Lens Test: Tokina 12-24 F/4 AT-X PRO DX

[_andrew]

Well I decided to try and do a lens test today to see what this one performs at each aperture, on the top left of each photo is the aperture and the focal length. All of them are 100% Crop and were taken on a tripod using a remote shutter. I have only completed 12mm at the moment but will have 18 and 24mm pics up soon!

I think I have done the test right :o (first timer!)

here they are!

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5808/12mmf4gi6.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/2657/12mmf45nd9.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/6875/12mmf56ad4.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/3782/12mmf63xm2.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/244/12mmf71jk4.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/6974/12mmf100wu4.jpg
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/7404/12mmf130jb8.jpg

From what I can see, this lens at 12mm tends to be sharpest at about F/5.6 - 6.3.

If I haven't done this test properly then could someone please advise me on what I am doing wrong!I dont want to post inaccurate info!

btw - can you tell that my mum likes cows? you should see the uncropped version :rolleyes:

[grego]

I'd agree, it needs to be stopped down a little bit to get the sweet spots of the lens when really wide. I'd keep mine if it worked on my new 1D. So I'll probably have to shoe mine out the door.

[Nikolas]

f8?

[_andrew]

Sorry, I will get that one up tomorrow. I was sort of in a rush to get out and wanted to finish it!

[Tsmith]

_andrew ... I had to put on my reading glasses to make sure but those look soft. Actually very soft below f/5.6.

[queenbee288]

I think that for a test to be fair you need a little more light. Those pics look pretty dark to me.

[4x4rock]

The pics look dark and soft. Maybe reshoot outdoor with some better light?

[Incredirebelz]

I think that for a test to be fair you need a little more light. Those pics look pretty dark to me.

I totally agree. Please also try lighting from different angles (to create shadows), and if possible, different bulbs (e.g. flourescent). I seem to find my copy pretty sharp at f4.

I personally think testing indoors / with low contrast lighting is unrealistic for a wide angle that's primarily used for landscape photos.

[_andrew]

Thanks for the comments guys, as I said...it's my first attempt at a test so I will remember this for when I do it again.

I will hopefully get time this weekend and I will do it again but outside, I have already thought of the perfect spot!

[Neilyb]

I would definately shoot outdoors, this lens excels at landscape type shots with small appertures. I am only saddened by the fact that I cannot use it on the 5D....cracking lens, sharp as anything. Will have to make do with a 17-40 L when I can afford it ;)

[Nikolas]

I would definately shoot outdoors, this lens excels at landscape type shots with small appertures. I am only saddened by the fact that I cannot use it on the 5D....cracking lens, sharp as anything. Will have to make do with a 17-40 L when I can afford it ;)

I thought you could use it from 16mm onwards

[Neilyb]

I tried, it is useable from about 19 onwards, but I can use my 20mm 2.8 if I need this wide. It is alot of lens to carry for 4mm :|

[Nikolas]

Here are some real world pictures taken with the tokina
Sometimes I think static lens tests are useless.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=206222