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Tokina 28-210 f/3.5-5.6

Started Oct 24, 2005 | Discussions thread
IrishPhotog New Member • Posts: 14
Re: Tokina 28-210 f/3.5-5.6

AllanMarcus wrote:

let's see, $70 v. $200 (the 70-210 f/4 were

The tokina is probably not a very good lens, but you need to compare it to a Sigma 28-200 (about $75-80 on eBay). I'm not sure of the specs for each lens, I'll leave that as an exercise for the student.

I have a Sigma and here are my notes:

Not bad for snapshots.
Poor low light focusing.
Stiff zoom ring (this seems to be a common problem with Sigma).
Light (as in not heavy)

The Tokina is as sharp as my Canon 70-200/4 IS L.  However it slides up and down though it's built as tough as nails, the usual Tokina tank job. My experience is that these Tokina's are usually better than the old Sigma's and that seems true again with this lens.
Best stick it on a Sony or Pentax where it will be stabilised. I have it on a Sony a390 that I keep for the CCD sensor and that I can stick old lenses like this Tokina on and rejuvenate them.
This Tokina is so good that it focuses tiny print that you can't see with the naked eye at ten feet away on 210 mm. I find it a bit too heavy, though it lets in a lot of light because of its 72 mm diameter.
Colour is nice, probably due to the CCD mostly but this lens brings it up too. Fair bokeh as well.  I haven't tried yet but I'd say it will enlarge up to a 16 X 20 print as it's in the same class as my Canon though of course it looks cheaper than the L.

 IrishPhotog's gear list:IrishPhotog's gear list
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G
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