Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I saw that Tokina seem to be re-branding some Viltrox lenses and releasing them for Fujifilm, which is great news for me, though I have to admit I'm dubious about buying a lens from a new Chinese manufacturer. That Tokina is willing to release them under their name is somewhat reassuring, though I'm not sure if they'll be simply re-branded or if the coatings and housings will be different (ala Pentax & Tokina).
I was recently debating whether to get the FA 43 or a Fujinon 50/2 and in the end went with the FA lens and will wait until the Tokina is available and probably get the 56mm f/1.4 if it's shown to be good, though with the current CV situation it's likely to be delayed. The Fujinon is a little too short and a little too slow to be perfect, 56/1.4 should be perfect to give me a fast prime longer than my 35/1.4.
What are others' opinions on these new lenses?
I think I'd rather have the real deal from Viltrox as the Tonika flavors lose the USB interface on the lens itself. Mattias Burling (hope I spelled his name right) reviewed a Viltrox, the 85mm I think, that he loved and improved via firmware updating and the USB interface was needed to do so. It isn't like Tokina is well known for excellent lens coatings and you'd be paying more to get less, in effect, going that way.
I do understand the reluctance to go with a new name in this situation but sadly I don't think Tokina brings many positives to this party. My 2 cents, not in the market, etc etc.