Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm F4 AF DX Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Tokina and the lens was released 2004.
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 2004 Tokina wrote this regarding Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm F4 AF DX:

"The all-new AT-X 124 AF PRO DX lens is Tokina’s first lens designed for use exclusively on Canon and Nikon Digital SLR cameras having an APS-C sized sensor.

This lens gives the Digital Photographer an ultra wide-angle zoom lens that has the equivalent of an 18-36mm zoom range on a 35mm film camera while maintaining a bright constant aperture of f/4.

Professional Features:

Non-rotating 77mm filter threads mean special effect filters will not change when the lens’ focus is changed. Tokina recommends using HOYA PRO 1 Series low profile filters with the AT-X 124 PRO DX.

Fast internal focusing with Tokina’s One-Touch focus clutch mechanism allows the lens to AF focus faster and switching between auto and manual focus is as easy as snapping the focus ring back and forth.

2 sharp-cut aspherical elements accurately correct aspherical aberration usually associated with ultra-wide angle lenses.

Bright, constant f/4 aperture allows plenty of light to enter the camera for shooting in a wide variety of photographic situations.

Chrome plated brass mount plate and all-metal zoom unit can stand up to regular use while advanced polycarbonate outer lens barrels reduce the weight of the lens, making it a pleasure to carry. "


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 designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

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 12-24 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 19-38 mm if you have a Canon camera or 18-36 mm if you have a Niko camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4.

The lens is to considered fairly 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 12 mm or at 24 mm the aperture value can be f/4.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "BH-777".

Images of Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm F4 AF DX

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.

  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • A lens hood is included
  • No built-in autofocus motor (the Nikon version)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • The lens can be difficult to find in stores
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (570 gr)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm F4 AF DX.

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

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