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**csa** · 11-29-2014, 09:29 AM

I plan on one of these very shortly with my K10D. Any direct comparisons (images, handheld, etc.) between the Pentax A 400 F5.6 and the Tokina 400 ATX AF f5.6? I'm mainly interested in which would be sharper, and easier for handheld.

Thanks all!

Last edited by csa; 11-29-2014 at 09:46 AM.

**chuck_c** · 11-29-2014, 10:04 AM

I only have the Pentax A 400 f5.6, so I can't compare the two for sharpness. But I can tell you that the Pentax version is very hand holdable and has a minimum focusing distance of about 9'-2" (280cm) which is uncommon for a lens of that focal length, and is very capable of producing very sharp images.

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 10:11 AM

Chuck, thanks for your reply; that information helps a lot!

**Scorpio71GR** · 11-29-2014, 10:34 AM

I have the Tokina version and shoot with it on a K10D. The minium focusing distance I believe is about 14 feet. The lens is very sharp around F8. I mainly use for shooting birds the minimum focusing distance is not issue for me. The lens is overall compact and not too heavy. With the shake reduction it is possible to shoot hand held but given the K10D's issues with ISO's over 400 a tripod works best. Overall I am happy with the lens and paid less than half of what the Pentax version cost. There are also full reviews by members of each lens in the lens review forums.

**csa** · 11-29-2014, 10:55 AM

Thanks so much! Most of my shooting would be handheld, as opportunities arise quickly and I don't have time to setup a tripod for wildlife, with the exception of birds. For instance, got a nice shot of a buck, but only had seconds before he disappeared over the hill. I'm also planning on the K5sII, but for now it would be with the K10D.

jb0501 · 12-10-2014, 09:19 PM

The Tokina is very easy to use handheld. Close focus is 12 feet and autofocus is very noisy. Very solidly built.

**csa** · 12-11-2014, 10:24 AM

Thank you! I'm most anxious to get it around Christmas!

11-29-2014, 09:29 AM	#1
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Comparison Tokina 400 vs Pentax A 400 I plan on one of these very shortly with my K10D. Any direct comparisons (images, handheld, etc.) between the Pentax A 400 F5.6 and the Tokina 400 ATX AF f5.6? I'm mainly interested in which would be sharper, and easier for handheld. Thanks all! Last edited by csa; 11-29-2014 at 09:46 AM.

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11-29-2014, 10:04 AM	#2
chuck_c Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Westerville, OH Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,588	I only have the Pentax A 400 f5.6, so I can't compare the two for sharpness. But I can tell you that the Pentax version is very hand holdable and has a minimum focusing distance of about 9'-2" (280cm) which is uncommon for a lens of that focal length, and is very capable of producing very sharp images.

11-29-2014, 10:11 AM	#3
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Chuck, thanks for your reply; that information helps a lot!

11-29-2014, 10:34 AM	#4
Scorpio71GR Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,036	I have the Tokina version and shoot with it on a K10D. The minium focusing distance I believe is about 14 feet. The lens is very sharp around F8. I mainly use for shooting birds the minimum focusing distance is not issue for me. The lens is overall compact and not too heavy. With the shake reduction it is possible to shoot hand held but given the K10D's issues with ISO's over 400 a tripod works best. Overall I am happy with the lens and paid less than half of what the Pentax version cost. There are also full reviews by members of each lens in the lens review forums.

11-29-2014, 10:55 AM	#5
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Thanks so much! Most of my shooting would be handheld, as opportunities arise quickly and I don't have time to setup a tripod for wildlife, with the exception of birds. For instance, got a nice shot of a buck, but only had seconds before he disappeared over the hill. I'm also planning on the K5sII, but for now it would be with the K10D.

12-10-2014, 09:19 PM	#6
jb0501 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 58	The Tokina is very easy to use handheld. Close focus is 12 feet and autofocus is very noisy. Very solidly built.

12-11-2014, 10:24 AM	#7
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133 Original Poster	Thank you! I'm most anxious to get it around Christmas!

Comparison Tokina 400 vs Pentax A 400

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