Which of the Tokina 28-70s are worth getting?

c-meier · 06-17-2013, 11:20 AM

Hello all,
I have the option to locally purchase a Tokina lens labeled AT-X PRO AF 28-70 2.8. I have heard good things about Tokina lenses, in particular their AT-X PRO line, but still thought I'd "research" my options, first, only to be left utterly confused. How many versions of this lens exist, exactly?

I see two similar lenses in the database, with very differing reviews and price:

None of which seem to be the lens I could buy.

I am trying to get the seller to send me a picture of the lens, but in the meanwhile... do you own any of these 3 (or are there more?) lenses? Any insight as to their differences, which is the better one?

Thank you.

rob1234 · 06-17-2013, 12:58 PM

I had the second one of those two. Virtually unusable wide-open at 70mm I thought.

repaap · 06-17-2013, 02:22 PM

I have still 28-70/2.6-2.8

It is fine lens, just don't use WO and @70mm. It is quite good, but not really that good. With bigger hood, better, stopped down it is good. Best performace between 30-60 mm. Can be used even WO.

One thing about these lenses. They are big, and heavy. Solid peace of glass, metal and plastic. When I say that, I mean it. I like that, but not when casually shooting around. Then modern lenses might be better... That said, first version is the best. You kight want to stay away from SV version. Lighter and most recent.

Look at tokina AT-X pro thread, you can see my examples at there.

**kiwi_jono** · 06-17-2013, 03:35 PM

Hi,
It can be a great lens depending on version you get. Some are just Ok and other are pretty impressive.
For more information on the different versions I recommend reading: NIKON GLASS: Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8.

I have a AT-X Pro I and really like it - but a better hood is essential! Yes its not small but I like the feel of it. See PF database for this version: Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm F2.6-2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Last edited by kiwi_jono; 06-17-2013 at 03:50 PM.

c-meier · 06-17-2013, 04:16 PM

Thanks for all the replies. In particular this link, which helped me a lot figuring out which lens we are talking about, here:

Originally posted by kiwi_jono

Hi,
[...]
For more information on the different versions I recommend reading: NIKON GLASS: Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8.
[...]

Apparently it would be the Japan-only version of lens #2. (Screw on-hood, no scale window, gold ring, not SV)
The being heavy part (700g!) scares me a bit, also I was saving up for a moderate wideangle prime, which would have to wait, but the lens seems to be in good condition, and at a around $360, seems an ok deal, specially considering lenses are expensive around here. Hum...I'll have to sleep over it. Thanks again.

slip · 06-17-2013, 06:18 PM

The sv version is the least expensive and the cheapest in the build and optical department. I had the 2.8 non sv version and the autofocus was lightning fast on.my k5iis. It is one of the lenses I wish I would have kept

Cheers

Randy

rob1234 · 06-18-2013, 11:33 AM

I'd suggest the Tamron 28-75 to be honest?

repaap · 06-18-2013, 01:06 PM

I haven't tried This lens, but it is new, lighter, and I have seen great examples from it. It is better, for what I have seen.

I like my AT-X 270 II for that reason that it has some character(might be that I have learnt to like it). It is still so big that I don't want ot lug it around. But it is still good oldie, but If you don't get one with reasonable price, then Tammy.

I like these lenses. I wan't to have even 828(80-200/2.8), when possible. I have also 235...

Originally posted by rob1234

I'd suggest the Tamron 28-75 to be honest?

Tighelander · 07-01-2013, 09:18 PM

I just got one of these, and would like a little help.
The lens has a constant aperture of 2.8, and is not a "Pro", or a "SV" marked lens.
It also has an orange ring, and I got it from Japan.

It wasn't packed very well; it was moving around the box. The zoom ring action isn't smooth; there's more resistance at one end.
I've heard great reviews about the lens' workmanship and think the action should be more fluid. Am I right?

repaap · 07-02-2013, 12:32 AM

Atleast my 28-70 is really fluid. There is some issued with 20-35 pro zoom, but it is for whole zoom range.

That does not sound right.

My vers. Is 28-70/2.6-2.8. And it has label PRO on it. SV vers. Does not have SV marked on it...so it might be that..?

repaap · 07-02-2013, 12:33 AM

Image might help

**nater** · 07-02-2013, 08:19 AM

Originally posted by Tighelander

The lens has a constant aperture of 2.8, and is not a "Pro", or a "SV" marked lens.
It also has an orange ring, and I got it from Japan.

You have the predecessor to the f/2.6-2.8 (and later) versions of the lens. Websites have stated that f2.6-2.8 and later versions are based on a licensed Angenieux formula and have non-rotating 77mm filter ring, whereas the earlier one has a 72mm rotating filter ring and an optical formula presumably created by Tokina.

MegaPower · 07-02-2013, 06:40 PM

Get the 28-70 f/2.6-2.8 version. There are 2 verion of it, one with rounded hood and one with flower hood, they are both good.
You can also get the 28-80 f/2.8, but not the 28-70/2.8

Tighelander · 07-05-2013, 10:57 PM

I'm sending the lens back. I don't know why I pulled the trigger on this one. I forgot that I read this one is really soft wide open at 70mm. It doesn't seem to excel anywhere. The price I paid would have been okay for the "Pro" lens, but not for this one. I think I'll just get the Tamron 28-75mm SP.

rob1234 · 07-06-2013, 12:18 AM

Originally posted by Tighelander

I'm sending the lens back. I don't know why I pulled the trigger on this one. I forgot that I read this one is really soft wide open at 70mm. It doesn't seem to excel anywhere. The price I paid would have been okay for the "Pro" lens, but not for this one. I think I'll just get the Tamron 28-75mm SP.

Originally posted by rob1234

I had the second one of those two. Virtually unusable wide-open at 70mm I thought.

I got rid of mine too!

06-17-2013, 11:20 AM	#1
c-meier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Concepción, Chile Posts: 128	Which of the Tokina 28-70s are worth getting? Hello all, I have the option to locally purchase a Tokina lens labeled AT-X PRO AF 28-70 2.8. I have heard good things about Tokina lenses, in particular their AT-X PRO line, but still thought I'd "research" my options, first, only to be left utterly confused. How many versions of this lens exist, exactly? I see two similar lenses in the database, with very differing reviews and price: AT-X PRO AF 28-80 2.8 AT-X PRO AF 28-70 2.6-2.8 None of which seem to be the lens I could buy. I am trying to get the seller to send me a picture of the lens, but in the meanwhile... do you own any of these 3 (or are there more?) lenses? Any insight as to their differences, which is the better one? Thank you.

06-18-2013, 01:06 PM	#8
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Yes, that is true. I haven't tried This lens, but it is new, lighter, and I have seen great examples from it. It is better, for what I have seen. I like my AT-X 270 II for that reason that it has some character(might be that I have learnt to like it). It is still so big that I don't want ot lug it around. But it is still good oldie, but If you don't get one with reasonable price, then Tammy. I like these lenses. I wan't to have even 828(80-200/2.8), when possible. I have also 235... Originally posted by rob1234 I'd suggest the Tamron 28-75 to be honest?

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06-17-2013, 12:58 PM	#2
rob1234 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wiltshire/Hampshire Photos: Albums Posts: 1,760	I had the second one of those two. Virtually unusable wide-open at 70mm I thought.

06-17-2013, 02:22 PM	#3
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	I have still 28-70/2.6-2.8 It is fine lens, just don't use WO and @70mm. It is quite good, but not really that good. With bigger hood, better, stopped down it is good. Best performace between 30-60 mm. Can be used even WO. One thing about these lenses. They are big, and heavy. Solid peace of glass, metal and plastic. When I say that, I mean it. I like that, but not when casually shooting around. Then modern lenses might be better... That said, first version is the best. You kight want to stay away from SV version. Lighter and most recent. Look at tokina AT-X pro thread, you can see my examples at there.

06-17-2013, 03:35 PM	#4
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	Hi, It can be a great lens depending on version you get. Some are just Ok and other are pretty impressive. For more information on the different versions I recommend reading: NIKON GLASS: Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8. I have a AT-X Pro I and really like it - but a better hood is essential! Yes its not small but I like the feel of it. See PF database for this version: Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm F2.6-2.8 Lens Reviews - Tokina Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database Last edited by kiwi_jono; 06-17-2013 at 03:50 PM.

06-17-2013, 04:16 PM	#5
c-meier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Concepción, Chile Posts: 128 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies. In particular this link, which helped me a lot figuring out which lens we are talking about, here: Originally posted by kiwi_jono Hi, [...] For more information on the different versions I recommend reading: NIKON GLASS: Tokina AT-X Pro 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8. [...] Apparently it would be the Japan-only version of lens #2. (Screw on-hood, no scale window, gold ring, not SV) The being heavy part (700g!) scares me a bit, also I was saving up for a moderate wideangle prime, which would have to wait, but the lens seems to be in good condition, and at a around $360, seems an ok deal, specially considering lenses are expensive around here. Hum...I'll have to sleep over it. Thanks again.

06-17-2013, 06:18 PM	#6
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	The sv version is the least expensive and the cheapest in the build and optical department. I had the 2.8 non sv version and the autofocus was lightning fast on.my k5iis. It is one of the lenses I wish I would have kept Cheers Randy

06-18-2013, 11:33 AM	#7
rob1234 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wiltshire/Hampshire Photos: Albums Posts: 1,760	I'd suggest the Tamron 28-75 to be honest?

07-01-2013, 09:18 PM	#9
Tighelander Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Diego Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 228	I just got one of these, and would like a little help. The lens has a constant aperture of 2.8, and is not a "Pro", or a "SV" marked lens. It also has an orange ring, and I got it from Japan. It wasn't packed very well; it was moving around the box. The zoom ring action isn't smooth; there's more resistance at one end. I've heard great reviews about the lens' workmanship and think the action should be more fluid. Am I right?

07-02-2013, 12:32 AM	#10
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Atleast my 28-70 is really fluid. There is some issued with 20-35 pro zoom, but it is for whole zoom range. That does not sound right. My vers. Is 28-70/2.6-2.8. And it has label PRO on it. SV vers. Does not have SV marked on it...so it might be that..?

07-02-2013, 12:33 AM	#11
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Image might help

07-02-2013, 08:19 AM	#12
nater Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New England Photos: Albums Posts: 706	Originally posted by Tighelander The lens has a constant aperture of 2.8, and is not a "Pro", or a "SV" marked lens. It also has an orange ring, and I got it from Japan. You have the predecessor to the f/2.6-2.8 (and later) versions of the lens. Websites have stated that f2.6-2.8 and later versions are based on a licensed Angenieux formula and have non-rotating 77mm filter ring, whereas the earlier one has a 72mm rotating filter ring and an optical formula presumably created by Tokina.

07-02-2013, 06:40 PM	#13
MegaPower Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 636	Get the 28-70 f/2.6-2.8 version. There are 2 verion of it, one with rounded hood and one with flower hood, they are both good. You can also get the 28-80 f/2.8, but not the 28-70/2.8

07-05-2013, 10:57 PM	#14
Tighelander Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Diego Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 228	I'm sending the lens back. I don't know why I pulled the trigger on this one. I forgot that I read this one is really soft wide open at 70mm. It doesn't seem to excel anywhere. The price I paid would have been okay for the "Pro" lens, but not for this one. I think I'll just get the Tamron 28-75mm SP.

07-06-2013, 12:18 AM	#15
rob1234 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wiltshire/Hampshire Photos: Albums Posts: 1,760	Originally posted by Tighelander I'm sending the lens back. I don't know why I pulled the trigger on this one. I forgot that I read this one is really soft wide open at 70mm. It doesn't seem to excel anywhere. The price I paid would have been okay for the "Pro" lens, but not for this one. I think I'll just get the Tamron 28-75mm SP. Originally posted by rob1234 I had the second one of those two. Virtually unusable wide-open at 70mm I thought. I got rid of mine too!