Tokina AT-X Pro 50-135mm f/2.8 DX

This lens has achieved a certain cult status on the DX platform. It has some of the highest MTF figures tested, which provide a 3 dimensional quality one typically sees in FF digital. As a result, it renders images, to my eye, with higher IQ than either the highly rated Canon EFS zooms -- 10-22 and 17-55 zooms. The autofocus mechanism is pretty slow on the Rebel line, but very snappy on the 50D. For event shooting, this is my normal lens. I've also used it to shoot bands in average to very ...

Bought it on eBay, use it on my 40D with great satisfaction. My best lens for portraits. Image quality better than the Canon 60mm macro and far more versatile (but heavier...).

For what it is, a zoom telephoto, the image quality is pretty much faultless hence 5 stars. Yes, the Nikkor AF 85mm F1.8D is sharper, cheaper, faster, and more compact, but is doesn't go from 50 mm to 135 mm either. The point is the Tokina plays in the same league, delivering excellent contrast, color rendition, and bokeh. It is optimized for the middle of its zoom range, and falls off towards either extreme. This I think is the right design choice for this class of lens. Consider it variable ...

This lens is a great value for portraits on the dx format, Its sharp at every zoom length wide open which is important to me. Stopped down half a notch up to f8 its as good as it gets, the bokeh is good id rate it 4/5. I specially like its sturdy compact construction, it doesn't extend in any way and feels like a tank. The size is great for the focal length and is why i chose it over the 70-200mm offerings. The only part of it that doesn't get the highest rating from me is the autofocus, ...