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01-08-2008, 11:27 AM   #1
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Tokina 80-400mm vs. Sigma 135-400mm

I am interested in getting a little longer reach and I was interested in the Sigma at first, then I remembered about the Tokina. I am more concerened about the longer end, if anyone has any experience with either lens and can chime in a comment or two, and perhaps a couple snaps I would appreciate it.

01-08-2008, 12:40 PM   #2
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I have the Sigma model and find it acceptable but with one major flaw.
My model, has no zoom lock and the lens creep is shocking. However,I believe the later model did address this issue and put it right.
Quality of photo is fairly good, sharp and not bad boket.
Hand holding can be a bit of a problem and really is best used on a tripod or other rest/support.
For a photo from this lens, go to this weeks minichallenge "Action". My entry of two birds on TV aerial is taken with this lens.
Hope I have been of some assistance. Any questions are fine.
Cheers.
01-08-2008, 01:54 PM   #3
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if size matters, tokina. Otherwise sigma. (Due to availability. Not IQ)
Tokina is almost same length as the sigma 70-300.
In terms of image quality, I think they are equal.
01-09-2008, 05:13 PM   #4
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Sigma 135-400

Here ya go Buddha,
Exif should be intact. (most @400mm) If not let me know & I will post it.
I agree with Bramela...get the later model with the zoom lock!! drives you nuts....and you get these funny looks from people when you walk around with it fully extended...
Grant


Last edited by Mallee Boy; 02-14-2008 at 02:44 PM.
01-09-2008, 06:44 PM   #5
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Good luck finding a Tokina 80-400

The problem with the Tokina 80-400 is finding one that is reasonably priced. I have been looking for one for about 2 months. Tokina no longer makes this lens in the Pentax mount. In the last week, two appeared on ebay (the first two I have been able to locate). One, the oldest model without the tripod collar, was at $458 the last time I looked. The second, a newer model with the collar, was at $560 plus $40 for shipping from Japan. Since you can buy a new Sigma 135-400 from B&H (and probably others) for $589, it is kind of hard to see bidding on the ebay lenses. Now, I would rather have the Tokina lens because it is somewhat more compact and has a wider zoom range, but not at the price of a new lens with digital coatings, a warranty, etc.
01-09-2008, 10:21 PM   #6
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Thanks guys, it is on my wishlist at B&H. Have any of you used it with the 1.4x APO TC?
01-09-2008, 11:29 PM   #7
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I've got the Tokina 80-400 - version two with tripod collar.

I've got a gallery of pics here - I think the majority are handheld.Tokina 80-400mm Photo Gallery by betsypdx at pbase.com

A couple of shots - from Crystal Springs Rhododenron Garden in March - all handheld
at 400mm


at 270mm


at 400.0mm iso200 1/60s f/8.0


I've also used it with the Tamron 1.4x TC but don't think I've got any shots in this gallery with the teleconverter.

I've liked the lens. It's heavy in comparison to most of my lenses though, and a full game of lacrosse or soccer can leave my arms aching for days.

01-09-2008, 11:46 PM   #8
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betsypdx, I liked all of your shots.
But, it is the first time I saw a flying dragonfly photo
01-10-2008, 06:26 PM   #9
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The prices for the Tokina 80-400mm are going at insane rates at the moment on eBay... Why is Tokina being so stubborn on this? Or is Pentax stopping them? I want an ATX-D 80-400mm!
01-12-2008, 11:58 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Buddha Jones Quote
Thanks guys, it is on my wishlist at B&H. Have any of you used it with the 1.4x APO TC?
Buddha, I don't recall seeing Sigma's website recommending either of their teleconverters for use with the 135-400mm zoom. You'd probably have to use even the 1.4X and zoom combo in manual focus at most of the higher focal lengths, and I'm sure the 2X would be a very dim manual focus proposition all the way.
01-13-2008, 12:27 AM   #11
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Sigma 135-400, at 400mm. No cropping or even PP involved other than the size reduction.


The same with this girl.


This sea monster

I have several more as well.

Mine was the last one available in Canada in Pentax mount, and they still hadn't taken care of the lens creep issue. But I still like the lens.
Mine does have some issues, but it sounds like Gentec is taking it in to calibrate it for me
02-01-2008, 11:58 PM   #12
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Tokina 80-400?

QuoteOriginally posted by betsypdx Quote
I've got the Tokina 80-400 - version two with tripod collar.
Nice pics.

I noticed the squirrel shot EXIF says lens model is "Sigma APO 70-200mm 2.8 EX".
02-02-2008, 12:20 PM   #13
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Betsypdx:

Beautiful pictures in your gallery. I had considered, briefly, the Tokina 80-400 before purchasing the Sigma 70-300 and later the Bigma, but I could find no evidence that it was or ever had been built with a Pentax mount. Your work is a testimony to the quality of the lens and your quality as a photographer. Thanks for the posting.

CN
02-02-2008, 04:53 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by TreeHuggerDoug Quote
Nice pics.

I noticed the squirrel shot EXIF says lens model is "Sigma APO 70-200mm 2.8 EX".
Nope - it's the Tokina. I know someone, at some time, on some forum, explained that various PP software can misidentify lenses. No idea why.
QuoteOriginally posted by Clem Nichols Quote
Betsypdx:

Beautiful pictures in your gallery. I had considered, briefly, the Tokina 80-400 before purchasing the Sigma 70-300 and later the Bigma, but I could find no evidence that it was or ever had been built with a Pentax mount. Your work is a testimony to the quality of the lens and your quality as a photographer. Thanks for the posting.

CN
Thanks Clem. I think it's pretty difficult to find. I lucked out when I wasn't looking. I don't think they've made their latest digital version for Pentax yet.
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