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| 07-06-2010, 03:25 AM | #1 |
| Tokina AF 20-35mm Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Anyone who's also using this lens? What has been your experience? I got one recently and it's becoming my favorite.  Here's some sample shots: Tokina AF 20-35 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Tokina AF 20-35mm on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Tokina AF 20-35mm on Flickr - Photo Sharing! | |
| 07-10-2010, 07:04 PM | #2 |
| 07-10-2010, 09:48 PM - 1 Like | #3 |
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Yes - I have this lens. It's certainly a keeper. Although... I must admit, I haven't used it in a long time. It got replaced by the 31mm. And since then, I now do the zooming with my feet!  The wider end got replaced with a FA 20mm f2.8 - which I absolutely love.There are a couple of different versions. I have the 77mm filter version, fluro orange band at front, focus distance markings on zoom barrel (so no window). Metal construction - very solid build - built like a tank. (Heavy.) Mine also came with the Tokina BH-773 petal hood. About 7-8 years ago, everyone was going gangbusters over this lens. The rumour was that it was sharper than the Canon 20-35mm lens - at half the price. In fact, there was talk of little IQ difference to much more expensive Tokina AT-X version that came out later - about the time this lens was discontinued. It got replaced by a lesser (in build and IQ) 19-35mm version. The thing about the Tokina 20-35mm AF was the sharpness. And it is very sharp. (This was surprising for a wide angle zoom lens.) Stopped down to f8 - it is tack sharp in centre as any prime / and provided decent corner to corner sharpness. The sharpness is very acceptable wide open too. There are noticeable distortions at either end - especially at 20mm. I found that if you didn't push it wider than say 23mm - everything was okay. (This helped when taking Architectural shots.) On FF - this lens was pretty amazing. I spent a couple of years with it being glued to the front of my trusty MX - it was the ultimate landscape lens - shooting Velvia-50. The colour isn't bad - but Pentax shooters are a little spoilt in that department. All non-Pentax SMC lenses can fall a little flat sometimes. Actually, it is a very contrasty lens - but you need to be weary of flare - which will wash out the colour and contrast. For some reason - my copy has a tendency to over-expose. Although, that is easily compensated for. I remember that it can focus really close too. What I always loved was how bad-ass it looks on the front of any Pentax camera. In fact, I just pulled it out and stuck it on my K20D. Seriously, that's a mean looking piece of kit. I think you've just inspired me to pull it out of retirement and go and shoot with it. | |
| 07-10-2010, 11:52 PM | #4 |
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Thanks Tumble. Excellent review. I'm glad there's at least one person here who has had experience with this lens, and it has been good. I was also looking at the ATX version and the 19-35 but I'm glad I ended up getting this one.(I heard they've just discontinued the 19-35 as well) The only problem with an old lens like this is that it can be difficult getting accessories for them. I've been searching all over but can't find the petal hood or even a generic hood that will fit. It is heavy but I don't mind the weight. Apart from that I've had no problems with the copy I have. You're right. It does look bad-ass on a pentax and draws looks and glances from fellow photogs. Just today I caught a Canikonite staring at it intently apparently trying the make out what it was. I'm happy you took yours out of retirement. I'm sure you won't regret it.  | |
| 07-11-2010, 01:46 AM | #6 |
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I have the 72mm (I version) with the window. If BH-771 is for the II version (like yours) it will be too big for mine. My best hope is to find a second hand hood on ebay (highly unlikely but possible) or a generic rubber one that fits (also no luck so far)  Thanks for the links and God bless!
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| 07-16-2010, 09:55 PM | #8 |
 Originally posted by tumbleguts  | |
| 07-16-2010, 10:08 PM | #9 |
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| 07-17-2010, 10:49 PM | #11 |
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Nice shots, maybe could use some added contrast in PP? But why don't you link your pics directly here? When I have to click a link to see a page with pictures, chances are I think it's too much work  .
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| 07-18-2010, 03:02 AM | #12 |
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Hey there. Glad to hear (and see) that you got a hood for your lens. Now it looks just as bad-ass as mine! The front element is rather large and exposed - so it's a worthwhile investment. The last thing you need is colour and contrast washout ruining a perfect shot. (Even if the Tokina multi-coating is awesome.) I like your new pics - especially the temple ones. Nice job. | |
| 07-19-2010, 06:08 AM | #13 |
| Originally posted by ovim Nice shots, maybe could use some added contrast in PP? But why don't you link your pics directly here? When I have to click a link to see a page with pictures, chances are I think it's too much work .As to linking the photos, truth is I haven't quite mastered how to do that yet so it's easier for me to cut and past the link. | |
| 07-19-2010, 06:17 AM | #14 |
| Originally posted by tumbleguts Hey there. Glad to hear (and see) that you got a hood for your lens. Now it looks just as bad-ass as mine! The front element is rather large and exposed - so it's a worthwhile investment. The last thing you need is colour and contrast washout ruining a perfect shot. (Even if the Tokina multi-coating is awesome.) I like your new pics - especially the temple ones. Nice job. | |
| 08-01-2010, 02:03 AM | #15 |
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Post #3 by tumbleguts 
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