Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

andyhunt · Fri Nov 30, 2001 11:39 pm

Hi All,

I saw this lens in the camera shop today and liked the look and feel of it. Anyone own one, used one, or have an opinion to share on this lens before I take the plunge?

Thanks

Andrew

cfalk · Fri Nov 30, 2001 11:44 pm

Hi Andrew,

Just my 2 cents, but I'd stick to OEM equipment. As you use Nikon, use Nikon lenses. I've been disappointed with every 3rd-party lens I've ever tried, and the cheaper price was never justified in the end, IMHO.

Looking forward to seeing you in CH.

Cheers,

Charles

andyhunt · Sat Dec 01, 2001 12:03 am

Hi Charles,

I would, but budget is restrictive! Nikon 80-400VR = CHF 2,700 vs Tokina AT-X 80-400 CHF 940. OUCH!

As you know, I've used a Sigma 170-500 for ages and it has served me well. I tried the Tokina today and it performed very well on the S1, plus all of the reviews put it in a good light. I just would like to hear from the floor.

Thanks for the tip. See you soon!

Andrew

cfalk · Sat Dec 01, 2001 12:21 am

What struck me with several lenses from Sigma, Vivitar (some time ago) and Tamron was that the center was pretty good, the sharpness dropped noticably in the corners and vignetting became a problem as well. Since you generally use a digital, which does not use as much of the outside of the glass, perhaps you can avoid that part of the lens.

By the way, that Nikon lens you mentioned has IS built-in, and a recent review I read about it said that it automatically adjusts between normal IS mode (vert. & Horiz.) to panning mode (vert. only), which can be quite useful for us.

I guess there are some exceptions. That Sigma lens of yours certainly has seen a lot of airplanes (and obvoiusly gone through a lot of chain-link fences Big grin

). I know another guy at DFW who swears at (sorry, by Smile/happy/getting dizzy

) the same lens.

See ya,

Charles

AviationIvi · Sat Dec 01, 2001 12:52 am

Hi Andy, hi Charles,

Yes, I own one and I´m very satisfied with it. It looks and feels very well and I hope to have a lot of fun with it in the future Big grin

If you have any specific questions you can email me.

Enjoy your last month in SIN. Hope to meet you one day at ZRH or here at FRA!

Regards,
Ivica

da Fwog · Sat Dec 01, 2001 1:07 am

The trouble is, as far as I know, the VR (IS) feature of the 80-400 VR doesn't work on the S1 - it needs one of the newer Nikon bodies.

As regards that Tokina, according to Photodo, the quality is fine at the shorter end, but starts to suffer after you zoom past 200mm. Check out this link where you can find an MTF test for it:

http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html

Granite · Sat Dec 01, 2001 8:35 am

Hi Andrew

I bet I know what camera shop it was Big grin

Hoping to get a good deal from your mate before you leave??

See ya

Gary

sunilgupta · Sun Dec 02, 2001 12:55 pm

Andy,

Just close your eyes and lay out the cash for the Nikon 80-400VR... you won't regret it.

Sunil

andyhunt · Sun Dec 02, 2001 4:05 pm

Sunil,

I wish................................ Smile/happy/getting dizzy

Andy

SpitfireMk9 · Sun Dec 02, 2001 10:07 pm

Andrew

The lens I wanted was A Canon Zoom to 400 but the price of A$6000 for a large aperture version was OUT. So I purchased the Tokina 80-400 for A$800. It is heavy and I'm still playing with speeds of 1/250 and 1/350 at the 400 limit when light conditions are poor since I'm using 100ASA Sensia. I don't have a great deal of technical knowledge concerning lense specifications but most of my photographs are accepted so I'm very satisfied with the Tokina

Neville Murphy

SpitfireMk9 · Sun Dec 02, 2001 10:36 pm

Andrew
Just discovered how to attach photos. The light was poor in my opinion in both cases. They were taken at 400mm 1/500 F5.6 with the Tokina.

Click for large version

andyhunt · Tue Dec 11, 2001 10:02 am

Hi all,

Finally settled on a replacement 170-500 Sigma. Better the devil you know.............. Big grin

Thanks for all of the input and help. Much appreciated.

Andrew

Guest · Wed Dec 12, 2001 3:40 am

Andy,
You can get the Nikon 80-400mm from New York for $1399.00 USD.

Stephen

Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

RE: Tokina AT-X 80-400 F4.5-5.6 (opinions)

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