VERDICT
The Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 is surely a
good buy when it comes to the price.
But having experienced previous
Tokina models, it is but natural that we
expected a little more of perfection in
controlling aberrations and optical �laws.
Nevertheless, at this price range, the lens
is a good buy for advanced and semi-
professionals on a budget.PLUS
- Excellent build
quality - Focus clutch
mechanism - Good sharpness
- Attractive price
MINUS
- Heavy distortion
- Prominent light
fall-off - No image
stabilisation
FINAL SCORE
Design and Build Quality 18/20Key Features 16/20Ergonomics 17/20Performance
Autofocus 4.5/5
Sharpness 4.5/5
Distortion control 3/5
Aberrations 3/5
Darkening
of corners 3/5
Extra features 3/5Sub-Total 21/30Value for Money 7/1079 %
Focal length: 24-70mm
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Construction: 15 elements in 11 groups
SD Glass: 3 Elements
Coatings: Multi-layer coatings
Angle of View: 84.20-34.49°
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.38 m
Max. Magni�ication ratio: 1:4.73
Focus method: Internal focusing
Zoom type: Rotary zoom
Aperture Blades: 9
Filter Size: 82mm
Maximum Outer Diameter: 89.6mm
Length: 107.5mm
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Weight: 1010g
Mounts: Canon Full Frame, Nikon Full FrameKEY SPECIFICATIONS
focus override, it is really not required
since you can easily switch to manual
mode using the same focus ring that
you use for manual focussing.Performance
The Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 performed
reasonably well in our tests. Autofocus
was very fast and precise. The AF
operation was silent too, thanks to
internal focussing. At 24mm, the
images were sharp from f/5.6 to
16, and the sweet spot was f/5.6. At
50mm, sharp images were obtained
between f/8 to 16 and the sweet
spot shifted to f/11. At 70mm, the
acceptable sharpness range was f/11
to 16, and the sweet spot remained
at f/11.We observed prominent darkening
of corners at f.2.8 at the wide-angle
end, reducing progressively with
narrowing apertures and �inally
vanishing around f/8. The lens
produced �lare along with heavy
purple fringing at the wide-angleend with the lens wide open while
photographing strong against-the-light
subjects. The 24-70mm showed barrel
distortion up to 40mm focal length
and pincushion at the telephoto end.Value for Money
The Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 retails at
an MRP of Rs.90,000. This is very good
value for money for a standard f/2.8
zoom. |SPMahesh ReddyAperture: f/2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/2000sec
ISO: 400;
LENS
REVIEW104
Smart PhotographyJanuary 2016http://www.smartphotography.in