Tokina 11 - 16 focus problem solved or not?

Hi,

This is my first post here.

I playing with my D300s and Tokina 11 - 16 and found that it had the dreaded backfocus problem only in the long end 16mm.

I did some more testing today morning and realized that the backfocus issue was present throughout the focal range 11 to 16 and not only at 16mm. It is just that it was more apparent at 16mm as the magnification is higher. So what I did was, I first wiped the contacts on my lens and the D300s body, then went in to AF Fine Tune and started dialing in positives values. I started with +4 then 8 then 16 then 20 and to my astonishment the problem was solved. My lens is unbelievably sharp wide open at all focal lengths and absolutely no focusing errors.

So my question is this. My lens is still under warranty so should I go in and exchange this for one that works well without having to fiddle with the 'AF Fine Tune', or should I just shut up and be happy with what I have right now?
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Screw the technicalities, it's all about aesthetics...

BUMP!!!
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Screw the technicalities, it's all about aesthetics...

Absolutely have to.

I don't know how AF fine tune works, but I think you may have focus problem with other lenses.

Its the specific lens and body combo that has the issue, and just be thankful that you have a D300 and can correct for it.

This lens may well be fine on someone elses D90 or D300.

Enjoy the facts everything is working really well!

Good article on the subject below:

https://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.12.22/this-lens-is-soft-and-other-myths

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http://www.samwaldron.co.nz

.. indications it is the lens (or largely) I’d return it. Crispness at this glass is rather the rule then exceptions I’d not be worried. I remember a series that had a problem (element spaces) at the beginning. I rarely hear of problems – although made in Japan doesn’t cure or mean everything.

It’s what I’d do. I can hardly recommend it straight in this case. I’d do it if above condition proves right –if it is largely on the lens side.

Good luck,

Hynek

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http://www.sunwaysite.com

You can also send it to Tokina (HDK) to be adjusted, I'd do that first. Better chance to have the corrections made, if they say "within specs" then live with it, working now right? Or send it back for replacement.

Tom

Really your call. I have this lens and had no issues with it right out of the box. If you are able to send it in, then I would, or get it exchanged for a new one. My experience with Tokina is that poor copies are a rare thing to come across.

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Wow...that's a pretty killer camera! Are you any good?

-Jake-

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I tried the Nikkor 70 - 300 G lens today and it had perfect focus and is also a lens that uses the AF motor on the D300s. So my guess is that the fault lies in the lens and since AF fine tune fixes the backfocus completely, I guess ill just keep it.

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Screw the technicalities, it's all about aesthetics...

Well good luck to you. This is still one of my all time favorite lenses. Been using it around f8-11 for landscape shots and also the occasional skate board photo and concert pic. Great lens all around.

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Wow...that's a pretty killer camera! Are you any good?

-Jake-

If your not happy with the lens and sure about the focus issue I would return it, Tokina have a good reputation for quality and will sort it out.

I got my one yesterday (Tokina 11-16), here is one of the first pics, got a lot to learn but looking forward to using it.





Cheers,

Ian.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandozer

Well I am having exactly the same issue as you.. Only in my case the fine tuning setting is -18. Also I coulnt find a new one here in my country (Pakistan) even after waiting for over a year. I saw this by chance at a local dealer and appearantly looked to be in very good condition.

I can't seem to make up my mind whether to keep it or return it. If I return it, I know I might not get another one for a long time.

By the way, I had borrowed a 11-16 last month from a friend, and couldn't find a single issue with it. It was absolutely great. Too bad that my copy didn't work as well straight out of the box.

Try using live view and the contrast based focus.

If it focuses dead on , your camera my need to be shipped back...(especially if it is slightly off on other lenses too) test multiple lenses...if it does, a trip back to Nikon would get that dialed in for you.

If it is only on this lens, you have two options. Send the lens back or use your lens tuning feature.

Roman
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"The only rule of composition is....that it works."

We are officially live!!!!
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I wish I had read your post earlier, but I returned the lens. I do miss it though.

Now I am thinking about buying a 24-70 for now to be used with d7000 and when an upgrade to the d700 becomes available i will try to move to that. 24mm should be wide enough on a FX body.

I could however also sell the d7000 along with 70-300VR, and 18-55VR, get a d700 along with a 20mm 2.8. But I am not sure if buying a d700 at this point in time is wise.