Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

Built to last for a long long time, but it is heavy

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

After owning the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L 11 and the EF 17-40mm f4/L, both with mixed results in terms of edge sharpness and durability, I decided to give this reputable brand a try, as no-one else seems to be offering anything remotely similar. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. I've read where owners have had concerns over edge to edge sharpness, but with my f/f camera (Canon EOS-1Ds Mk111), that is only noticeable at f/2.8, and even then it's negligible. It's a beautifully built package with a very useful range. After all, the next lens most people own generally starts at 24mm or 28mm (mine's the venerable EF 24-105mm f/4L IS). BTW, the issues regarding lousy lens caps seems to have been heeded by Tokina/Kenko, as the current generation have a top notch retaining system. Weight may be a factor for some, as is the inability to use filters, but for me personally they are not an issue. Love it.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

IMO, every bit as good as the Canon lens.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

If you care about the photos and not the details of the product itself, this is a fantastic lens. Sharp, clear, and wide makes for a good glass resulting in beautiful images. There are a few things that white whiners could point out about the product itself. It's heavy, big, "unfilterable", and the lens cap won't stay on. However, you could grow stronger, get a bigger bag, filter it in post (which most people do anyway), and get a rubber band to keep the lens cap on.
There is one flaw that did cause a little irritation in the beginning. The auto-focus sticks in infinity. However, I was able to compensate once I knew the distance of my focal point. If it is further than 6 ft, go manual and focus to infinity.
These things can be easily overcome if your main concern is the final image. So for the price and clarity. This is a great lens!

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

Purchased this lens to fill a gap in my lens linup and push me to trying different types of photography. The lens has met or exceeded my expectations.

Nice contrast, sharpness, and ergonomnics. I actually like the push pull manual focus ring since it is easy to find and activate without the need to look for a small switch.

Build quality seems great and focus is fast and consistent on my Canon 1d2.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

This lens produces very sharp images. The bokeh is great, too. f/2.8 aperture through the zoom range is a big plus in low light situations. And, it is built solid!

I have already used this lens for event and nature photography. I am pleased with the results, and plan to use it again without reservation.

I bought this lens knowing about its weight and incompatibility with lens filters. Thus, I am just a litle more careful using it; I use my lens cap at all times when not shooting. Lastly, I am glad Tokina permanently affixed the tulip lens hood to help protect the element.

This is a great lens and I am very pleased with my purchase!

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

It's has a good constructive, nice focus in around all picture. The Lens has very quickly focus and contrast. Usually used with Cannon 5D mark II.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

While this lens was sharp (I had to zoom in to tell the difference between it and my Canon 24-70), in dim or indoor lighting, it had severe rainbow lens flares around lights. Really ugly. When I bought it, I was willing to put up with the weight, the size, and lack of filters, but with the rainbows, it wasn't a keeper. Maybe it was just my copy, but I've seen a lot of others having this issue on blogs and such.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

Great lens for interior and landscape photography. However it distorted the subjects when use for portraits. The distortation is minimal. Just have to make sure the subject is not at the edge of the frame

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

I've used this lens extensively on a 5DMKII over the last 2 weeks shooting weddings and on landscapes. It has performed very well, much sharper at the edges of the frame than its competitors, contrast maybe a tad less than the Canon 16-35, but distortion is significantly less on this lens than on the Canon.
If I had to find fault with this lens, there would be two minor issues (one of which I was aware of before I bought it):
The convex front element prevents the use of filters of polarisers, and the zoom ring is stiff. (I've since asked other owners of this lens, and they have reported that this is normal)

I used to use the Tokina 11-16 2.8 on a Canon 7D with stunning results, but after upgrading to full frame a year ago, I was unable to use that lens and used a Canon 16-35 while researching the best UWA zoom available.

I have no regrets and would highly recommend this lens to anyone.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

This product works fine. The reviews I read prior to purchase indicate that it will not accept filters and that it's heavy. I find that to be true so I was not surprised when I received it. Though it has only been used a few times the image quality is excellent.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

I never hesitated buying this Tokina glass because of my Tokina 50-135mm f/2.8 that I had bought a few years back.

It's not an L lens but it's as close as you're going to get without dishing out the big bucks for it. :)

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

I shoot mostly concerts/events and portraiture.

First copy had sticky aperture blades at f4.

Second copy had decentered element and would not focus at infinity or near infinity at 16mm. Using Liveview and manual focus it was obvious that the focus adjustment didn't have enough range to focus on anything further than 30 yards or so.

Third one. Same issues as the second one with focus issues.

I tried the lens on both my 5DII's with the same result.

This lens has a tendency to flare with the sun/lights anywhere in front of you.

Assuming you get a working copy, I would not recommend this lens if you shoot in conditions where flare might show itself or in busy environments due to the vulnerability of the large front element. The lens cap is a joke. On the positive side, it's a very sharp lens.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

I am being generous with the 3 stars, because the image quality is excellent. Distortion is definitely present, but not out of hand. Since I've rented the 16-35 f/2.8L Canon, I can say a bit more distortion than the Canon, but just as sharp. Very nice IQ. I bought this because of the reviews, and I needed a very wide angle lens mostly for landscape, and the Canon version is just too expensive [...].So why don't I like it (and will probably sell it very soon)? It is incredibly heavy and bulky for a very short zoom. I know it's f/2.8, but it doesn't have IS (something it most certainly needs because of the heft). So why did Tokina make it so big and heavy? Beats me, maybe they want people to think it's well built (which it definitely is). They went way overboard though. The size and weight make it nearly a tripod only lens. But even there, that huge hunk of glass on the end of the lens makes the camera front-heavy. I have a 5D II and with grip filled with batteries that's not exactly a light camera. Shooting hand-held with this lens means using higher shutter speeds than you'd think at this focal length. Even on a tripod you really need a collar for the lens, like with larger telephotos. Not a good balance at all. And hiking? Why don't you just put some rocks in your pack as well? On the plus side, you can put this lens in the back of your pickup when the snow flies to help with traction.I'm ready to give up on ultra-wide zooms, in favor of a good prime. I really wish the Tokina wasn't such a tank. Didn't they realize people might see this lens as a landscape (hiking) &/or wedding (with gear on your back all day) lens? Sheesh!

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

for personal use

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

Was not overwhelmed with my used 16-35mm f2.8 Canon L II and had been looking at the Tokina for some time. I am very pleased with this lens - sharp wide open and even better at f4.0 - color rendition is good -- [...]. This lens is tank like - it's as heavy as the Canon 24-70mm L. I do have issues with the lens cap - It's come off twice already

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

Excellent lens, very well made.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

I think so!!Sharp Optics, Excellent Colors. Finish and Build is Pro Grade. I wish if the built-in Lens hood was metal to better protect the front bulbous glass from any damage if dropped. Appears rugged otherwise. Has weather sealing I believe.Zoom Ring is a little stiff (compare to my L glass) but smooth and not bothersome at all. I am still experimenting with Auto Focus, seem to front focus a bit, noticeable at longer distances. Will get back on this.Lens Cap Looks improved compared to what I have seen and heard previously. But still a Metal Cap would have been fantastic.Review at "[@]" does justice to this lens.Great Lens for the money no regrets. Buy it, if you can find one. Not easily available.[...]

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

I needed a nice wide lens for my 5D mark2 and this lens fits the bill. Very sharp with nice contrast wide open(center). You you want to keep corners sharp you have to stop down to f4.

The only problem with this lens could be the distortion at 16 that's expected. There is also some vignetting wide open.

Comments about Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Lens for Canon:

With a full frame camera (I use the Canon 5D Mark II), this lens is an exceptional addition to my array of "L" lenses...and the quality/output equivalent thereof! Sharpness is outstanding, especially for such a wide format, focusing is quick and the distortion is imperceptable. Uses include architectural, tight space, low light and creative work. Lens cover is fine,a non-issue.