Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 2.8

[quickben]

Has anyone seen or used this lens ?

I'm looking to get a Sigma 70-200 2.8 (I can't afford the Canon) but I found this lens on warehouseexpress.co.uk and it looks really well-built and, from what I've heard from Drisley about his 17mm, Tokina do very good optics.

I'd like to hear some opinions before I make the plunge.

Cheers

Gary.

[Nightcrawler]

I tried this lens out at the local store. At 2.8, the lens seemed quite sharp. The main thing I didn't like about it was the sloooowwww focusing. I thought it was unusually slow. Also, has anyone tried the Tokina 28-80 2.8. It looks interesting as well.

[DocFrankenstein]

www.photodo.com
Tokina = 2.9
Sigma = 3.9
Canon = 4.1

I say 200 bucks extra for sigma are worth it for sure. If I could choose again, I would pick Canon L IS though.

Cheers

[RDKirk]

I've got the Tokina 80-200mm ATX Pro. It was an okay lens in its time, but the design has been eclipsed by better lenses. The Tokina wasn't really very sharp at f2.8, and with the high reflectivity of digital sensors, it suffers significantly from flare, compared to "digitally integrated" designs.

The focus is quite slow compared to other lenses, although if you're using it for portraits and such, it's okay.

I do have very frequent coms problems between my Tokina and both my 10D and 20D (that I didn't have with my Elans). MOST of the time, I get an ERR99 when I mount the lens (regardless whether the camera is on or off at the time). I have to mount and dismount it a couple of times before the camera accepts it. I guess I'll send it back to Tokina to have them check it out.

I have a Tokina 28-80mm ATX Pro that doesn't have this problem.

[rtalbot]

I just got this Tokina 80-200 Lens and I totally agree that the focus is way too slow. I'm trying to get sports photos (at a soccer game this time) and nearly all the shots with this lens were garbage..:cry:

Then switched to an inexpensive Promaster 70-300 F4.5-5.6 lens and what a difference!:p
I really thing I wasted my $700 on this....
Problem is, Is there really a better one out there, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, Does Tamron have one yet??

[CyberDyneSystems]

Seems all I'd be doing is adding my voice to the chorus...

Slow Focus.

Only Canon, and Sigma make leses that focus fast... (well that will fit on a Canon anyway)

Don't know why Tokina and Tamron can't get there acts together on this.

The Sigma by the way is an Awesome lens,. Focus speed is second only to fast Canon "L' lenses.. and quiet to. Optics are superb.