Tokina 11 16mm F 2 8 AT-X Pro DX II Review | 54 Data compared

The provided article evaluates several ultra-wide-angle and fisheye lenses from major manufacturers—including Canon, Sigma, Tokina, Samyang, and Tamron—tested on a Canon 550D APS-C camera body at the 2013 Paris Photo Expo. The author clarifies that the test photos are strictly comparative rather than artistic due to being restricted to the exhibition booths. A key benefit highlighted is that wide-angle lenses on an APS-C sensor provide a broader framing that is highly ideal for landscape photography. However, a significant drawback noted is severe perspective distortion; subjects placed within one meter of the camera will stretch aggressively, making post-processing correction nearly impossible. Additionally, the author warns that camera settings varied dramatically between shots, meaning the straight-out-of-camera colour rendering cannot be used as a reliable baseline. The review goes on to detail the specific focal lengths and exposure settings used for each individual lens, while offering downloadable RAW files so readers can test lens corrections themselves in software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or DxO. For example, the Canon EF-S 10-22mm, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, and various Sigma 10-20mm variations are showcased for their wide...

This review covers the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II lens used on a crop-sensor camera for landscape and night photography. The reviewer praises its excellent build quality, noting that the lens feels incredibly solid, heavy (550g), and durable compared to cheaper plastic lenses. Performance-wise, the ultra-wide 11mm focal length opens up a completely new photographic perspective, making it easy to capture massive subjects like a 10-metre tree from just a few metres away. Key advantages include a fast and silent autofocus, an internal zoom mechanism that keeps the lens size constant, a wide and precise focus ring, and a constant f/2.8 aperture that excels at revealing hidden stars during night photography. Additionally, closing the aperture down to f/22 easily produces a beautiful "starburst" effect with the sun. However, the lens comes with several ergonomic and optical drawbacks. A major complaint is its extreme vulnerability to lens flare, which occurs frequently during sunrise shots and even under the full moon, sometimes forcing the user to block light with their hand. The unique "One-Touch Focus Clutch" mechanism—where you pull the...

The Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-16 F/2.8 IF DX II is a wide-angle lens chosen primarily for its unique, constant maximum aperture of F/2.8. This fast aperture makes it highly capable for indoor and low-light astrophotography compared to less luminous competitors. Optically, it scores well next to its rivals and stands out by offering a 9-blade diaphragm that creates a cleaner, circular opening for night-time urban landscapes. Financially, the reviewer secured it at a steep discount with free filters because retailers were clearing stock to prepare for its successor, the 11-20 F/2.8. The 77 mm filter thread was another specific advantage, allowing the reviewer to share filters with an existing 300 mm F/4 lens instead of buying expensive 82 mm filters required by other options. However, the reviewer highlights several notable drawbacks to using this specific ultra-wide lens. Optically, DXOMark testing indicated it suffers from more pronounced chromatic aberration than alternative models. It is also prone to noticeable lens flare and distracting halo artifacts when shooting in bright light or directly against the sun. In terms of handling, the lens...

The DXOMARK review evaluates the Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-16 F2.8 IF DX II Nikon, an ultra-wide angle zoom lens designed for APS-C (DX format) DSLR cameras, where it offers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 17-24mm. Tested on a Nikon D3200, the lens achieved an overall DXOMARK Score of 16, demonstrating optimal performance at a focal length of 11mm and a fast aperture of f/2.8. Key technical metrics from their lab measurements include a sharpness score of 9 P-Mpix, light transmission at 3 TStop, a controlled distortion level of 0.6%, vignetting at -0.8 EV, and lateral chromatic aberration measuring 25 µm. The review highlights distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding this revised high-speed zoom lens. On the pros side, the lens features a fast, constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, making it a solid performer for low-light scenarios, alongside a new multi-coating process engineered to deliver a smoother gradation of shadows. Furthermore, the Nikon mount version introduces a high-speed, quiet internal DC focus motor that was previously missing compared to its Canon counterpart. On the cons side, the optical build remains...

The DXOMARK review highlights the Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-16 F2.8 IF DX II Nikon as a solid and revised high-speed zoom lens built for APS-C (DX) format cameras. Retailing around $680, this lens keeps the same internal optical setup as its predecessor—including two aspherical and two low-dispersion elements—but introduces a brand-new multi-coating process aimed at smoothing out shadow gradations. Pros featured in this update include lower levels of vignetting compared to the older model. Additionally, the Nikon mount version finally features an integrated high-speed and quiet DC autofocus motor, matching the functionality of the Canon version and allowing it to autofocus on entry-level Nikon bodies. Despite these updates, the lens does come with some measurable cons according to DXOMARK's testing. The DX II scored a 15 overall on a Nikon D7000, which is actually one point lower than the original version. This drop is due to slightly worse light transmission and a noticeable increase in chromatic aberration (fringing), which went up to 22 microns. While it remains a durable choice for landscapes or interiors, these minor optical compromises make...

The Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX is a compact and remarkably well-built ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for APS-C sensor cameras, providing an equivalent focal range of 16-24mm in 35mm format. Its standout feature is the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, which delivers excellent image quality and a smooth, contrasty bokeh via a 9-blade diaphragm, making it highly effective for low-light indoor shooting, landscapes, and architecture. Testing on a 16-megapixel Nikon D7000 revealed outstanding center sharpness right from the maximum aperture across the entire zoom range, with the lens reaching peak optical uniformity around f/8. Furthermore, its internal zoom mechanism prevents the barrel from expanding, allowing for easy filter use, while a convenient clutch system makes switching to manual focus smooth and precise. Despite its high-quality construction and strong center performance, the lens exhibits a few notable drawbacks. The corner image quality is physically soft when shooting at the wide-open f/2.8 setting, and vignetting is also highly visible at this maximum aperture. At the extreme 11mm focal length, geometric distortion is heavily pronounced (-3% TV), and chromatic aberrations are quite noticeable...