Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tokina and the lens was released 2010.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle zoom lenses, a wide angle lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Tokina

At launch 2010 Tokina wrote this regarding Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX:

"This new Tokina lens is the first in a new generation of full frame (FX) lenses designed for professional digital SLR cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D700 and D3x. The 16-28 zoom range gives the professional photographer a super-wide angle of view to get close to subject for dramatic effect or to take in entire scenes.

NEW Silent DC Motor with GMR senor
The 16-28 f/2.8 uses a newly developed silent DC motor that allows the lens to focus faster and more quietly then previous generations. The DC motor coupled with a new GMR magnetic AF sensor work together to increase AF Speed.

Ashperical and Super-low Dispersion glass elements
A new, 56mm in diameter, large sizes aspherical glass element is incorporated into the front lens group, while there are 2 more aspherical elements in the rear group. 3 SD super-low dispersion glass elements are also incorporated through-out the optical design to reduce chromatic aberration, give maximum resolution, more even brightness and distortion correction.

One-Touch Focus Clutch
Tokina’s exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the camera to focus manually. There is no need to change the AF/MF switch on Nikon camera bodies* and there is no second AF/MF switch on the lens for Canon, everything is accomplished by the focus ring. creep"


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.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 16-28 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.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 16 mm or at 28 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.

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.

Most lenses have the lens hood as an accessory, something that you mount on the lens seperately, but this lens has a lens hood as a fixed part of the lens.

Images of Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX

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 lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included (solid construction)
  • Not possible to use filters
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (950 gr)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX.

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

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