Macro (1:1)/

Tokina AT-X M 100mm F2.8 AF PRO D Macro Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Tokina and the lens was released 2006.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

The lens has macro-capabilities and is able to reproduce things in their true size (1:1) which is good, it tends to be the rule for calling a lens a 'true' macro lens.

Product description from Tokina

At launch 2006 Tokina wrote this regarding Tokina AT-X M 100mm F2.8 AF PRO D Macro:

"The AT-X 100 PRO D is a new macro lens capable of life-sized (1:1) reproduction at 11.8 in. (30 cm). The lens´ multi-coating have been re-engineered to match the highly reflective silicon based CCD and CMOS sensors in today´s digital SLR cameras. This lens gives the best of both worlds because optics still give full coverage and excellent sharpness on 35mm film. A macro lens that can handle both the digital and film worlds with ease.

The AT-X 100 PRO D also has a very convenient focus limiter switch that can lock the focus out of the closes focus making it focus faster when used as a moderate telephoto lens that is excellent portraits as well.

Other features of the AT-X 100 PRO D are:

Tokina One Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism for fast easy switching between manual and Auto focus.

55mm non-rotating filter thread for use with macro ring flashes and special effects filters.

The AT-X 100 PRO D also comes with a deep bayonet mounted lens hood."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon and Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

Here it is the only Canon version of the lens that has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. The possibility to use autofocus (AF) is available for Nikon cameras but only if the camera itself has a built-in autofocus (AF) motor. Some cheaper and budget camera models from Nikon lacks a built-in autofocus motor, and we at Lensora appreciate autofocus, so in the list of compatible cameras we have chosen to display only the cameras that you can get autofocus with.

The lens has a focal length of 100 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

This lens does not support the use of filters which is slightly negative. To have the option to use filters, for their optic purpose or as protection, would have been nice but no.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "BH-551 ".

Images of Tokina AT-X M 100mm F2.8 AF PRO D Macro

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • The lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Manages to reproduce things at 1:1 (Macro)
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
  • Not possible to use filters
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Tokina AT-X M 100mm F2.8 AF PRO D Macro.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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