[cheekygeek]

I guess this qualifies as a "gloat" although I gave a fair amount for
this lens.

A couple of weeks ago a manual focus Tokina AT-X 90mm f2.5 Macro with
1:1 Extender and original case showed up on an auction site. The
problem was, the silly seller did not specify what mount the lens was.
Now I'm not terribly familiar with the Tokina AT-X line, but this lens
appeared (even from the inadequate photos) to be in superb condition.
And I could make out a Green "A" at the end of the aperture ring. I
surmised correctly, as it turns out, that this was the rare Bokina II
in a PK/A mount.

Having previously owned the Bokina I (the Tokina made Vivitar Series 1
90mm f2.5 with 1:1 extender in KM mount), which I sold solely to
partly finance my K-5, I was very interested to have the "improved"
official Tokina AT-X version. I was even determined to sell my
Pentax-F 100mm f2.8 Macro to pay for it. I took a chance and was the
high bidder, getting it for $370, shipped. Since I had sold the
original Bokina for over $500 and now had a PK/A in exchange, I felt
pretty good about that. Fortunately, I sold other items to pay for it
and did not have to part with my Pentax-F 100mm Macro. However, it
remained to be seen if the AT-X was indeed a PK/A and if it had any
problems. I'm happy to say that it arrived today and it is in
absolutely pristine condition.

I will now be in a position to do a head-to-head comparison between
the two macro lenses and see if the AF of the Pentax is important to
me, and if the Bokina II lives up to it's optical reputation (which is
one of the nearest to Voigtlander Lanthar 125mm Macros that I have
seen, in online comparisons). The Pentax also has the advantage of
going to 1:1 without an extender.

For starters, I am surprised at how light the Bokina II is, when
compared to the tank-like original Bokina. For those interested, the
definitive page on the Bokina II is here:
Making Not Taking: Tokina 90mm f/2.5 AT-X Macro - The "Bokina"
I don't recall what the original Bokina weighs, but the Bokina II compares very favorably to the Pentax-F 100mm f2.8 Macro:
Pentax-F 100mm f2.8 macro: 1 lb. 4.5 oz
Tokina AT-X 90mm f2.5 Macro (without extender): 1 lb. 1.9 oz
With Extender: 1 lb. 7.5 oz.

I'm now *especially* looking forward to Spring!

[Nick Siebers]

Glad it worked out! Looking forward to the comparison shots. I too cannot wait for spring.

[monochrome]

I looked at that lens. Glad I'm in reducing mode so we didn't bid against each other!

[NZ_Ross]

I will now be in a position to do a head-to-head comparison between
the two macro lenses and see if the AF of the Pentax is important to
me, and if the Bokina II lives up to it's optical reputation (which is
one of the nearest to Voigtlander Lanthar 125mm Macros that I have
seen, in online comparisons). The Pentax also has the advantage of
going to 1:1 without an extender.

Well done on getting a great lens at a good price

I am also looking forward to your comparison testing - will you post the results on this thread?

Cheers

Ross

[cheekygeek]

I will probably post them in a thread with a more accurately descriptive title. But when I do, I will post a link to that thread in this one. Appreciate the interest!