Tokina 35mm f/2.8 Macro

[Wawrzysz]

Has anyone got this lens? any chances for some samples?

[TweakMDS]

I recently bought one used... prepare to be picture spammed :D
I already owned the Canon 100mm macro, but found a really good deal on it and just placed one of those "what if" bids... Score!

I made a topic with a bit of a mini-review here a while ago (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=773049).

A cross-post snippet from that (clickety-click for full sized versions on flickr):

#1 f/6.3, 1/160th, ISO 640
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4049969794_4dcae633e1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4049969794/)

#2 f/8, 1/320th, ISO 640
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4049968748_6fb3d22155.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4049968748/)

#3 f/5.6, 1/30th, ISO 160
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/4049220867_94525e1a66.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4049220867/)

#4 f/5.6, 1/20th, ISO 160
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4049219519_9bcda54677.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4049219519/)

#5 f/2.8, 1/400th, ISO 160
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4049218013_b650a8e383.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4049218013/)

And I added these two yesterday (used the first one for the FM weekly assignment 371).

#6: f/6.3, 1/200th, ISO 320
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4112621815_fe0405139a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4112621815/)

#7: f/2.8, 1/125th, ISO 100
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/4112620583_97905e5ba0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4112620583/)

If you want to keep track of it, this lens is on my camera a LOT lately, and I tag all my images with it on flickr with the equipment tag: Tokina AT-X M35 PRO DX 35mm f/2.8 Macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/tags/tokinaatxm35prodx35mmf28macro/).
Thanks for looking, C&C is always welcome and appreciated.

[nightcat]

I have never heard of any lens ever getting less publicity than this Tokina 35mm 2.8 macro. Hardly any reviews and very little discussion. This comes from the same lens maker who made the wonderful and highly touted 11-16mm 2.8, which has had many reviews, and is discussed frequently. It looks like they sold at least one of these macros, as TweakMDS is an owner. I was curious about the sharpness in non macro photos. Would like to see some bokeh as well. If you have more to post, please do.

[Wawrzysz]

im so glad to see such a reply.
Are these samples jpeg or converted raws?
there is a comparison test of the equivalent pentax 35 2.8 and the sigma 30mm but I lost the link.
From what I ve found on the net, tokina m35 is very sharp however tends to produce a dull bokeh and seems to have not enough contrast at times. Any comme
nt on that? waiting anxiously for some indoor pics.

[TweakMDS]

Samples are all converted raws (lightroom 2.4 - I think all the global settings are in the ExIF still), but I haven't fiddled with the conversion for hours, so there's possibly room for improvement there... ;)
I actually think the bokeh is nice, and pretty creamy, almost Sigma-like. It does have the nice circles (9-bladed aperture) when you include some small highlights in the background.

I'm at work right now, but I have the camera sitting next to me, so might take a few shots (close ups and some at infinity) with it later today during lunch. Any requests for indoor tests? I also have the Tamron 17-50 with me for possible comparison.

[Wawrzysz]

I would be more than happy to see pictures of people indoors (average lighting conditions) taken with this extremely attractive lens. TweakMDS thanx again for the stuff you sent so far :)

[TweakMDS]

For those of you that are interested: I did a quick & dirty comparison between the Tokina 35mm macro and Tamron 17-50 at 36mm (close enough I guess).

I shoot a simple frame near the office, and made a 710 x 710 pixels 100% crops out of the middle and the edges (left middle edge, the top / bottom were water/skye, so not interesting).

My quick conclusion: Tamron has a tiny bit more contrast in the middle, sharpness is a tie with a *slight* nudge towards the Tamron at F/2.8, but the Tokina seems to take it across the frame when stopped down..
The corners go to the Tokina at all apertures, hands down. In fact, I'm severely disappointed by my Tamron in this (in comparison to the Tokina 35mm macro anyway). I'll make it defend it's honour at 17mm against the Tokina 11-16 soon again.

Please feel free to correct my testing methods / check my exif for errors. I know I should really use a tripod and remote shutter, but my lunchbreak is technically only 30 minutes, and with these kind of shutterspeeds, it shouldn't have any impact...

Tokina @ F/2.8, middle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4116635911_7889368214_o.jpg

Tamron @ F/2.8, middle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4117404530_0115e96286_o.jpg

Tokina @ F/2.8, edge
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/4117405508_8e35eca873_o.jpg
Tamron @ F/2.8, edge
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4116634805_c075c39493_o.jpg

Tokina @ F/5.6, middle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4116636225_24e5d9cf34_o.jpg
Tamron @ F/5.6, middle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4116635149_ca4fe1d6bc_o.jpg

Tokina @ F/5.6, edge
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4117405870_dc3a18fc20_o.jpg
Tamron @ F/5.6, edge
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/4117404832_c4ceeaac3a_o.jpg

[TweakMDS]

And continued at F8:
Tokina @ F/8, middle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4116636585_1d5b05c53e_o.jpg
Tamron @ F/8, middle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4117405178_585c1850f0_o.jpg

Tokina @ F/8, edge
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4117406238_77befcaf72_o.jpg
Tamron @ F/8, edge
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4116635519_524df9e849_o.jpg

[TweakMDS]

I would be more than happy to see pictures of people indoors (average lighting conditions) taken with this extremely attractive lens. TweakMDS thanx again for the stuff you sent so far

Not a problem, I enjoy doing it and contributing to every lens being well known. You might have to wait a while for different images of indoor people, but I'll make sure to use it at the next family meeting ;)

PS. The above images are all VERY unflattering for either lens. I used a basic color temperature, and did absolutely no other post processing than Lightroom 2.4's default raw conversion and cropping. All shots were handheld, but (imho) well within the handheld range of shutterspeeds. If this raises any conflicts, I'll redo them with a tripod and timer / cord.

As always, C&C is very welcome and appreciated. Full sized versions are available, but didn't really feel like uploading another 15mb just yet ;)

[Wawrzysz]

clearly Tokina is sharper in the corners but I was expecting to see more detailed and smoother picture in case of the prime. Look forward for the indoors.

[TweakMDS]

I was actually surprised at how well it held up against the Tamron 17-50, which is commonly considered to be pretty damn sharp. The Tokina owns the Tamron in the corners and there's not much to improve in the center I think. Like I said, these 100% crops (of a dull, grayish scene) are both unforgiving and unflattering for either lens.
The next time I go out shooting something more interesting, I'll make sure to do another comparison, and maybe throw the 50 1.8 and the 100mm macro in the mix.

[Wawrzysz]

Wow, that would be the first comparative test of this lens on the net, it makes me really anxious to see the results.

[Wawrzysz]

has anybody else got some pics to share, please?

[tkbslc]

Hoya own TOkina and Pentax. This is essentially the same lens as the Pentax 35mm DA without sealing and the SWM AF. You might want to look up samples for that lens.

[Wawrzysz]

I decided to buy this tokina m35 and check it myself. I previously owned a sigma 24-60 which was a very decent lens, except for slight softness at 2.8 and general brownish/dull/offset color reproduction - sigma specific??? (of course this is my own personal opinion) I also own an old tokina atx 17mm pro which I like A LOT (excellent color rendition, smooth gradients etc/ a bit soft at 3.5)
First impressions about tokina m35:
-no lens hood
-comparing to tokina atx 17mm - not so solid, doesn't have the metal feel, kind of cheapo look although VERY good build quality comparing to canon ef lenses.
- AF precise - the sound is audible although acceptable for me
- color rendition is VERY precise - some lenses make colors pop, some make them change the hue and this tokina is WYSIWYG in my opinion
so far so good - sending two quick samples taken indoors - more soon
btw - chromatic abberations are visible

[Wawrzysz]

after the whole day of shooting:
the lens is VERY sharp, produces very nice, toned picture
I love it - will definitely keep it

cons:
2.8 is a limitation at times, an it could be half a stop faster
I find IQ at f2.8 very good (WAY better than my sigma 24-60)

a sample taken at night - no sharpening etc only lightness/contrast

[TweakMDS]

Nice, I love that I no longer seem to be the only one shooting with this lens :P I agree that it would be nice to have it at F2, but as you said, it's great wide open. The picture above really shows contrast and lack of flare to me.

[Wawrzysz]

have been testing the m35 for a couple of hours now - TweakMDS do you think it is overall better choice than sigma 30mm 1.4? (speaking about general image quality), also I noticed my copy of this lens looks different than the one in tokina catalogue, it also has a funny white dot on the side, am I testing a cheap copy ???

[TweakMDS]

I've only used the Sigma 30 1.4 in the store, since I was never able to find one that would AF normally on my 40D (6 attempted copies had several different degrees of heavy front focus, one had extreme back focus). So no real call on the IQ from me...
Of course, they are two completely different lenses. The m35 is primarily for close up / details. The 30 1.4 shines at low light performance and extremely shallow DoF (as far as 30mm and 1.4 go on APS-C). I don't think these lenses rule eachother out, but if you're looking for an "affordable" low light lens, think Sigma 30mm F/1.4, Canon 35mm F/2 or 28mm F/1.8 before the m35 I think. It's great, but 2.8 is somewhat limited for none flash use. Better yet, get a lot of flashes and radiotriggers and just light the hell out of everything ;)

[Wawrzysz]

TweakMDS - its exactly as you say with this lens. In low light you really have to work on camera settings to get a decently lit photo - however in daylight (indoors or outdoors) its superb - general image quality is stunning IMHO.
Question to TweakMDS - does the canon version look different from nikon? because mine is in no way similar to what tokina has in their catalogue - it s thinner, made of plastic and has a white buldge to help mount it on a camera.

[Wawrzysz]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4181023646_680494dcaf_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4180261219_7fa657cbb7_o.jpg

only now noticed that the pics had too much contrast in PP - default LR setting
which was fine with less contrasty lenses I used. M35 is very contrasty.

[Wawrzysz]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/4267071412_c7e71f6db0_o.jpg

taken indoors at f2.8, average light intensity

[Wawrzysz]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4281609726_3882a8fc32_o.jpg
a picture of my daughter - she was born 2 days ago

[rpcruab]

Congrats :) Thanks for posting pics taken with this lens

[TweakMDS]

I made a group on flickr, since it was seriously lacking there ;)
Work in progress, but maybe someone will want to join it...
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1293329@N25/

[BeritOlam]

Wow, and here I was almost ready to pull the trigger on the Canon 60mm macro....and then I discover Tokina has a 35mm macro as well. Hmmmm....more to consider! :) :)

EDIT: Here's a nice review (http://lenstip.com/index.html?test=obiektywu&test_ob=158) of the lens as well (albeit a bit of broken Polish-English ;)).

[BeritOlam]

Just pulled the trigger on one of these....and it arrived today from Amazon. Initial impressions -- two big thumbs up. Impressive color. Lovely bokeh. Manageable noise and more than adequate AF.

I got this lens to experiment with some baby photography, since my wife is due with our first this Friday! So I was cutting it close....hehehe....but I'm so glad I pulled the trigger. [Gotta love Amazon Prime overnight shipping!] The focal length will make it perfect for a lens that I can shoot 50/50 macro and portrait.

Thanks guys for posting info about the lens. Didn't even know about this lens a week ago, when I was about one click away from buying the 60mm macro. So I saved some money and got a focal length that works better for my all-around shooting!

So far so good.... :D :D :D :D

[Wawrzysz]

Congrats and happy shooting :) looking forward to some pics.

[Wawrzysz]

I ve heard that somebody was using this lens on canon 5d quite successfully, can anyone comment on that?

[Wawrzysz]

last pics from this fabulous lens
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4486688902_cac6054007_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4486037913_7dc02b0c0e_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4486688698_c0683b63f8_o.jpg

[Wawrzysz]

a bit of color, almost straight from the camera, no saturation tweaking etc - this is the way this lens deals with color...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4486231329_cfbfd2cfd4_o.jpg

[BeritOlam]

My new son, Everett.... (b. 3/12/2010)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/4511653698_154de42e6a_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/4511017723_7ab3bde8e1_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/4511639692_f1bf364ab1_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/4510995257_fd2ca37545_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4511638394_ec284f1289_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/4510991883_4d843cede5_b.jpg

All very minimally edited via DPP. [No time to do anything else yet!]

Still "new" to this whole 'macro' thing....but VERY PLEASED with my first official macro lens! Considering this lens only arrived a few days before my son's birth, I didn't have too much time to experiment with it. But I'm pleased with the results so far, and it was a well-spent $320.

[Wawrzysz]

Congratulations, first on your son's birth, second on the M35, next to c50 1.4 and toki 17mm 3.5 its a marvelous lens, an underrated one unfortunately.

[BeritOlam]

Congratulations, first on your son's birth, second on the M35, next to c50 1.4 and toki 17mm 3.5 its a marvelous lens, an underrated one unfortunately.

Yes, it's been great so far. Focus ring took a little to get use to, but now its no problem at all. AF with the limiter is a nice feature.

Part of me wonders if I might end up trying the Sigma 28 f/1.8 macro and liking it more....if only because I suspect my typical shooting could use the Sigma's speed more than the Toki's 1:1 macro. At these wider focal lengths, I'm not sure a 1:1 macro is all that necessary.

[Wawrzysz]

well, if it was f/2.2 lens instead of macro it would be perfect, I was considering sigma 30mm 1.4 too. The sigma rendering is more detailed but not as smooth as toki M35, I just liked M35 rendering more as it reminded me of leica lenses, maybe its my personal opinion only. Sigma 28mm 1.8 produces very busy bokeh and I would rather choose the 30 1.4 instead. Another sample from m35 below.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4558319319_ed96f6bbdc_o.jpg

[lostinspace]

This lens is suitable for shooting landscapes and nature?
Lenstip.com writes: "disappointing image quality at the side of the frame at maximum aperture". Is it true?
Sorry for my english - i use Google Translate from Russian:)

[BeritOlam]

Is this lens suitable for shooting landscapes and nature? Lenstip.com writes: "disappointing image quality at the side of the frame at maximum aperture". Is it true?

From what I've seen so far in my 2 months of ownership....

I wouldn't use the term 'disappointing' at all. Look at the photos above ^^ of my newborn son. I'd have to double check, but I believe those were all shot at f/2.8 and ISO 1000....and very minimal post-processing! Edges are very comparable to the edges on my 85mm f/1.8 @ 2.8.

Though I haven't done much yet in the landscaping/nature with this lens yet, it seems so far after a few hundred shots that it's more than capable at 2.8 if you're looking for a 'classic 50mm' lens.

[TweakMDS]

Lenstip.com must have had a bad sample. If you look at my shots on page 1 - comparing it to the Tamron 17-50, it clearly has sharper edges. A test like that is stressing it to the worst possible conditions... At least my lens is sharp enough to use wide open without having to consider soft edges.

Also, another very important thing to consider when shooting landscapes is that you either shoot f/2.8 with low depth of field. The edges will probably be intentionally out of focus. Or you shoot at f/8 or smaller aperture so everything will be in focus. Testing for landscapes at f/2.8 isn't really useful in my opinion (even though it has sharper edges at 2.8 than most other options I tried).

[BeritOlam]

Also, another very important thing to consider when shooting landscapes is that you either shoot f/2.8 with low depth of field. The edges will probably be intentionally out of focus. Or you shoot at f/8 or smaller aperture so everything will be in focus. Testing for landscapes at f/2.8 isn't really useful in my opinion (even though it has sharper edges at 2.8 than most other options I tried).

I thought about saying the same thing as well. F/2.8 doesn't typically go with landscaping photography.....so I wouldn't factor that into the equation at all when evaluating this lens!

[lostinspace]

First of all I need a good quality lens for shooting full-length portraits and for shooting people in small apartments. Looks like it is a good lens for such tasks...)
It can be seen as an inexpensive alternative to Canon 35mm f/1.4 (it's much lighter, but the price ... And it has no macro) :)

[BeritOlam]

First of all I need a good quality lens for shooting full-length portraits and for shooting people in small apartments. Looks like it is a good lens for such tasks...) It can be seen as an inexpensive alternative to Canon 35mm f/1.4 (it's much lighter, but the price ... And it has no macro) :)

Yes, it definitely will take good photos of people in small apartments, provide you have normal lighting.

It's definitely no 35mm 1.4....lol! :D

Here's my informal review based on what I've seen after 8 weeks --
(1) Wide open, I'd say it's better than a Canon 17-55mm at 35mm/2.8. I personally like the bokeh better on the Toki, though the AF is faster on the 17-55.
(2) Probably better to compare the Toki to the Canon 16-35mm L @ 35mm. I've only borrowed the Canon 16-35 for one outing....but I'd say the Toki can certainly hold its own here.
(3) I'd also give the nod to the Toki over my 17-40mm f/4 L (@35mm) when the Toki is stepped down to f/4.
(4) Definitely better than my 35-350mm L....but that's no big shocker!! :D :D

I also find the AF workable for normal (non-macro) shooting. Obviously this is not a lens you buy to shoot action, so I'm not going to dock it for that.

[TweakMDS]

I occasionally get questions about this lens - as I invited people to do in my siggy - don't like this little gem to be as unknown or even obscure as it seems to be now :P

One of the most asked questions is the same as lostinspace suggests above: People looking for a low light alternative.
If your body is crazy good at high ISO's, the tokina is a great option. If it's acceptable like my 40D, a Canon 28mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2 or Sigma 30 f/1.4 is probably a better choice for a low light lens alone. f/2.8 just doesn't do it for me in dim tungsten light, because I have to use ISO 1600/3200.

On the plus side, the 35mm macro offers the 1:1 option with a look that almost no other lens in that focal range offers. It's one of my sharpest lenses wide open and it's bokeh is also really lovely, but due to the minimum aperture of f/2.8, you have to work a little harder to get the shallow DoF.

[Wawrzysz]

I wonder when Tokina is going to come up with the equivalent of Pentax 31mm 1.8 limited, this would be an instant success - even without fast motor, it would eliminate a mediocre IQ canon 28 1.8 an astigmatic/sour color Sig 30 1.4. I hope someone from Tokina may read this.

[BeritOlam]

I wonder when Tokina is going to come up with the equivalent of Pentax 31mm 1.8 limited, this would be an instant success - even without fast motor, it would eliminate a mediocre IQ canon 28 1.8 an astigmatic/sour color Sig 30 1.4. I hope someone from Tokina may read this.

That's a bayonet mount on the Pentax, correct? If you really like it so much, just buy an adapter! ;) ;) And would the "equivalent' cost as much as the Pentax? :cool:

[Wawrzysz]

tokina equivalents are cheaper, I didn't know there is a canon ef(s) -pentax fa/da adapter.

[BeritOlam]

If your body is crazy good at high ISO's, the tokina is a great option. If it's acceptable like my 40D, a Canon 28mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2 or Sigma 30 f/1.4 is probably a better choice for a low light lens alone. f/2.8 just doesn't do it for me in dim tungsten light, because I have to use ISO 1600/3200.

It's true though about ISO levels and f/2.8. If shooting hand held indoors, I typically leave it @ ISO 1000 on my 40D. [I think most of my samples above were shot at 1000.] Sometimes though, that's not enough.

If you don't need the macro features AND you can afford the extra $100-120 (give or take), the Canon and the Sigma would probably be my choice as well, ESPECIALLY if you want to shoot a lot indoors!

The one time I tried the Canon 35mm, I just wasn't that impressed. Maybe it was the copy but I got quite a few OOF shots, and the bokeh is nothing special. The Toki definitely has better bokeh than the Canon 35mm f/2!

On the plus side, the 35mm macro offers the 1:1 option with a look that almost no other lens in that focal range offers. It's one of my sharpest lenses wide open and it's bokeh is also really lovely, but due to the minimum aperture of f/2.8, you have to work a little harder to get the shallow DoF.

I'm still not sure how practical it is to have a 1:1 macro at @ 35mm.

As I see it, the Toki 35mm is a nice 'tweener' lens for someone that needs a decent priced-lens that can provide you a mixture of close-ups (macro) and portrait shooting in one package. If you plan on doing a lot of macro, I'd probably suggest look at the 60mm or 100mm (as the FL is just better suited for macro). If you plan on doing a lot of portrait, then I'd probably look at the Canon 28mm or the Siggi 30mm for the extra aperture.

[BeritOlam]

tokina equivalents are cheaper, I didn't know there is a canon ef(s) -pentax fa/da adapter.

I was not familiar with that Pentax lens before the other day, but it appears to be a K (bayonet) mount (according to their website). There are plenty of K to EOS mounts for sale on Ebay for $12 or so.

[Wawrzysz]

canon 20d RAW, ISO 800 2.8 1/30sec no tweaking - standard canon raw converter with default settings (no contrast/saturation tweaking)
the tones are EXCATLY the same as the room when it was photographed.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/4601450207_d8f5a270a8_o.jpg

[TweakMDS]

Posted some new shots in the dedicated flickr group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/1293329@N25/) that I made (shameless plug/bump)

I got some flowers for my birthday, so threw both the 35mm macro and the 28mm 1.8 at them :)

Here's 3 simple shots with the Tokina:
(click images to pixelpeep - full sized versions available)
#1
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4613208520_025138337f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4613208520/in/pool-1293329@N25)

#2
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4613213956_86cf23a18e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4613213956/in/pool-1293329@N25)

#3
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4612597851_0a3cbd2b8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4612597851/in/pool-1293329@N25)

[Wawrzysz]

how would you compare the two - 28 1.8 and 35 macro at f2.8?

[TweakMDS]

I didn't do a full comparison because I only shot the 28mm at F2. However, at 2.8, the Tokina seems sharper than the 28mm at F2. Not really surprising or fair to compare though.
It happens to be so that I have both these lenses in my bag at the moment, so might as well do a comparison this afternoon, similar to the one I did with the Tamron 17-50 on page 1.

[Wawrzysz]

can't wait to see it

[TweakMDS]

Turns out I actually had the 50 1.8 and the 35mm macro in my bag that I bring to work, so no comparison today. I'll try to get some steady subject tonight or later this week.

To compensate, here's a spider I found (and cropped quite a bit)... Couldn't get much closer as I had the "hood" on my lens, and with this angle parts of the lens were touching the wall... Still turned out into a 1:1 ish shot with the crop.
(Click on for full sized)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/4618648058_b16dc1b4ba.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4618648058/)

[BeritOlam]

To compensate, here's a spider I found (and cropped quite a bit)... Couldn't get much closer as I had the "hood" on my lens, and with this angle parts of the lens were touching the wall... Still turned out into a 1:1 ish shot with the crop.
(Click on for full sized)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/4618648058_b16dc1b4ba.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4618648058/)

Nice one, Tweak! Definitely shows what the 'little' lens can do!!!

[Wawrzysz]

it is necessary to compare this lens with other nonmacro primes, its macro capabilities are unquestionable. Will try to compare it with ef 50mm 1.8 II and tokina 17mm 3.5 soon, as mentioned earlier tokina 17mm produces less blown highlights probably because of better glass or coatings, furthermore the colors are more saturated and the gradients seem smoother more like L lenses.

[lostinspace]

Yesterday I bought this lens) This is my first test...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/4628606535_297a3c585c_b.jpg
Full-size sample images:
http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_ff93df5c.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1425764_IMG2095.JPG.html)http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_c389c0ca.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1425770_IMG2149.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_4190707d.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1425776_IMG2060.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_590a533e.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1425778_IMG2174.JPG.html)

I don't know ...) Is this a normal results or should be better...:rolleyes:

[TweakMDS]

Is this a normal results or should be better...:rolleyes:

Assuming those are 100% crops, the center looks very sharp - albeit with a little low contrast, but that can have any number of reasons.
Corners/edges seem a bit weak - weaker than my experiences in the field, but then again - I have never shot testcharts. I wouldn't worry about the edges too much though. I can still make out the smaller lines, so in real life shots, you'll have plenty of sharpness in the corners left.

The girl's face on the motorcycle seems to be slightly off focus... unless you focused on her "lower regions" - those are nice and sharp :D

[Wawrzysz]

lostinspace - well done, thats the first ever chart of tokina m35 available, the pictures look very good to me - a bit of camera shake I suppose (1/60sec). Since, a lens is more than sharpness I think that comparative samples of m35, ef 28 1.8, 35 f/2 or L are the only way of checking the worth of this lens. As I said before, I like it, however I have no idea how it compares to other primes in this range.

[lostinspace]

Tokina AT-X M35 PRO DX and Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II comparison :)
Jpeg-images just from the memory card.

Tokina 35mm:
http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_0415a00a.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429436_IMG2347.JPG.html)
Canon 50mm:
http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_dea8d908.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429440_IMG2345.JPG.html)

[lostinspace]

Tokina 35mm:
http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_25343597.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429560_IMG2269.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_1d034143.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429561_IMG2291.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_9b996f1a.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429676_IMG2299.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_543e1ccc.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429562_IMG2304.JPG.html)

Canon 50mm:
http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_2deedbd4.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429518_IMG2259.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_40e9917a.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429624_IMG2263.JPG.html) http://xmages.net/thumb/thumb_da467423.jpg (http://xmages.net/show.php/1429625_IMG2266.JPG.html)

I do not know why, but I think the Canon lens sharper. Or some problems with Tokina focusing. Or it's my сrooked hands :)

[Wawrzysz]

thanx again
both lenses are pretty close I think, with 50 1.8 having a slight edge in halftone definition. tomorrow will try to compare 5 lenses on a tripod including m35 in exactly the same conditions, will try to test flaring, highlight/halftone clipping etc.

[lostinspace]

I expected to get "excellent middle-of-the-frame image quality", but I got the quality at the level of the 50 1.8 (which is not excellent)...
Maybe I just don't know how to deal with such a focal length or not understood in some camera settings ... (I'm just a beginner)
I liked Tokina :) It looks and feels very good))
Probably I should try to test the lens in different situations again)

[Wawrzysz]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36921599@N08/?saved=1

shot the same scene at the same lighting conditions on a tripod (slik 700dx - quite steady one) with 3 lenses at f/2.8 - m42 helios 56mm 2.0, ef 50mm 1.8 II and tokina 35mm 2.8 and two lenses at 3.5 - tokina atx pro 17mm 3.5 and 18-55 at 17mm f/3.5
so far helios is the winner to me (an old russian lens) 50 1.8 over tokina 35 (tokina lacks detail - halftones are flat, low contrast in highlight areas - or maybe Im wrong)
tomorrow will do the bokeh test and at harsh light conditions
cheers

[lostinspace]

Testing macro)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1852/img2394z.th.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1852/img2394z.jpg)

[BeritOlam]

shot the same scene at the same lighting conditions on a tripod (slik 700dx - quite steady one) with 3 lenses at f/2.8 - m42 helios 56mm 2.0, ef 50mm 1.8 II and tokina 35mm 2.8 and two lenses at 3.5 - tokina atx pro 17mm 3.5 and 18-55 at 17mm f/3.5

so far helios is the winner to me (an old russian lens) 50 1.8 over tokina 35 (tokina lacks detail - halftones are flat, low contrast in highlight areas - or maybe Im wrong)

It doesn't surprise me that the Helios 44-6 would show better detail at f/2.8. Those are nice little Russian lenses! :D :D

tomorrow will do the bokeh test and at harsh light conditions

When I used the Nifty, I found that I could get some nice shots at f/2.8....but the AF was very "iffy" even in moderate light situations. All I have to do is compare it to my Canon 85mm f/1.8...and the difference is night and day!! Again, that's not necessarily news to anyone -- the Nifty is not exactly known for its crisp AF!

But the big deal-breaker for me with the Nifty was the bokeh. I think your bokeh tests will show the Tokina much better in this regard. I'll see if I can dig up some of my own, although I no longer have a Nifty in my presence to do a formal test!

[Wawrzysz]

took a couple of pics with m35 against bright sunlight, haven't noticed ANY flare, glare is very well controlled, seems like the coatings are really fine on this lens (so I change my previous opinion about poor MCs), in good light this lens shines - will send the pics soon.

[TweakMDS]

It's getting quiet in here again... Here's some various themed new shots from my 35mm macro :)

#1
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4702216905_8a89bbb969.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4702216905/)

#2
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1294/4702218389_d28be14911.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4702218389/)

#3
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/4702251135_8d1beefcef.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4702251135/)

#4
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4702262629_36cafdafe3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4702262629/)

#5 (freaky front bokeh)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4702263759_2a45e6bc32.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4702263759/)

[lostinspace]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4666596121_f90578f345.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4666596121_f90578f345_b.jpg)

[Wawrzysz]

nice pics, sending a sample shot against the direct, harsh sun,
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4713196003_e4586ed355_b.jpg

not sure whether or not it was shot through a window pane

[Wawrzysz]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4749314911_d86b05c08c_b.jpg

[BeritOlam]

It's getting quiet in here again... Here's some various themed new shots from my 35mm macro :)

#5 (freaky front bokeh)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4702263759_2a45e6bc32.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/4702263759/)

Great shots, Tweak...but this last one is really eye-catching!! Very nicely done.

[Wawrzysz]

I wonder how tokina m35 compares with contax zeiss 35mm 2.8 or 28mm 2.8 T* - has anyone had any experience. Also, it would be cool to see direct comparison against 35L.
After over half a year of using it, I still consider toki m35 a very good lens. Cheers all.

[BeritOlam]

After over half a year of using it, I still consider toki m35 a very good lens. Cheers all.

Yes, I would concur after nearly 5 months of shooting. And for the price in the $300 range (US), I consider it a *great* lens.

Now, I just need to get around to posting some images. :D :D It has definitely earned its stripes with a newborn around the house.

[Wawrzysz]

http://flic.kr/p/8pthQx

[BeritOlam]

Also, it would be cool to see direct comparison against 35L.

I've taken some shots with a Canon 35L that I'll try to dig up. Great lens and a hard one to compare to my Tokina based on my very limited time shooting on a 35L...but in the end the Canon was way more $$$ than my 'amateur' status can afford.

[Wawrzysz]

that would be awesome - I feel the two lenses can be very close

[boogada]

Here's one from today:

http://marc-gaertner.de/bilder/2010/Gartenkreuzspinne.jpg
1/200s F9 ISO 800

[MATT0404]

There are some very nice shots in here. Here are some pics from my first day with this lens:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/5167959858_3f340891d3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167959858/)
Water Drops on Electric Blue (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167959858/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/5167607110_bde8519609_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167607110/)
Fall Leaves (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167607110/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1218/5167606322_043212d2f4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167606322/)
Paws (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167606322/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/5167605582_9dec64c2e0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167605582/)
Austin, 5 Months (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5167605582/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/5166671829_f9a1584ec4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5166671829/)
1/22 Infantry Crest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/5166671829/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

[TweakMDS]

That close up of the paw is great, saw it in the group. First also really like the first one, thanks for posting.

[MATT0404]

That close up of the paw is great, saw it in the group. First also really like the first one, thanks for posting.

Thank you, I'm really enjoying this lens. Well worth the meager price, IMHO.

[BeritOlam]

Thank you, I'm really enjoying this lens. Well worth the meager price, IMHO.

Yes, after 8 months, I can definitely attest to it being a really good value prime lens. I need to start posting some more samples! :) :)

[Wawrzysz]

grabbed a tamron 17-50 recently, it blows tokina away in every respect except corner sharpness at 2.8 - Im selling mine

[TweakMDS]

grabbed a tamron 17-50 recently, it blows tokina away in every respect except corner sharpness at 2.8 - Im selling mine

Really? That's kinda conflicting with my own tests. I found the center sharpness at 2.8 to be identical at infinity - see tests earlier in this topic. Corners of the Tokina were of course miles ahead.
At very close distances, the Tokina is sharper but seems to have a tiny bit less contrast than the Tamron (possibly due to the hood not being on the tokina). It does show much better and smoother bokeh though.

Eitherway, the 17-50 is great, so if you don't shoot anything closer than 1:4 (I think that's the Tamron's max magnification) you're better off with the versatility of a zoom anyway.

[Wawrzysz]

Im not saying that tokina is a bad lens - I was just expecting it to be much better than a budget zoom like tamron 17-50

[TweakMDS]

Some shots from a few days ago... Nothing fancy, but just randoms I took on my lunchbreak :)

#1 - Can anyone guess what this is?
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5247000517_e17e7702be_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5247000517/)

#2
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5246999001_76d9d1fb02_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5246999001/)

#3
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5247600836_1a39c014e3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5247600836/)

#4
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5247001325_b8d79ecc3f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5247001325/)

Click through on flickr for exif and original sizes.

Thanks for looking, C&C always welcome and appreciated :)
~Michael

[Wawrzysz]

Has anyone got samples from this lens on a 5d?

[TweakMDS]

Has anyone got samples from this lens on a 5d?

It's a crop lens by design, so using it on FF would probably show a huge amount of vignetting or even a black circle around the image. On FF there's some other options with roughly the same FoV, like the Canon 50mm f/2.5 compact macro (1:2 max magnification without adapter though) or the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro.

[Wawrzysz]

saw a couple of shots from pentax da 35mm ltd on film and the vignetting was negligible - will have to get a 5d myself I suppose, will let you know about the result.

[jasonpatrick]

I just picked this lens up a couple days ago. So far I'm pleased with it! I didn't have a macro lens, and while shooting 1:1 Macro is nice, it's not really practical with this lens due to the working distance.

That being said, I love being able to get close then the standard lens. I do a lot of product buying and selling and having a lens to get right up in there to get the details is invaluable. I was also looking for a "normal" prime lens. I've had the 18-55mm IS (3 different times), the 17-85mm IS (twice), the 15-85mm IS, and a couple other "walk around" lenses and haven't really been happy with any of them. I wanted the 35mm f/2, but when looking ran across this guy on CL. I couldn't find any info on it (hit this forum AFTER). I gave it a try, and I'm definitely pleased. I'm hanging onto a 18-55mm IS for snapshots, but this is the new "on camera" lens for me.

[cccc]

Bump - I came across this lens and became very interested. The distortion looks negligible and the close minimum focus distance is a big plus...

The "slow" maximum aperture is the only thing I see that may cripple this lens... anyone else care to contribute pictures?

[Owhat]

Awesome thread! I picked this up not too long ago, too!

Question: Are there bigger lens hoods available for this lens? I'm looking for something bigger than the one provided.

TIA.

[Wawrzysz]

the toki works great with canon 5d - did a preliminary test today, gonna get my own 5d in a couple of days and will post some pics taken in daylight.
there is no evident vignetting and corner sharpness does not fall apart contrary to what I suspected.

[BeritOlam]

Question: Are there bigger lens hoods available for this lens? I'm looking for something bigger than the one provided.

None that I'm aware of. Is there a reason you need a bigger lens hood?

[TweakMDS]

The stock lens hood is more like a fat filter without glass ;)
To me, the MFD is already hard enough to achieve under an angle, so I'm happy with the current "hood" - if I even use it. Never really had the need for a hood on this lens, I can barely get it to flare as it is - even if I try.

If you're looking for a hood for protective purposes, I'd look for a rubber hood with filter thread. Search ebay for "52mm rubber lens hood" and you'll find tons of cheap ones.

[TweakMDS]

It's quiet here again! Two shots of what this lens is best at:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5459374308_e24f0e4cce_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5459374308/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5458770721_db270817db_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5458770721/)

Edit: got some good feedback on flickr so I reprocessed the second one from scratch. I'll leave the original just to display how much difference a PP workflow can make ;)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5460788979_1c5dc2db90_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5460788979/)

[Lisa]

I will be getting this shortly, I got a great deal on one on ebay. $200 after using my ebay bucks.

[Lisa]

Got mine today.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5596067826_345dd83483_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisajohnson82/5596067826/)
First shot with a macro lens (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisajohnson82/5596067826/) by LisaJohnson82 (http://www.flickr.com/people/lisajohnson82/), on Flickr

[Lisa]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5595561035_20da081387_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisajohnson82/5595561035/)
IMG_0622 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisajohnson82/5595561035/) by LisaJohnson82 (http://www.flickr.com/people/lisajohnson82/), on Flickr

[Overread]

As this is the thread for it ;) has anyone got a picture of the 35mm when fully extended in its focusing range? As I understand it, it extends as it focuses, but it seems the net has no pictures of it when its extended out - just very similar endless copies of the same two or three product shots ;)

A shot with the included lens hood would be nice too (even if one ends up not using it for macro - heck I don't really use my sigma 70mm hood for macro work, but the lens on that is already a good 0.5cm ish back from the front of the barrel so its kind of always got a hood on it.

[Lisa]

As this is the thread for it ;) has anyone got a picture of the 35mm when fully extended in its focusing range? As I understand it, it extends as it focuses, but it seems the net has no pictures of it when its extended out - just very similar endless copies of the same two or three product shots ;)

A shot with the included lens hood would be nice too (even if one ends up not using it for macro - heck I don't really use my sigma 70mm hood for macro work, but the lens on that is already a good 0.5cm ish back from the front of the barrel so its kind of always got a hood on it.

The included hood is basically like a filter with no glass in it, can't really tell that it's there.

Are you asking for a pic of it fully extended, I could set it to MF and take a pic of the lens :confused:

[TweakMDS]

Here's a shot of the hood. Didn't take a shot at MFD, but the front element extends about an inch or so.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5596401166_670c84d21d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdstoop/5596401166/)

Incidentally, sad moment, because I used this shot in my sales ad for the 35 macro. While it's great and I love it to pieces, it has no more place in a FF kit :/
What's even worse is that it got virtually no attention between the 11-16, 17-50, Takumar 50 1.4 and 80-400 I was also selling.

[Overread]

Are you asking for a pic of it fully extended, I could set it to MF and take a pic of the lens :confused:

Yep that would be great :)


What's even worse is that it got virtually no attention between the 11-16, 17-50, Takumar 50 1.4 and 80-400 I was also selling.

Ahh yeah that hood is tiny!
And for some reason Tokina macro lenses don't get much attention at all. Sigma and Tamron are well known, but Tokina seems to only get its name out there for its 11-16mm f2.8

[Lisa]

Here is the lens extended with the "hood" on.

[Overread]

Ahh thanks Lisa - Hood might be small but it makes a fair difference to its length and looking at the closed photos of the lens it looks like the glass itself is a good recess into the body of the lens even without the hood attached.

[Lisa]

Ahh thanks Lisa - Hood might be small but it makes a fair difference to its length and looking at the closed photos of the lens it looks like the glass itself is a good recess into the body of the lens even without the hood attached.

YW, Yes you are correct.

[TweakMDS]

If you're shooting something on a wall at a 45 degree angle, like a spider / ant / fly / whatever, the hood is a nice way to gently stabilize the lens against the wall ;)
Used it for this shot:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=10201655&postcount=53

[Trabb's Boy]

Picked up this lens about 4 weeks ago and very happy so far. It serves as my walkaround lens and takes me back to the good ol' days when I just had a film camera and the 50mm lens it came with. :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5614541483_36da65fc56_z.jpg

[nyy]

http://njd.smugmug.com/Pets/Leo/i-QBw2sTb/0/L/IMG8197-L.jpg

[LemonLoaf]

Love this lens..wonder why it's not that popular.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6142732555_569f5ae025_b.jpg

[TweakMDS]

Love this lens..wonder why it's not that popular.



Great shot, that's one of those 35mm macro special looks ;)
As to why it's not so popular, I have somewhat of a theory - based on the many questions I've gotten about this lens:
People who are looking for a macro lens tend to be drawn to the 100mm variants, since that also allows for easier insect / spider shooting.
People who are looking for a "normal" prime tend to go with the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, Canon 28mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/2 and ignore the whole macro aspect.
of course, 35mm @ f/2.8 is present in many good lenses like the excellent Tamron 17-50 2.8 or Canon 17-55 IS - both with ghastly bokeh though.

So in the end, this lens is often not prioritized on because if you own all these other lenses, the Tokina becomes quite a specialized lens, even though it's an excellent walkaround with a virtually non-existent MFD.
I always loved it and have many of my keepers were taken with it.

[Incognitox]

Just few samples from my Tokina. I love it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5890669306_383af21ee1_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/5741209064_b1a2445f0b_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/5740625011_7b2d6b54e5_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/5738864625_ab9bd95c8c_b.jpg


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5738864417_6704816994_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/5739412338_a455fc8659_b.jpg

[Lisa]

yarn

[Lisa]

My daughters eye :)

[Lisa]

My little helper :-)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/LisaRae82/Hayley%20and%20Katelyn/IMG_1915.jpg

[Lisa]

f4.0
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/LisaRae82/IMG_2672.jpg

[yusweet]

I like :)

[Lisa]

Thanks :)

Seems as though I am the only one posting in this thread anymore.

[shulgi]

I've had this lens for about 7 months. A couple shots from this summer.:)

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC6-11-11tok-b.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC6-11-11tok-f.jpg

[Wawrzysz]

I sold my toki 35 together with 40d and I can assure you, owning 5d 24-105L and zeiss planar t* 1.7 50mm that its a superb lens - it produces beautiful pictures and f2.8 is no limitation at all, I'm sorry that I sold it - really.

[shulgi]

^^^I got this lens as an inexpensive normal view lens when I got my 60d this summer and have been very pleased with it. (Also, planning on getting a Zeiss 50mm MP in a couple weeks:)).
A couple shots from this fall with the Tokina 35mm:

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC11-5-11tok-c.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC11-5-11tok-f.jpg

[Lisa]

A shot of my new toy, Paid $150 for just the body and 16mm 2.8 lens (with front cap) at sears because a former employee stole the accessories and 18-55mm lens that went with it. Just waiting on a battery and charger to be delivered. It was working at the store but didn't include the battery or charger.

[shulgi]

^^^Wow, Nice! You can shoot with a lot a lenses on that. A Nex-5 is on my wish list.

Another from the tokina:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC11-5-11tok-i.jpg

[Lisa]

^^^Wow, Nice! You can shoot with a lot a lenses on that. A Nex-5 is on my wish list.

Another from the tokina:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC11-5-11tok-i.jpg

Nice! Thanks, a friend is giving me some manual cameras and lenses that were his wife's before she passed. I havent seen it but he mention a box full of Pentax, canon & a hasslebad medium format camera. So maybe there will be some goodies for both bodies. Said it was in storage. She did some nice work but never had a digital. I miss her a lot, she was a really great friend. Knew her about 10 years.

[Incognitox]

very tiny creature.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iK4acHg81F4/TdrWWpwt9-I/AAAAAAAAz-k/JFKz58kcHek/s1024/Hammersmith%2520May%25202011%2520037-3.jpg

[peeaanuut]

glad I found this thread. looks like I will be able to pick one of these up at a good discount. Hopefully my results are as good as all of yours.

[Darakian]

I just got this lens and I love it. Epic for the price.

[tomcat7886]

^^^Wow, Nice! You can shoot with a lot a lenses on that. A Nex-5 is on my wish list.

Another from the tokina:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/CNC11-5-11tok-i.jpg

my favourite sheep. :D

[kkchome]

This lens looks really intriguing. Great bang for the buck. I have a question. How is the auto focus in low light? Does it hunt? Part of the reason I am considering this lens over a fast prime is that it also has the macro. However, much of my macro shooting (of snakes) is at night where I am hitting the subject with a flashlight to focus. My 100m f/2.8L locks on like a pitbull, but what about the Tokina?

The 35mm would be handy to have for shooting large snakes or just shots of fellow herpers, etc.

Has anybody tried this lens with a ring flash?

[coirchlid]

Interesting lens. My first time to hear about it, I might want to get one.

edit: I just did a quick online search and it doesn't seem like an easy lens to get for Canon.

[TweakMDS]

This lens looks really intriguing. Great bang for the buck. I have a question. How is the auto focus in low light? Does it hunt? Part of the reason I am considering this lens over a fast prime is that it also has the macro. However, much of my macro shooting (of snakes) is at night where I am hitting the subject with a flashlight to focus. My 100m f/2.8L locks on like a pitbull, but what about the Tokina?

The 35mm would be handy to have for shooting large snakes or just shots of fellow herpers, etc.

Has anybody tried this lens with a ring flash?

How low light are you thinking? I've used the Tokina 35mm next to the Canon 100mm macro (none-L) for a long time, and the 35mm easily held it's own. It actually focused quite a bit better in near macro range, but once you get further away, the USM takes the lead of course.
Never had any problems with hunting in low light.

[kkchome]

Basically, the middle of night in the middle of the jungle with the subject hit by my headlamp or hand-held flashlight. Pretty far from ideal conditions.

I have never used the non-L Canon 100mm, so I don't know how it compares with the L lens. Before I bought the L, I had a 90mm Tamron and was never able to get it to autofocus in low light. The lens would hunt back and forth and never lock on.

My main concern is not ending up on an "upgrade train". In other words, I don't want to spend money on a lens and then upgrade to a better lens with the same focal length at a later date. This is why I have no plans to purchase the EF35 f/2. Eventually, I will buy the 35L. It appears that this Tokina is quite a unique prime lens because of the macro, which makes it appealing for me. The only other lens that I can see that really goes head to head with the Tokina is the Zeiss 35mm f/2M. That lens is considerably more expensive and then I need to get into manual focus. That could be a real challenge when trying to get shots of snakes in the dark.

How low light are you thinking? I've used the Tokina 35mm next to the Canon 100mm macro (none-L) for a long time, and the 35mm easily held it's own. It actually focused quite a bit better in near macro range, but once you get further away, the USM takes the lead of course.
Never had any problems with hunting in low light.

[shulgi]

Basically, the middle of night in the middle of the jungle with the subject hit by my headlamp or hand-held flashlight. Pretty far from ideal conditions.

I have never used the non-L Canon 100mm, so I don't know how it compares with the L lens. Before I bought the L, I had a 90mm Tamron and was never able to get it to autofocus in low light. The lens would hunt back and forth and never lock on.

My main concern is not ending up on an "upgrade train". In other words, I don't want to spend money on a lens and then upgrade to a better lens with the same focal length at a later date. This is why I have no plans to purchase the EF35 f/2. Eventually, I will buy the 35L. It appears that this Tokina is quite a unique prime lens because of the macro, which makes it appealing for me. The only other lens that I can see that really goes head to head with the Tokina is the Zeiss 35mm f/2M. That lens is considerably more expensive and then I need to get into manual focus. That could be a real challenge when trying to get shots of snakes in the dark.

I own this lense and you got me curious. I mainly use it at work shooting from a copy stand with good light (I usually manual focus). I just took the lense down to the packing room (no windows - pitch black) with an led headlamp (used only 1 of the 10 led bulbs - dimmest it goes) and shot this picture. The autofocus had no problems and locked right in. Canon 60d - f2.8 - 1/8 sec - ISO 1600.
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/1-bulb.jpg

[shulgi]

No love here for this lense recently.:(

Here are a few I shot with this lens on vacation at Lake Michigan a couple weeks ago.

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/LakeMichigan9-9-12tok35a.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/LakeMichigan9-12-12tok35b.jpg

http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/LakeMichigan9-13-12tok35a.jpg

[pkilla]

damn i didn't even know tamron had 35mm how close can you get with the marco

[shulgi]

The minimum focus distance is advertised as 14 cm and the lens all but touches the object at that distance. I don't really use mine for macro.

[TweakMDS]

damn i didn't even know tamron had 35mm how close can you get with the marco

*tokina, but it does 1:1 macro, which makes it a rare lens in it's focal length.
I've taken loads of shots at or near 1:1 macro with this lens, and loads of them are earlier in this topic. Still miss it, but I rarely use my 40D anymore so it was a waste to have it gather dust.

[pkilla]

ok this tokina lens is only for crop!

[TweakMDS]

ok this tokina lens is only for crop!

Yup! I added a Sigma 50mm (as well as a full manual Takumar 50mm macro) to my kit as a replacement, but it's just not the same ;)

[kkchome]

Now I am really interested in this lens. Thanks for posting that photo. This thing really looks like good bang for the buck. Even if I upgrade in the future, this would be a great lens on my old 450D that my wife and kids use from time to time.

I own this lense and you got me curious. I mainly use it at work shooting from a copy stand with good light (I usually manual focus). I just took the lense down to the packing room (no windows - pitch black) with an led headlamp (used only 1 of the 10 led bulbs - dimmest it goes) and shot this picture. The autofocus had no problems and locked right in. Canon 60d - f2.8 - 1/8 sec - ISO 1600.
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/shulgi/Tokina%2035mm/1-bulb.jpg

[pkilla]

How's the lens for video does it have a nice focus ring!

[shulgi]

How's the lens for video does it have a nice focus ring!

I don't really shoot any video, but to me the focus ring in MF isn't particularly smooth and is fairly noisy. I shoot a lot of old MF lenses and it certainly is not as smooth as those.

[TweakMDS]

Macro lenses tend to have a very long focus throw in the macro range, and relatively short in the part where normal lenses operate (let's say from like 1:5 to infinity). The Tokina 35mm macro is no exception in this.

If you'd compare it to a "regular" 35mm prime, those tend to have between ~110 and ~220 degrees of focus throw across their focus range. In the same focus range, the Tokina would only have like 30-45 degrees, because the majority of it's focus throw is in the macro range.

I hope this clarifies things.

[shulgi]

Now I am really interested in this lens. Thanks for posting that photo. This thing really looks like good bang for the buck. Even if I upgrade in the future, this would be a great lens on my old 450D that my wife and kids use from time to time.

I've been pleased with my copy -- good image quality fairly inexpensive.:)

[kkchome]

Having problem finding this lens here in Hong Kong for a Canon mount. It seems everybody is out of stock. Anyway, just bought the Tokina 11-16 because I didn't have any wide angle stuff. I definitely want to hunt down a copy of this lens prior to herping season next spring.

[shulgi]

Having problem finding this lens here in Hong Kong for a Canon mount. It seems everybody is out of stock. Anyway, just bought the Tokina 11-16 because I didn't have any wide angle stuff. I definitely want to hunt down a copy of this lens prior to herping season next spring.

Apparently this lense has become hard to get in a Canon mount. I see B&H and Adorama sell it in Nikon mount but not Canon for $300. I got mine 1 1/2 year ago from Amazon for $280. There's one available now from Amazon for $320. Other than that it looks like there are a couple ebay sellers for $550-620 -- too much.:(

[TweakMDS]

Apparently this lense has become hard to get in a Canon mount. I see B&H and Adorama sell it in Nikon mount but not Canon for $300. I got mine 1 1/2 year ago from Amazon for $280. There's one available now from Amazon for $320. Other than that it looks like there are a couple ebay sellers for $550-620 -- too much.:(

Wow I should have held on to mine a year longer, I sold it for the same amount I bought it used for; 160 euros (mint), and in lens prices, euro to dollar is nearly 1:1 usually.

Edit: no such trouble here though; it's in stock at the first 4 stores I checked, but the Canon mount is 20 euros more expensive than the nikon, which could point to a supply issue. Not uncommon for Tokina... the 11-16 had it as well as the 50-135 before they discontinued it.
Would be a damn shame if they discontinued this lens though. It still seems very unpopular (although less than when I started using it), but it's one of the best lenses I've ever used. Still has my most favorite keepers.

[kkchome]

I will give the Tokina distributor in for Hong Kong a call when I get back from home. Hopefully, they can help me hunt one down. I hope it isn't discontinued.

[les24preludes]

Has anyone done any useful comparisons with the Canon EF 35/2 earlier version?

[Lisa]

Tried this lens on my 6D

[Lisa]

another on my 6D