Tokina AT-X 287 PRO SV AF 28-70mm f/2.8 Review

---

Introduction

The Tokina AF 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO-SV (Special Value) was the cheapest standard zoom in its class with a f/2.8 aperture, the Nikon equivalent costs more then 3 times as much (when the Tokina was still for sale).Today these Tokina lenses are a bargain used. The Tokina 28-70 is based on a design of the French manufacturer Angenieux, which is well known for its movie camera lenses. Tokina has updated this lens several times over the years. This model is one if the last one they made, the first was the AF 28-70 f/2.6-2.8 AT-X pro. The newer models of this lens (28-80mm f/2.8) is supposedly better as far as the optic goes. The 28-70mm zoom range is rather awkward on a DX sized Dslr, which results in 42-105mm, which is ok for a portrait lens. This lens is allot more useful on a FF camera like the Nikon F5 where this lens has a normal zoom range.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups

Picture Angle: 75° 20’ to 34°20’ (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 0.7m (27.5")

Filter Size: 77mm

Lens Hood: BH-773 or BH-776

Included accessories: lens hood, fitted soft case, front cap, rear cap.

Size and weight: 84mm (3.3") x 108mm (4.3"), 719g (25.2oz)

Diaphragm: 8 bladed

price from: $ Discontinued

Price paid: 215 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.tokinalens.com

Positives

• Price.
• Build quality.
• Rubber on zoom/focus ring. Tokina`s old style of rubber is my favorite one.

Drawbacks

• Focus clutch, i prefer Nikons MF switches over the clutch system used by Tamron and Tokina.
• f/2.8 performance. lacks a bit of contrast, and it`s slightly soft. It works excellent as a portrait lens wide open tough.
• Zoom range. On a DX Dslr the zoom range on this lens is not the best range you can get, on a Full-Frame camera the zoom range is more useful.
• Discontinued.

Verdict

The biggest drawback with this lens on a DX Dslr is the zoom range. I typically carry a 17-35mm, 50mm and a 80-200mm, I find that in most situations I can get away with using the 50mm, and just move back and forward to compensate for not having the zoom range in between the two other lenses. Some times you can't relocate yourself easily, that's when a lens with this zoom range comes into play. The performance of this lens is ok on f/2.8, from f/4 and up it`s excellent. If you can get this lens for less then 250 USD in a good condition, it is a good buy.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED-IF. From: $1,769.95 USD

Nikon AF 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF. From: $679.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 30, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.