Tokina 80-400

Hi! I was just wondering if anyone has seen/used or owns this lens? It's relatively new to the market and I'm interested in people's thoughts.

Ta.

Do a search in this forum for Condyk's hands-on review.

OK, I did another search on the 80-400, Condyk (I know who he is.. but can't find a post by him on this) and even "hands-on review", and I can't find it. Could you point me to a more direct direction? lol

Actually, the Tokina 80-400mm lens has been around for a while in three different versions - the first one without a tripod collar, the second 'II' improved version with a tripod collar and the latest brand new digital 'D' version. This summer, I ordered a used one online, the first version, but found the auto-focus motor on this particular lens was slow and uneven (I assumed the auto-focus motor was dying and returned it). Optical quality wasn't too bad overall and I hear the quality of the lens - optically and the focus motor - was greatly improved from the first version. Unfortunately, the latest digital version costs much more and is harder to find.

Here's some of the reviews I've seen:

http://www.photozone.d​e …s/reviews/tokin​a80400.htm (version 1?)
http://photosig.pcphot​oreview.com/mfr/tokina​/35mm-zoom/PRD_83631_3128crx​.aspx (version 2?)
http://www.popphoto.co​m …80-400mm-f45-56-af-d.html (version 3 digital)
http://www.fredmiranda​.com …=239&sort=7&cat​=40&page=1 (various versions)

Thanks Jack. (Edit to save another post popping up)
Just checked out your links, and it looks like you came up with the same hits as me. It's darn hard to find any info on the most recent release, and it sounds like the earlier models weren't much to write home about- as you have contended with your own experience. I'll hit the search engines again...and post back here if I find out anything useful in case someone else does a search on here for this.

I have the older version and am selling it because it was soft at 400mm getting a better price than I paid for it too! I love KEH and Craigslist. I listed the lens for $400 and the lady offered me 500 lol

Here is the review done by Condyk: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=206338, albeit his review was of an earlier version.

I also contributed to that thread about my new 'D' model that I purchased in September 2006 from B&H. A great travel and outdoor lens, and I am pretty happy with mine. The Pop Photo link above is to the same lens as I have.