to rotate when the lens focuses, making it much faster than the previous models.
Optically, the AT-X840 AF D has new multi-coatings applied to the elements that are formulated to compensate of the highly reflective CCD and CMOS sensors in today's Digital SLR cameras. The new multi-coating greatly reduces the chance of internal flare or ghost reflections.
A built-in tripod collar makes for a well-balanced camera/lens combination when using a tripod or monopod. For best results, Tokina always recommends using a tripod or monopod with telephoto lenses.

Tokina kept ease of use in mind with the new AT-X 840 AF D. A new lens hood with the a PL Assist spring loaded thumb wheel allows a circular polarizer or special effects filter to be rotated while the lens hood is in place. No more removing the hood to change the position of the filter.
Nikon enthusiasts looking to purchase an AF lens in this focal length (which competes with the Nikon 80-400 f4.5-5.6 VR) should give careful consideration to buying this lens.

This lens from Tokina, a member of their ATX series of optics, is a very good (and MUCH less expensive) alternative to the Nikon lens of the same focal length and speed. Two of the more significant differences are cost (the Tokina costs approx. 1/3 of the Nikon) and Tokina's lack of a "vibration reduction" feature.

For those buying in this market segment, let me offer my observations and humble recommendations. First, if one can afford the Nikon, by all means, BUY IT! For the rest of us, there is a less expensive alternative that offers most of the features at less than half the cost.

With the right focal length range for distance (think wildlife and sports), this lens is unusual for being about the only 80-400mm zoom that isn't image-stabilized.That makes it much less expensive. If you're on a limited budget and want a sharp, well-built, tele zoom, give this lens a look, especially if you're a big filter fan. With all-metal construction and a heavy, rugged feel, the Tokina AT-X 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF D has a nonremovable tripod collar and a zoom lock that holds it at its most compact size for transport.

MANUFACTURING QUALITY:
The Nikon lens is without a doubt, the world class quality product we all expect it to be. The autofocus is extremely quick and the optics unequaled. However, the lens is LARGE and that may be a significant reason for the need for and the addition of the VR feature. This feature, whose only real purpose is to minimize vibration and the accompanying blurriness in prints, is almost certainly the result of the large overall size and weight of the lens. The girth of the barrel, combined with the length at 400mm make this lens difficult to hand-hold. Thus, the need for the feature. It's almost a Catch-22 situation.

The manufacturing quality of the Tokina variant is also high and the barrel makes maximum use of hi-tensile strength composite and polycarbonate material. The lens mount is stainless steel and the lens includes a lightweight, cast aluminum tripod mount. The lens body itself is smaller and lighter (it weighs 33.3 oz.)than its Nikon competitor. The Nikon VR offering weighs in at 42.7 ounces without the tripod mount and 47.9 oz. with one attached. Thus, Nikon's offering comes in at just under 3 pounds whereas the Tokina lens comes out of the box a hair over 2 pounds.

I was able to handhold this lens and shoot effectively at all focal lengths from the minimum 80mm through full extension at 400mm. Tokina provides a full bayonet mount lens hood for customers at the time of purchase. The tripod mount attaches easily to all makes and brands of photo tripods.
Lens construction for the Tokina is 16 elements in 10 groups and the front barrel takes 72mm filters. The Nikon VR lens construction is 17 elements in 11 groups and requires 77 mm filters.

The Tokina lens holds f5.6 through 400 mm which means Nikon users will not lose AF capability at full barrel extension. The optics include a flare-cutting mechanism and when coupled with the hood, this feature reduces glare and flare significantly. Overall length has been reduced from preceding generations of this lens and the unextended length is 5.3" (136 mm).
Although I am not an optical engineer or designer, I would venture the opinion that the lighter weight and shorter barrel length on the Tokina offering minimizes (if not altoghter elminates) the need for a VR feature in this product. Nikon retains the advantage in closest focusing point; their 80-400 focuses at 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) whereas Tokina focuses at 8.2 feet (2.5 meters).

OPTICAL QUALITY:
I would be lying if I did not admit that Nikon's lens has superior optics. That is to be expected and demanded in a lens of this cost and technological complexity and advantage. However, the Tokina lens, which costs significantly less, is no slouch either. In my usage, there was little noticeable degradation of image quality, I noticed no enlargement or distortion or pixellation and the only noticeable softness occurred in very low light with low to medium speed film. What softness there was (and it was minimal) was restricted to the outer edges of the print.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:
This is a very acceptable and viable alternative to the Nikon 80-400 VR lens that typically costs $1,500. Here at epinions.com, the lowest quoted price was $429.00 and where I live in NJ, the lens is routinely available for $469.00. To make this lens even more attractive to buyers, Tokina is currently offering (thru 12/31/02) a $40.00 rebate on this lens. That means a lens with almost the same level of optical quality as the far more expensive Nikon can be had for 1/3 of the cost and 2/3 of the weight.

Given its modest pricing, the capability of this lens offers a wide degree of photographic range and could be called several lenses in one. If a buyer has a need for a lens of this "reach" but doesn't have the checkbook to prevent investing his 401K with Nikon, then this is a very acceptable substitute. This is a lens that is within the price and use range of most dedicated amateurs, while the Nikon offering on its face, seems to be marketed to dedicated professionals and others whose use of the lens will pay for it.

It should also be noted that at this time, only Nikon and Tokina offer a lens in this focal length. Neither Tamron nor Sigma do so. During my limited involvement with AF cameras and lenses, I have concluded that in most cases where it offers a directly competitive lens, that Tokina presents a viable and less costly alternative to the OEM camera/lens manufacturer. Tokina lenses show an across the board high level of quality with optics that are only surpassed by those from Nikon and Canon.

I have yet to be disappointed by the Tokina lenses I have owned and used and in those cases where the Nikon lenses were completely out of reach for me financially, I can honestly say that I have not regretted buying the more affordable third party Tokina lens.
To be sure, I would have loved to have the Nikon 80-400 VR, but its cost (and weight) compelled me to look elsewhere. The Tokina offering was more in line with what I could afford and would be willing to carry on my back or around my neck. And the Tokina left me money with which to buy other lenses. That is what made this such a great bargain and viable candidate to fill my needs.

Specifications:
Mount availability: Canon EOS, Nikon-D
Focal length: 80 to 400mm
Maximum aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Minimum aperture: f/32
Optical construction: 16 elements in 10 groups
SD glass: One elements
Coatings: Multi-layer
Angle of view: 29° 50’ to 6°13’
Minimum focus distance: 2.5m (8.2 ft.)
Reproduction ratio: 1: 5.4
Zooming system: Rotary type
Number of diaphragm blades: 8
Filter size: 72mm
Maximum outer diameter: 77.2mm (3.0in.)
Dimensions: 3.1 in. (79mm) X 136.5 mm (5.4in.)
Weight: 1020 g (35.9 oz..)
Lens Hood BH-725
Availability: June, 2006

Compatible With :
Canon EOS 5D
Canon EOS Rebel K2
Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n
Nikon D2XS
Nikon D50
Nikon D70s
Canon EOS 30D
Canon EOS 20D
Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c
Nikon D2Hs
Nikon D80
Canon EOS Rebel T2
Nikon D200
Nikon D2X
Canon EOS-1V/1VHS
Canon EOS-3
Nikon D40x
Fujifilm IS Pro
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
Nikon D40
Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N
Nikon D300
Nikon D3
Nikon D3
Nikon D300
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Canon EOS-1Ds
Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro
Canon EOS 40D
Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
Canon EOS 40D
Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro UVIR
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

Sample photo's:
More @pbase.com/cameras/tokina

More @tokinalens.com and @kamera-express.nl

Image:Fotoclub IJsselzicht - Tokina 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 AT-XD

Image:Fotoclub IJsselzicht - Tokina 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 AT-XD

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