Tokina 50-135mm f/2.8

[The_Camera_Poser]

Does anyone have the Tokina 50-135? Can you post samples or give an opinion/review of it?

Thanks!

[The_Camera_Poser]

Nothing?

[The_Camera_Poser]

Nada?

[TopGear1Ds]

I don't own it, but are you aware of this review? http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tokina_50135_28/index.htm

[The_Camera_Poser]

Yeah- seen it. Thanks though!

[mmahoney]

I asked the same question on a different thread yesterday, I was not aware of your thread here.

So far I've no replies. I suppose it's a relatively new lens and third party which means it may be a while before we get a lot of user experience. There is one user review over on Fred Miranda, and the PhotoZone review mentioned above.

[eyusuf]

reviving old thread..:D

i think this lens is underrated. i feel that it is a solid lens which produces excellent IQ photos. sharpness is excellent. i did a couple of shots at 50mm f/2.8, f/4 and 135mm f/2.8, f/4.

http://eyusuf.smugmug.com/gallery/4154372

[The_Camera_Poser]

How's the build and the AF on it Eyusuf?

[eyusuf]

the build is fantastic. very professional and feels solid in your hand.
AF is a bit loud (that is you are spoiled rotten with canon USM) but nothing terrible. the tamron 17-50 is louder.
AF accuracy is also excellent.

[LightRules]

How's the build and the AF on it Eyusuf?

the build is fantastic. very professional and feels solid in your hand.
AF is a bit loud (that is you are spoiled rotten with canon USM) but nothing terrible. the tamron 17-50 is louder.
AF accuracy is also excellent.

I played with this lens at Samys Camera in O.C. (southern California) about 6-8 mos ago. I mounted it to my 20D and my impressions were very favorable. I agree with eyusuf: the build is solid, Hummer-like with refinement. Classic Tokina ATX DX Pro. AF is just like eyusuf says also. The IQ was right there with the Sigma 50-150 and 70-200 f2.8 lenses. Nothing to be ashamed of at all. And CA was not as bad as I thought it might be. Overall a good lens, but because it's Tokina, it doesn't get much play around the forums. :(

[AutoXer]

Popular Photography tested this lens and their reslts showed its fantastically sharp. Check their site, look under revews, its there.

[pourmeaguinness]

I was the first owner of eyusuf's 50-135..

I know how nice it is.. It's hard to explain it really.

The lens itself is the real deal.. IF you shoot crop, like most of us do, you really won't find a better everyday portrait lens. (EF 70-200's are telephoto only on crops.. too long for studio and normal portraiture work).

The lens itself has no flaws, I may have had a perfect copy.. but I have owned more than one Tokina and both have been awesome.

I have been quietly supportive of tokina product for a while. Sadly underrated.

Anyone sitting on the fence should try this lens.. short and incredibly solid with a 67mm filter, usable in most situations you want sharp pics with creamy bokeh.

Don't doubt it.. find one and try it.. your rebel or XXd body will not find crisper pics in the same range without a set of primes..

Enjoy it eyusuf.

everyone else.. try one... really

[eyusuf]

real world shot taken with this lens.
f/2.8, 1/80s, 90mm, handheld. available window light. no sharpening. 100% crop from the pic straight from the camera.
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/638/cropac7.jpg

[lookingforaname]

wow eyusuf. wow! more please?

[eyusuf]

wow eyusuf. wow! more please?

you like?

[eyusuf]

wow eyusuf. wow! more please?

another one. f/2.8, 1/60mm, 50mm. handheld. no sharpening applied. 100% crop.
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3443/crop2yd4.jpg

[pourmeaguinness]

I shot these raw+jpeg smallest on the 20d.. direct uploaded from card, no pp these are the small jpegs

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/pourmeaguinness/IMG_1313.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/pourmeaguinness/IMG_1297.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/pourmeaguinness/IMG_1324.jpg

enjoy

[GeneMan88]

I just got this lens recently as I'm putting together a vacation/travel kit with my 10D body and Tokina lenses. The Tokina 50-135 is a very well built lens... I love how great the zoom and focus rings feel when you turn them. It's not too heavy of a lens, and it's pretty sharp too. The focus speed could be a little faster, and it's buzz is not as loud as I was expecting it to be. At f/2.8 this lens is a little softer than Canon's L's... and is exhibits some CA, which seems to be common among Tokinas. Compared to my Tokina 16-50 f/2.8, the 50-135 is the sharper of the two... but, the 16-50 focuses faster. Here are a couple of photos of my cat. These photos are un-processed, only converted from RAW to jpeg.

This photo was shot at 135mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/125, ISO=800, with flash.
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p513226394-4.jpg

This photo was shot at 50mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/125, ISO=800, with flash.
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p497938362-4.jpg

Here's a snap shot: at 135mm, Av= f/3.2, Tv=1/125, ISO=800, with flash.
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p135215084-4.jpg

Thus far, I'm pretty happy with this lens... I like that it's got a decent focal length, and fast aperture. It's also black in color which should grab a little less attention.

[pourmeaguinness]

This thread should be added to the archive

[GeneMan88]

Here's a couple of photos of the Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 coupled with my 10D & 580 MkI.

Without hood
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p926985832-4.jpg

With hood
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p763979790-4.jpg


Here are a couple of shots of the 50-135 f/2.8 next to Canon's 70-200 f/4 for size comparison:

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p86200305-4.jpg

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p520049846-4.jpg

The last 2 shots were taken with my 10D/Tokina 16-50 f/2.8 combo at 34mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/80, ISO=800, with flash.

[eyusuf]

this thread has been added to the archive; however, it was dubbed "AT-X 840 AF D 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 (~$650 )" instead of 50-135mm. i wonder whether someone can fix that.

[Zebceponaf]

ahhh....why did I have to read all of this?

[-spam-]

Whats the AF like on it? Ive played with the pentax version that has USM equivalent and it was pretty nice as far as IQ goes.

[eyusuf]

Whats the AF like on it? Ive played with the pentax version that has USM equivalent and it was pretty nice as far as IQ goes.

AF is fast and accurate. makes a bit of sound (that is if you are spoiled rotten with canon usm) but nothing terrible.
i should emphasize one more time: IQ is excellent...:)

[ptavares]

well i think i will buy a tokina 50-135 for concert photography because of the extra range in bigger venues.

Sigma 50-150 as a lot of focusing issues.

In Europe this Tokina is Cheaper than Sigma.

[pourmeaguinness]

In Canada there is no official Tokina distribution, but www.dvshop.ca in Toronto is treated like an American dealer, yet they are in Toronto.

Why am I writing this? Because we as Canadians know how muck additional markup Canadian retailers put on camera gear. Look at any Canon, Nikon, Tamron, or Sigma price here vs usa... they are all a minimum 25% more, plus taxes.

The Tokina lenses sold by DV Shop are bought at USA distribution prices, and sold here with low markups.

You can find superlative Tokina lenses in Toronto, for a lot less than you'd expect.

Thats enough.. I don't work for DVshop.. really, I just recognise a good product.

Cheers

[flareak]

this lens is pretty sharp wide open even at 135mm. i have some pics that are not sharp, but i'm pretty sure its camera shake. even so, they came out okay

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2280705363_473e305534_o.jpg

[flareak]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2296597697_af023f53a7.jpg

[lildexmom]

I just got a new copy of this lens a week ago and I love it. The small size and build quality makes this a easy lens to carry around (in your bag or on the camera).
Auto focusing is quick and accurate, it can be heard adjusting but its not loud enough to be annoying to me or heard by any one a few feet away.

The IQ is great, pics have super color and are sharp. The focal range is ideal for my needs picking up where my Canon 17-55mm leaves off.

I will post some pics later this week but so far I am so happy with the bokeh it produces I am rethinking the need for the 85mm f/1.8 - I think this lens may have me covered.

[GeneMan88]

Lildexmom...

I'm very glad that you finally made a decision... you'll love this lens. Here's a recent photo of my cat sitting laying on my wife's lap. Taken with 10D/Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 at 100mm, Av=f/3.2, Tv=1/100, ISO=800, with flash.

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p586407368-4.jpg

[flareak]

i have to agree with lildexmom. the bokeh is somethign i haven't seen before and i really really really like it :)

[GeneMan88]

Finally... I got a "duck shot" with this great lens. Here it is:

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p716828767-4.jpg

Shot at 135mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/100, ISO=200

[flashhsalf]

how did i miss this lens ...this needs more viewing and more pictures.

[eyusuf]

how did i miss this lens ...this needs more viewing and more pictures.

since it is not canon, it has received little attention..:D

sharpness at any focal length wide open is similar to 135 f/2L and 200mm f/2.8L

[p360]

That's it. I can't take it any more. I am ordering this lens.

[eyusuf]

That's it. I can't take it any more. I am ordering this lens.

lovely..another convert..:)

[flareak]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/2495156643_f9c133feca_o.jpg

I just got my lens back from mack camera. when i got the lens off some fred miranda member something was loose inside and would give me an ERR. still gotta test the lens out, but no more loose thing inside. i think it looks pretty good. maybe even sharper than before.. but that's just my "self-justification of purchase" talking :) took long enough to get it fixed... 2 months is a lifetime! for some animals

OH PS. this is NO PP whatsover. straight out of camera resized

[flareak]

Okay, I just went outside to take some test shots. They must have calibrated it or something <3 u Tokina!!! Again, No PP except resize
Oh, first two are at 2.8, last one at 3.5, ISO 400? last one 800? I have more pics too if you want

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nigiripictures/2495758781/ (Original File, Full RES)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2496016060_3ab6222e81_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2496013904_c2a53d2671_o.jpg

[randomlinh]

nice. I'll hopefully have mine next week =)

[GeneMan88]

Here are a couple of new ones I snapped while on my vacation...

10D/Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 combo at 135mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/4000, ISO=100
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p116183185-5.jpg

10D/Tokina 50-135 f/2.8 combo at 73mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/4000, ISO=100, Exp. Comp.= -2/3
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p353849109-5.jpg

[morda666]

Two from me... ;)

My monitor is not calibrated. Let me know if you can see any color problem.

[randomlinh]

I haven't been able to go test outside yet, but inside, doing some focus test to make sure mine wasn't back/front focusing (my sigma 70-200 i returned FF'd), I noticed at full telephoto, it was noticeably softer than other focal length (wide open, and this is where I'm concerned since it's where I'll use it most).

I'm going to try and go out tomorrow after work to play with it, but wanted to throw it out there.

My first opinion on this is I wish it has HSM/USM, other than the softness. I'm spoiled by the speed the sigma 70-200 had, and the 70-200 4L I had (and my current primes). The next thing was 150 might have been nice, but I wanted the tripod ring, and the samples here looked real good.

Also, where's the serial number on this thing?

[AlienBrain]

OK I am sold. Could anyone tell me a reputable seller of this lens. Or how can I find a reputable seller of this lens?

I am going to use it to complement my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

[p360]

I bought mine from here.

http://www.adorama.com/TN50135EOS.html

[eyusuf]

OK I am sold. Could anyone tell me a reputable seller of this lens. Or how can I find a reputable seller of this lens?

I am going to use it to complement my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

you probably should sell the tamron and get tokina 16-50..:D

BH has it.

[flareak]

hrm i think i'm gonna sell mine for a 70-200 2.8 IS. i like my tokina, i just think white is rather sexy. maybe i'll go massive shooting with it this weekend

[NorCalAl]

Funny, I was an L addict for a while, then I got the 11-16. True enough, it wasn't for me, but I sold it to get the 12-24. Now I see this lens! I may end up being a Tokina fan.

My first 'expensive' lens was a Tokina 70-200/2.8 that I bought for night football and purple fringe was a HORROR on it. I've read the 50-135 has some, as well. Would any owners care to comment?

And how's AF accuracy? Some (I think Polish) web site tested and said it missed about 14% of the time. How do you find accuracy to be? There's also mention of slow AF, but to some, anything less than instant is slow. Is AF speed pretty decent? Are we talking 85L slow or 180L slow? Or faster than either?

[flareak]

noooooooooo not 85 slow AT ALL
85 slow is like 5-6 times slower than this lens

[randomlinh]

To comment on the speed.. it depends. If it has to jump from one extreme to the other, it is VERY slow IMO compared to say my 85 f/1.8 (spoiled by it's speed). But if you're pretty close to where you need to be, it's fairly quick. I was afraid it'd be a killer for me, but I realized if I want HSM/USM, gotta pay for it.. heh.

[Schipperke]

I have my 50-135 for a week or so. I love it. This is cropped and pp a little.

[ChrisHerd]

What are you planning to use this lens for? Sigma has a 50-150mm f/2.8, now in its 2nd generation. Will you miss the extra reach?

[randomlinh]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2543130939_9001fe63fb.jpg

f/6.3
1/320
115mm, but this shot is a crop, but not a 100% crop
this is straight from Aperture 2's default application of my raw files.

[flareak]

yeah but sigma's 50-150mm i found to be softer at 150 and i didn't like the color cast. so i wouldn't want to use it at 150 anyway

[GeneMan88]

I guess you can say that I'm a big fan of Tokina's 50-135 f/2.8 . Here are a couple of my wife:

10D/Tokina 50-135 combo at 100mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/40, ISO=400, Exp.Comp=-1
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p523236979-4.jpg

10D/Tokina 50-135 combo at 135mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/100, ISO=400, with flash
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p55375472-4.jpg

My wife was surfing the net at the time. I PP these via DPP. Tokina's lenses work great with crop cameras.

[pourmeaguinness]

I sold mine to get a 70-200 2.8 IS.

The Tokina was sharper. But the IS is more useful.

[randomlinh]

I sold mine to get a 70-200 2.8 IS.

The Tokina was sharper. But the IS is more useful.

heh, I wouldn't argue there, but it's also over 2x the price =) That said, I'm not sure I'll keep it. I really like a zoom in this range, but the sigma 50-150 might suit me better being a bit lighter. But the build on this is very nice and I'm liking what I get from it.

[pourmeaguinness]

heh, I wouldn't argue there, but it's also over 2x the price =) That said, I'm not sure I'll keep it. I really like a zoom in this range, but the sigma 50-150 might suit me better being a bit lighter. But the build on this is very nice and I'm liking what I get from it.

Don't do it.. selling a tested stellar optic, to save a few grams?..

You lose large on build and gain on focusing speed..

Not worth it.

[randomlinh]

Don't do it.. selling a tested stellar optic, to save a few grams?..

You lose large on build and gain on focusing speed..

Not worth it.
yeah, you're probably right. I think mostly because getting this lens was my way of covering mid-range telephoto... as it was originally suppose to be the 70-200 =) I think I'll either keep it and sell my 85, or if I do trade it, it will be for a 135L... but I don't think I'd do well w/ long primes, haha.

out of curiosity, has anyone tried this w/ a teleconverter? will it even take one?

[GeneMan88]

I know this much... Canon's 1.4x teleconverter will not mate-up with the 50-135. Whether the others will or will not... I don't know.

[p360]

One of my favorite lenses. The focal length is just ideal for me.


283205

283204

[p360]

Two more with this lens. I told you this was one my favorite lenses.

283206

283207

[GeneMan88]

The more I use this zoom, the more I love it. The focal length is very useful... sometimes, I wish for more reach, and the bokeh isn't bad either. A great match with 1.6x crop cameras.

Couple of recent photos of my friend's 7 week old daughter...

1.) Doh! She caught me "sniping" a candid shot of her in her carriage.
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p222914283-5.jpg
10D/Toke 50-135 f/2.8 at 135mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/1000, ISO=200, Exp. Comp= -1

2.) As her mom held her...
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p212498557-5.jpg
10D/Toke 50-135 f/2.8 at 135mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/1250, ISO=200, Exp. Comp= -1

Photos shot in RAW and PP via Aperture.

[MannP]

A couple of quick and dirty shots. No PP, just crop on 1st shot. Too much in camera sharpening :mrgreen:

50mm 2.8

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/Tokina%2050-135mm/IMG_6797.jpg

135mm 2.8

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/Tokina%2050-135mm/IMG_6803.jpg

[darkninja67]

This thread helped me decide to order this lens. Getting it tomorrow and it should be well used.

Nice shots to all in the thread.

[darkninja67]

So here are my impressions so far on this lens:
Beach Camera was awesome once again. Price was $588, ordered the lens yesterday, got it noon today.

The lens itself is sharp wide open it seems, build quality is awesome (solid, nicely damped zoom and AF rings, fairly heavy), the AF is slightly noisey and a bit slow indoors, color and contrast seem to be pretty good as well. Overall I can see it being a good street photography lens and portrait lens all in one. Good bridge lens from standard zooms to the tele zooms IMO.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b134/darkninja67/IMG_4022_dn67.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b134/darkninja67/IMG_4042_dn67.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b134/darkninja67/IMG_4066_fin_dn67.jpg


I will own the Tokina 11-16mm oneday soon I think.

[MannP]

I will own the Tokina 11-16mm oneday soon I think.

Me too! Then a mid range zoom and my trinity will be complete :)

Great samples!

[GeneMan88]

Have fun with your Toke 50-135... now go out and shoot photos!

[yonni]

If Canon offered this lens with IS it would mate perfectly with the 17-55. Maybe come Sep.

[GeneMan88]

Hmm... if Canon were to create a version of this lens, it would probably be more expensive than the Tokina. Would the IQ be as good and sharp... maybe, maybe not. Question: Would Canon really make a EF/EF-S 50-135 f/2.8 (IS or non-IS)?

[darkninja67]

Hmm... if Canon were to create a version of this lens, it would probably be more expensive than the Tokina. Would the IQ be as good and sharp... maybe, maybe not. Question: Would Canon really make a EF/EF-S 50-135 f/2.8 (IS or non-IS)?
This lens is pretty damn sharp wide open. I cannot see Canon topping Tokina in that category.

[yonni]

Hmm... if Canon were to create a version of this lens, it would probably be more expensive than the Tokina. Would the IQ be as good and sharp... maybe, maybe not. Question: Would Canon really make a EF/EF-S 50-135 f/2.8 (IS or non-IS)?
I have no doubt it would be more expensive. As far as IQ goes that's anyone's guess. I would think some crop shooters would find it very useful. Think wedding photogs. Would you rather lug around a 70-200is @ 3 lbs., or this ef-s at about 2lbs. I am extrapolating from the weight difference between the 17-55 and the 24-70. I think the efs 17-55is and an efs 50 or 55-135is would be a killer combo.

[MannP]

Another sample at 135mm F/2.8
Applied fill light and resized. The rest untouched and straight out of the camera.
Misfocused on the face though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/Tokina%2050-135mm/IMG_6848.jpg

Had difficulty tracking birds even in bright sunlight.
135mm is soft when pixelpeeping, but very usable for normal prints or web. I love the background blur it produces.
All in all I love it.

[randomlinh]

I have no doubt it would be more expensive. As far as IQ goes that's anyone's guess. I would think some crop shooters would find it very useful. Think wedding photogs. Would you rather lug around a 70-200is @ 3 lbs., or this ef-s at about 2lbs. I am extrapolating from the weight difference between the 17-55 and the 24-70. I think the efs 17-55is and an efs 50 or 55-135is would be a killer combo.
this lens is a very good reason why I *don't* really want to go full frame. I'm finding I really like the range, and a 70-200/2.8 (which I initially bought) really bites me w/o IS.. and IS is expensive, heh.

[MannP]

Another one

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/Tokina%2050-135mm/IMG_6852.jpg

[roastpuff]

So how is the AF on this? Is it slow and no good with AI Focus? How is it for sports tracking, like for ultimate frisbee, and fencing? Low-light performance for AF?

Torn between this and the Sigma, but I don't want to play the Sigma roulette.

[MannP]

I found it more difficult to track birds with this lens compared to my previous 70-200.

50-135 on a 40D
iso 100
1/4000
f/4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/Tokina%2050-135mm/IMG_6890.jpg

Same shot uncropped
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/mannanddulchtwo/Miscellaneous/Tokina%2050-135mm/IMG_6890-2.jpg

[SilverOnemi]

yes, use ur 70 200 instead.... canon USM kills evreything in tracking ?

[rjx]

Been researching the Tokina 16-50 2.8 and the Tokina 50-135 2.8

Here are some galleries I found while searching.

Tokina 50-135 2.8 (Canon)
http://flickr.com/photos/chrisdigital/tags/tokina50135mm/
http://flickr.com/photos/nigiripictures/tags/50135/

I gathered links for Tokina 50-135 2.8 Nikon version since there are not a lot of examples of the 50-135 Canon version. --- Just in case anyone is interested.

http://www.pbase.com/bonner01/adobe Most of this collection is a with a 50-135
http://flickr.com/photos/smotz/tags/50135/
http://flickr.com/photos/raymond_francois/tags/50135/
http://flickr.com/photos/8957250@N04/tags/50135/
http://flickr.com/photos/23361971@N04/tags/50135/
http://flickr.com/photos/26456702@N05/tags/50135/
http://flickr.com/photos/sambru/tags/50135/


I also made a similar post for the Tokina 16-50 2.8

[p360]

Another one from me: I am pretty sure this was taken using this lens.

314298

[GeneMan88]

Here's a shot from a visit to the Oregon Zoo this past weekend...

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p649962010-5.jpg

Shot thru glass with 10D/Tok 50-135f/2.8 combo at 135mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/250, ISO=800. Shot in RAW and pp via Aperture.

[Valencia Photography]

Wow some really nice shots with this lens. I've never used Tokina glass. But, I think it may be nice adding to the Tamron 17-50mm I have. I find myself wanting quite a bit more zoom, but the 85mm is never right for it.

[-spam-]

I've never used Tokina glass.

It is essentially a pentax design (well, co developed between them and tokina) along with the tokina 16-50 2.8.

Im still torn between this and splurging a bit more for the sigma/tamron 70-200's or the canon 70-200 f4L. Wont have the money for ages, so i get a bit of time to decide :rolleyes:

[MannP]

It is essentially a pentax design (well, co developed between them and tokina) along with the tokina 16-50 2.8.

Im still torn between this and splurging a bit more for the sigma/tamron 70-200's or the canon 70-200 f4L. Wont have the money for ages, so i get a bit of time to decide :rolleyes:

The sigma 70-200 is calling my attention mainly because of the faster AF but at the expense of sharpness. Tokina really takes the cake though I've only seen online sample from the 70-200. hmm..

[GeneMan88]

Here's a random photo I snapped while out walking...

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p937274584-5.jpg

Photo shot with 10D/Tokie 50-135 combo at 135mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/80, ISO=200

[DHMN]

I just bought this lens Monday.. and used it at a hockey game today.. I'm still shooting with a Rebel XS and have been using flash for hockey and basketball games and really wanted a F2.8 with around 150mm and this turned out to be the lens I ended up with (actually without looking at it online, but with great advice at the shop)

I didn't see any sports shooting listed... so here's 2 shots from hockey tonight (If you're on another forum I am you may have seen these already tonight) All are 2.8 (duhhh) 1/400 and ISO 1600

At it's max 135mm which is enough for hockey for me cause I'm usually trying to focus mainly on the offensive side of the ice but wasn't as interested in who won here as working with the lens.
http://www.viewthroughmylens.net/Galleries/Sports/DuluthNorthernStars/VsEastview/DuluthVsEastview27.jpg

http://www.viewthroughmylens.net/Galleries/Sports/DuluthNorthernStars/VsEastview/DuluthVsEastview29.jpg

http://www.viewthroughmylens.net/Galleries/Sports/DuluthNorthernStars/VsEastview/DuluthVsEastview19.jpg

The photoshop work on these is 'auto levels' and cropping/resizing.. before I got the lens I was using the cheap 55-250 F4 and took hours to brighten and fix colors etc but it was what I could afford at the time.
Tomorrow night the lens does Basketball.

[p360]

This excellent lens is getting any work nowadays.

I am selling it - here.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=625723

Any takers?

[Gary W.]

Hey all,

I know it's been a while for this lens, but does anyone miss not having some sort of IS with this lens? I am considering the lens, but would like to know first. I am thinking this would be a good lens for indoor/sports.

Gary W.

[Karl Johnston]

Hm for the price, weight the money it's a decent lens but nowhere near what the 70-200 2.8 can be...I was thinking of selling the L but now judging by some of these pics, the sharpness is just nowhere near.

[GeneMan88]

Hm for the price, weight the money it's a decent lens but nowhere near what the 70-200 2.8 can be...I was thinking of selling the L but now judging by some of these pics, the sharpness is just nowhere near.

I like this lens plenty... but I would never compare it to any of the Canon 70-200 L's. For me, it is a great option for my travel/vacation kit... lighter, smaller, and inconspicuous. It's not perfect, but gets me plenty of great shots.

[dgoakill]

is there any focusing issues like with the sigma 50-150? I've been going back and forth between these lenses and the focus issue is turning me away from the sigma. I have their 30mm and while I "think" mine is okay, I've run focus tests a few times and it seems it only slightly front focuses at 1.4. not enough to make me send it back.

i'm surprised there isn't more options at this level considering how many crop cameras there are. 70-200 is too much lens for me in terms of shooting subject matter and considering crop factor.

[GeneMan88]

A photo from a recent day trip to Macau. I was walking through the crowds... and boy was it crowded.

http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p1073203238-5.jpg

Photo taken with 10D/Tokie 50-135 f/2.8 combo at 50mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/1000, ISO=400, Exp. comp=-2/3

[GeneMan88]

Photo taken with 10D/Tokie 50-135 combo at 78mm, Av=f/11, Tv=1/200, ISO=200
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p44299078-5.jpg

This photo was taken up at James Woodhill Park at Rocky Butte, in Portland, OR. That's Mt. Hood in the background.

[GeneMan88]

Taken with 10D/Tokina 50-135 combo, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/2000, ISO=100
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p43376639-5.jpg

[Gary W.]

Taken with 10D/Tokina 50-135 combo, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/2000, ISO=100
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p43376639-5.jpg

Hey all,

A fitting post for the day it is! A salute to ALL our fallen heroes!

Gary W.

[conbu19]

this is a 100% crop @ f3.2, available window light from the right, hand held, Min. Focus Distance (about 4 ft.) This lens (mine was a demo) cost me $490 last week. It is built like a tank and clean as brand new. The auto focus while acurate is not as fast as USM but for most occassions fast enough. No,it's not the 70-200mm F/2.8 L, but at a fraction of the cost it's a helluva lens. Steve B.

[conbu19]

this is approx. 100% crop with Kenko 1.4 telextender

[conbu19]

Tokina 50-135, min focus distance, (about 40in.)
F/4.5@1/1000
Iso 200
kenko 1.4 telextender
F/L Equiv. to 302mm
Monopod
Super efficient lightbulb

[dengar]

Havent had time to post but I got the lens a few weeks ago. Definitely a pro-style build and the tripod collar, although you cant remove it, is a welcome addition. Here is a quick snap taken at 135mm@2.8, ISO 1600 in available light. The bokeh is soft and creamy. The background is my kitchen with a bunch of junk on it, which of course you cannot see :D

http://danielnegron.smugmug.com/photos/596810916_CbpiZ-L.jpg

[conbu19]

nice job Dengar, this lens i think is what we used to call in hot rodding back in the day(60's/70's) a real sleeper! I find even with the 1.4 Kenko on it is still very sharp!
Good luck with yours I notice your taking the plunge into portrait work,good luck,keep posting and let us know how it goes. Steve B.

[shooter mcgavin]

After coming to the realization that I will probably be shooting with a crop camera for a while, I've decided to start building up my crop-lens setup. I just bought a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 from eyusuf, a poster from this thread, and I'm thinking about getting this lens to compliment it. They sell new now for $540, which is pretty reasonable compared to the alternative choices, but do you think that this lens will perform up to the quality of the 17-50? After a while I would like to also spring for a 11-60 f/2.8, but I think this lens would get more use, so it's my next step.
I'm leaning towards it right now, but I just thought I would check to see if anyone else has opinions on it. Thanks!

[Jason C]

I'm thinking about joining the AT-X 535 club, the focal lenght is right up my alley and judging by all of your samples seems to be a good piece of glass...albeit crop glass.

Still pondering...


Jason C

[GeneMan88]

In Oregon, local vineyards are full of grapes, all ready for picking. I snapped some photos of them while we were out wine tasting this past weekend.

Taken with 10D/Tokie 50-135 f/2.8 combo at 135mm, Av=f/5.6, Tv=1/200s, ISO=400
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p307235392-5.jpg

Taken with 10D/Tokie 50-135 f/2.8 combo at 135mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/250s, ISO=400
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p416900971-5.jpg

[shooter mcgavin]

I just traded my 85 f/1.8 on the forum for this. I can't wait to get it!

[GeneMan88]

I just traded my 85 f/1.8 on the forum for this. I can't wait to get it!

Hmmm... I don't know... I like my 85 f/1.8 too. I admit, I don't use it on my 10D... it's a great lens on a FF camera body and produces great photos.

Here are a couple of more samples from my 50-135 f/2.8...

At 75mm, Av=f/2.8, Tv=1/320s, ISO=400, Exp. Comp=-1
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p362822457-5.jpg

At 135mm, Av=f/8, Tv=1/200s, ISO=200, Exp. Comp=-2/3
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p39628564-5.jpg

Both photos shot with 10D in RAW format. Post processed with Aperture + Nik Software.

[shooter mcgavin]

Yea, I love 85mm on full frame, but I think I'll get more use from the 50-135 on my 20d.

[tkbslc]

Ironically, I now have shooter's ^^^^ 50-135, so I guess it didn't last long :) He should have kept it, because it is GOOD...

68mm f2.8:
http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p782803213-4.jpg

90mm f2.8
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp241/tkbslc/lens%20samples/tokina%2050-135/IMG_1483.jpg

bokeh test:
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp241/tkbslc/lens%20samples/tokina%2050-135/IMG_1523.jpg

50mm f2.8
http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp241/tkbslc/lens%20samples/tokina%2050-135/IMG_1538.jpg

[nazpicman]

Has this lens been discontinued for Canon mounts??? B&H no longer lists it as available, and there is the new 16.5-135 coming out soon.

[tkbslc]

Has this lens been discontinued for Canon mounts??? B&H no longer lists it as available, and there is the new 16.5-135 coming out soon.

I heard rumor it might be. It never was a big seller for Canon mount for some reason. Although I am seeing them at b&H today for a pretty decent price.

The 16-135mm is definitely not a replacement for this lens. That is a wide range slow zoom. The 50-135mm is an fast f2.8 portrait telephoto. It is basically a 70-200 f2.8L made just for crop cameras.

[nazpicman]

a few weeks ago it was listed there as discontinued, and also had no price in their magazine ad for the Canon version of it. Glad to see its back. Have no real use or room for it personally now, but think it would make a great travel zoom for that medium range.

[tkbslc]

Seriously, this lens rules!

From a quick portrait session in bad lighting tonight:

(EDIT: 1st photo removed because it was soft due to user error and I didn't want to taint the sample thread)

65mm f2.8 (ISO 1600)
http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p121405334-5.jpg

I am really glad I got this instead of the 85mm 1.8. It is so flexible for portraits and is not lacking one bit for bokeh or sharpness.

[J.Bat]

Anyone want to trade this lens for a 17-55 plus a little cash on your end?

[tkbslc]

Okay, I think I am getting the hang of this lens and it just keeps getting better. This is the ultimate portrait lens, IMHO. My only wish is that it was a little lighter. My final verdict is that it is prime sharp at f2.8 from 50-120mm. 120mm+ needs to be stopped to f3.2 (one click of the dial) to be as sharp as the rest of the lens is at f2.8. I still feel like it is as sharp or sharper than any of the Canon f2.8 zooms at f2.8. Nailing focus with the tiny DOF at f2.8 is kinda hard and takes some practice. I don't know how those guys do it with f2 and f1.8 primes at 85-135mm.

Here's one from tonight with bounced flash at f3.2. Still not deep enough DOF, but I really do not see how you could ever ask for sharper than this.

http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p975325260-4.jpg

100% crop:

[tkbslc]

Seems like I am the only one using this lens, sadly.

Just as an FYI, I just found out that the newer Canon DPP software can actually perform the lens corrections (CA, vignetting) just like with Canon's own lenses. Kind of a cool bonus as none of my previous Tamron or Sigma lenses could do that.

[conbu19]

your not alone!!! this is a used(Adorama demo) I picked up in June of this year...it is slower to focus than it's "L" class brothers but it is such a nice quality pc. of glass at under $500 I don't understand why more folks have not caught onto this thing. It is truly a poor mans "L" lens. It gives me great joy and of course I'm using my old XT, so it truly is the econo-lens. This shot is something like a 100% crop, I'm not sure any longer but it is up there. Take care,enjoy your photography,Steve B.

[tkbslc]

Such a killer portrait lens. 100mm f3.5 with a little PP.
http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p305329071-5.jpg

85mm f2.8 - who needs an 85mm 1.8 for sharp portraits with good bokeh! :)

[Accessoire]

Holy cow is this a sharp zoom!
I just got one yesterday from a POTN member....its stellar, tack sharp.
I'll upload some pics when I get the chance.

[benee]

This lens is wicked. I had the 70-200 F4 L, and I actually prefer the Tokina. It's faster, lighter weight and a more useful focal range for met. Just as sharp as the L any day.

First shot is 135mm @ 3.2, second shot is 135mm @ 2.8

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4048454608_c689916d8d_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/4047719551_a4049b6592_b.jpg

[Accessoire]

the kitteh, look at those sharp eye lights!
sorry about the WB, I was in a hurry out the door :oops:
I believe it was at about 80mm, 2.8f.

[opianstate]

Alas, I sold mine, to Nicole! (see cat above)

Phenomenal lens. I had to free up some money for strobist stuff and some christmas gifts. :(

I actually was moved to buy the lens because the DA* 50-135 in the Pentax world is HIGHLY regarded, and appears to be the exact same lens with an SDM focus mechanism.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4154603308_1ea45e54d9_b.jpg

[Gary W.]

Hey all,

I had a chance to buy this lens just before Christmas. It was either this or an Canon 85 1.8 to shoot HS basketball with. This didn't focus as fast as the 1.8, but the picture quality was definitely there.

Gary W.:cool:

[GeneMan88]

Grape vines awaiting the warmer weather.

Taken with 10D/Tokie 50-135 combo at 102mm, Av=f/4, Tv=1/90s, ISO=100.
http://geneman88.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p601811614-5.jpg

[shazie]

hello! just got this lens and wanna share everyone some test shots.

1) 135mm 1/1000 f/2.8 ISO-500

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/ec854b448e.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

2) 135mm 1/500 f/4.0 ISO-500

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e8eddeb1ec.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

3) 135mm 1/250 f/5.6 ISO-500

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/a1ce676783.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)


At 135mm, I find it a tad soft wide open (f2.8) but sharp from f4 and very sharp at f5.6. The bokeh, however, is amazing! AF is a bit wierd for me... maybe it is due to the 1meter minimum focusing distance... overall, an impressive lens considering the price... not in the same league as my previously owned 70-200 f4L IS but not by much :p

[benee]

At 135mm, I find it a tad soft wide open (f2.8) but sharp from f4 and very sharp at f5.6. The bokeh, however, is amazing! AF is a bit wierd for me... maybe it is due to the 1meter minimum focusing distance... overall, an impressive lens considering the price... not in the same league as my previously owned 70-200 f4L IS but not by much :p[/quote]


I agree - a little soft at 135mm wide open, but still very unsable. Creamy bokeh and the fast speed make this a great lens on a crop cam.

[tkbslc]

I agree - a little soft at 135mm wide open, but still very unsable. Creamy bokeh and the fast speed make this a great lens on a crop cam.

I don't know if I would call it "soft" at 135mm f2.8. I think it needs f3.2 to look like 50-100mm at f2.8, but f2.8 is not soft.

[benee]

I don't know if I would call it "soft" at 135mm f2.8. I think it needs f3.2 to look like 50-100mm at f2.8, but f2.8 is not soft.


fair enough. Soft is a relative term. In any case, this lens is great!

[tkbslc]

Yeah, I just don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Plus, find me a zoom that is not softer wide open at the long end. This is such a great lens and I use any FL or f-stop without even thinking about it, so anyone reading this - don't even worry about it!

[benee]

Yeah, I just don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Plus, find me a zoom that is not softer wide open at the long end. This is such a great lens and I use any FL or f-stop without even thinking about it, so anyone reading this - don't even worry about it!


What he said.

[shazie]

Yeah, I just don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Plus, find me a zoom that is not softer wide open at the long end. This is such a great lens and I use any FL or f-stop without even thinking about it, so anyone reading this - don't even worry about it!

Yup, most lens are soft wide open but the 50-135 is definitely usable at 135mm. Like i said, it's good for the price I'm paying.

[benee]

85 mm wide openhttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4356770959_58329598eb_b.jpg
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/4356770959_58329598eb_b.jpg)

[tkbslc]

NICE! Love that prime-like sharpness that is typical from this lens.

[benee]

NICE! Love that prime-like sharpness that is typical from this lens.


Yup! No need for USM here!

[tkbslc]

Saw this test today I thought might interest my fellow 50-135mm owners. This french site is comparing all the excellent 85mm primes available for Pentax, including some Zeiss and Leica lenses. For good measure he throws in the Pentax DA* 50-135mm @ 85mm, which has the same optics as the Tokina 50-135mm. (Pentax and Tokina both owned by same company). The Zoom does VERY well, beating several of the expensive primes.

English translation: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.monuniverspentax.com%2Ftest_85m m_pentax.html&sl=fr&tl=en

Original link: http://www.monuniverspentax.com/test_85mm_pentax.html

[Waldemar Sikorski]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xoTzHy8krJg/S5YfY50aO1I/AAAAAAAAJYU/1sboXrqXE1g/s800/WS_15169res.jpg

[HighPixel]

How's the performance on FF?

[tkbslc]

How's the performance on FF?

Great in the center. The black circles around the edges kill it a bit, though.

(Its for APS-C only, really)

[benee]

How's the performance on FF?


Although I've seen a couple of examples of it on a 1.3 crop, and it does pretty well.

[HighPixel]

Thanks! Guess it wont do me good on the 1Ds...I'll just move on...

[tkbslc]

Seen a few of these go in the for sale forums lately, so I know there are some fresh owners out there. Lets get some more samples in this thread!

Recent 50-135 portrait with window light only.

http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p340188922-5.jpg

[benee]

Seen a few of these go in the for sale forums lately, so I know there are some fresh owners out there. Lets get some more samples in this thread!

Recent 50-135 portrait with window light only.




Very Nice!

[ELSELS]

Seen a few of these go in the for sale forums lately, so I know there are some fresh owners out there. Lets get some more samples in this thread!

Recent 50-135 portrait with window light only.

http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p340188922-5.jpg

Yes, I've been searching the past few days exhausting myself, to find this lens used...

Anyone want to sell me theirs? :)

I'm going to post a WTB here, I didn't see any for sale, unless I overlooked them..

Very rare lens to find...

Thanks for sharing your work with the lens... bw!


God Bless,
Ed

[cstreames]

I saw this lens today in a well known Cash for items shop, The lens is in mint condition with caps and hood no scratches, dust or mold. After reading this thread im very very interested now! The price they have it up at is £290.00 do you guys feel this is reasonable?

Cheers

Chris

[plasticmotif]

I saw this lens today in a well known Cash for items shop, The lens is in mint condition with caps and hood no scratches, dust or mold. After reading this thread im very very interested now! The price they have it up at is £290.00 do you guys feel this is reasonable?

Cheers

Chris

It's an extremely good lens. Tokina's make my favorite crop lenses....the 11-16 and the 50-135.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/_MG_3670.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/?action=view&current=_MG_3670.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/_MG_3548.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/?action=view&current=_MG_3548.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/3548100.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v518/plasticmotif/?action=view&current=3548100.jpg)

Very sharp.

[cstreames]

That seems about right i shall be picking it up tomorrow then it seems to be a great lens and will get alot of use.

[jvansanten]

From a user's perspective, I've found this to be a stunningly good lens. It is built like a tank, has very natural color rendition, and seems to have high resolution and high mtf. It is the equal to or better of my Canon 10-22 and 17-55 lenses.

The AF is on the slow side on the Rebel series. However, on the 50D, it focuses as quickly as Canon lenses.

I've attached a shot I took of the drummer of a local band a bit ago with the lens. Now, a bit of background. The light was extraordinarily poor -- the one light you'll see on this is probably a 200-300 watt spot with a green gel about 30 feet away.

This was shot on a 50D at 135mm, f 2.8, effective ASA 25,600 handheld, probably 1/100 sec. The quickness and quality of the lens allowed me to catch detail in the drummer's face which was still, and show the blur of his drum sticks. Pixel peepers will have much to comment about. But, for me, the image works. Never thought I'd use a zoom as an available light lens!

I understand from several online comments that this lens is being discontinued, likely to be replaced with an updated version which likely will have an improved autofocus system.

[Tekkaman]

Here are some that I took from a recent trip. All of these are just random picks out of my pictures so you can see the versatility and how this was used as my walk-around lens the entire time no matter the lighting.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/mepunda/_MG_1884.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/mepunda/_MG_1908.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/mepunda/_MG_1915.jpg

[Tekkaman]

Some more:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/mepunda/_MG_2025.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/mepunda/_MG_2114.jpg

[benee]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4620671760_b6b1486629_b.jpg

[tkbslc]

Don't have any direct comparisons yet, but I just picked up an 85mm f1.8 thinking it would replace the 50-135. While I love the compact size and ring USM of the 85mm, My first impression is that the IQ is just not as good.

P.S. Anyone else wish the tripod ring was removable? That is probably my biggest complaint. I park it about 10 o'clock and it stays mostly out of the way, but it would be so nice to take it off. I use a tripod with this lens maybe 1/90 times yet the tripod ring has to go everywhere with me.....

[imposterjeff]

I really want this lens to acompany my 11-16mm anybody knwo where i can get one and or wanting to sell one

[tkbslc]

I really want this lens to acompany my 11-16mm anybody knwo where i can get one and or wanting to sell one

I ALMOST replied to sell you mine, but my wife talked me out of it because I get such good results with this lens. And, as usual, she was right :D.

http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v7/p396133135-5.jpg

http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v10/p74989484-5.jpg

http://tkbphoto.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v7/p116738056-5.jpg


I do hope you find one, though.