Tokina ATX 400mm f5.6

[darinwc]

I just scored a Tokina ATX 400mm f5.6.
The AF version for Nikon.
I had often wanted one but never enough to buy one.

Well i should have bought one years ago. it appears to be a very well made lens and looks contrasty in the viewfinder. its much smaller than I expected and easy to handhold, not that I would want to.
The AF is internal and quick enough for me.

I will have to report back after I run some film through it.

 

[jsouther]

I'd be interested in your report on this lens as I have often wondered about its performance. Looking forward to seeing your results.

 

[randyB]

I had one of these for a short while back in the late 90's. It was an "ok" lens except that it vignetted quite a bit. Quite obvious when the field of view is even toned. The sharpness was quite good. I traded the lens for the 300mm f/4 Nikkor AF and I've been very happy with it, of course the Nikkor was a lot more expensive but worth it. RandyB

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

I have an MF version of the lens (assuming the AF version doesn't use floating elements or something).

Mine is quite good. After the Novoflex T and Leica Telyt 400mm lenses (despite their field curvature), it's the best 400mm I've used.

Probably more modern and much more expensive lenses can do better, but for most non-professional or non-specialised users of a 400mm, it should be quite enough.

 

[narsuitus]

I will have to report back after I run some film through it.

I too have a Tokina ATX 400mm f5.6. It is one of the few non-Nikon lenses that I own.

I have been very pleased with its image quality, its handling, its construction, and its 72mm filter size.

The only thing I do not like about this lens is the slow f/5.6 maximum aperture. However, I do not shoot enough telephoto to justify the purchase of the f/2.8 400mm Nikon lens.

However, as much as I try, I have not yet figured out how to run film through my lens.

 

[darinwc]

Just a follow-up with a review now that I've used it.

Tokina AT-X 400mm F5.6
Construction: An aluminum barrel makes for a solid, stable lens. I cannot attest to the inside, but it is well finished and appears high-quality.
It has a built-in hood that slides out easily. The tripod mount is solid and can be adjusted out of the way.

Handling: About the size of older 300mm lenses, this is great to use. it can be handheld easily. But at that focal length, a tripod is reccomended, and required when not in bright sun. The internal focusing is quick and smooth, but mine would make a distracting click if it hit the end of the focussing range. The focus ring is recessed in the middle of the lens and can be used manualy easily.

Peformance. I am pleased with the image quality. The colors are vivid and contrasty. I did not have any problems with flare. The bokeh is pleasing especially for closeups where the background really explodes.

One problem appears to be bright highlights that have a purple fringing. This may have just been from water reflections, or it may have been the lens. more testing is required.

One thing i really like about this is the close focus combined with nice bokeh.

examples to follow:

 

[darinwc]

example 1:
F100. Kodak gold 200. handheld.
1 hr lab scan

 

[darinwc]

example 2:
F100. Kodak gold 200. handheld.
1 hr lab scan.

 

[darinwc]

Example 3:
F100. Kocak gold 200. Tripod.
1 hr lab scan

This is at about 10 feet

 

[darinwc]

Example 4:
F100 Kodak Ektar 100. Tripod.
Processed at a good lab and scanned on an epson v700

 

[darinwc]

Example 5:
N80 Kodak gold 200 handheld.
1 hr lab scan
this example shows some nasty blue/purple around the highlights. I'm not sure if this is from the lens or the water.

 

[Alistair Wait]

I have one of these with a nikon mount. It is a lens I cannot decide whether to keep or pass on. It has been adequate for the occasions I have used it but is not one I rave about - but when i go to sell it there is always something that has me say no - and I put it away for another day knowing it is great to have a lens like this tucked away for those certain occasions - wildlife etc.
I also have a 100mm in the same series and would not part with it. It is sharp - to the extent my wife would not thank me to use it as a portrait lens unless I diffused the image. I use it for macro work from time to time

Cheers