Name: Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro
Brand: Tokina

Technical Specifications of Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro

Overall score

7.3

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

8.2

Hide

Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

macro

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

55 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

8.6

Hide

Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

100 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

100 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

24 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

24 °

Focus & Controls

3.9

Hide

Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

screw-drive, DC motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

4.2

Hide

Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

7.1

Hide

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

8.9

Hide

DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro vs the average camera lens

Why is Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro better than the average camera lens?

Hide

Teleconverter compatible
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has aperture ring
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
8 points higher DxOMark score
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (34 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.
Importance: HIGH
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (34 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.34 vs 26
0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.1 x vs 0.192 x
Newer release date
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro was released more recently than the average camera lens.
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro was released more recently than the average camera lens.2019 vs 2016
4 mm narrower lens barrel
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.73 mm vs 77 mm
Teleconverter compatible
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has aperture ring
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Newer release date
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro was released more recently than the average camera lens.
4 mm narrower lens barrel
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
8 points higher DxOMark score
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has a higher DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (34 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.

Why is Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro worse than the average camera lens?

Hide

2 fewer aspherical elements
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
No full-time manual focus
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No internal focusing
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
Not weather-sealed
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Not weather-sealed
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.
Importance: HIGH
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No full-time manual focus
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.
Importance: HIGH
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No internal focusing
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.
Importance: HIGH
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2

Expert reviews

digitalcameraworld.com

07/06/2021

Summary of the review

Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 FF Macro review

The Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 FF Macro is a multi-purpose short telephoto prime lens designed for Canon EF and Nikon F-mount DSLRs, serving as a cosmetic refresh of the 2006 AT-X PRO version rather than a full optical redesign. It offers a 1:1 macro magnification ratio at a minimum focusing distance of 30cm, utilizing an optical path of 9 elements in 8 groups, which includes two aspherical and two Super-Low Dispersion glass elements. The lens delivers exceptional, flat-field sharpness across the image frame with negligible distortion, making it highly effective for head-on close-up photography. It also features Tokina’s signature "One-touch Clutch" mechanism for seamless switching between auto and manual focus, a focus range limiter switch, and a long-throw focus ring that enables high-precision manual focusing adjustments. However, the lens has notable drawbacks regarding its physical build and autofocus capabilities. A major limitation is that the Nikon F-mount version lacks an internal autofocus motor, meaning it cannot autofocus on entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx series, nor on Nikon Z-series mirrorless systems via an FTZ adapter. Additionally, the inner...

flyingsharkphotography.com

(Updated 2021)

Summary of the review

Test Tokina 100mm Macro 2.8 - Flying Shark Photography

The Tokina atx-i 100mm f2.8 FF MACRO PLUS is highly praised by Florian Legrand on Flying Shark Photography as an exceptional and accessible entry point for macro photography, offering outstanding sharpness and detail-rich results. Tested on a Canon EOS R via an adapter, the lens delivers professional-grade clarity, capturing microscopic details like insect leg hairs and eyes with high contrast handling and no noticeable flare or chromatic aberrations. Its robust, comfortable build quality and a 1:1 maximum magnification ratio make it a versatile asset not only for macro close-ups like flowers and mushrooms, but also for landscape, portrait, and wildlife photography. Legrand specifically highlights its performance in handheld focus bracketing, where the smooth manual focus ring allows for precise, layered adjustments. The review outlines distinct pros and cons regarding its design, price, and mechanical operation. On the positive side, its major pros include an highly affordable price point—costing about €500 in France, which is roughly half the price of equivalent Canon models—along with exceptional sharpness, a light and compact design ideal for travel, a smooth manual focus ring, and an...

flyingsharkphotography.com

N/A

Summary of the review

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Review

The ⁠Flying Shark Photography review praises the Tokina atx-i 100mm f2.8 FF MACRO PLUS as an impressive, high-quality lens that serves as an excellent entry point for macro photography. Tested on a Canon EOS R via an adapter, the reviewer highlights its robust, well-made barrel design and natural ergonomics. Key strengths (Pros) identified in the review include its exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, an affordable price tag (costing about half as much as competitor equivalents), and a highly smooth manual focus ring that allows for precise focus bracketing. Additionally, its 1:1 maximum magnification ratio effortlessly resolves ultra-fine details like individual spider eyes and baby aphids. On the downside, the review notes distinct Cons including a lack of image stabilization and a slower autofocus speed, though neither proved detrimental since macro photography typically relies on tripods, flashes, or manual focus. The reviewer also points out that the lens utilizes a 55mm filter size, which is not very common among modern photography setups. Ultimately, the review concludes that this lens is a versatile, budget-friendly companion that yields professional-grade results across macro, landscape, and portrait...

digitalcamaralens.com

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

TOKINA 100 f 2.8 AT-X i FF MACRO - Review - Test

This review evaluates the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X i FF Macro lens, noting that it inherits its optical formula entirely from its 2007 predecessor while introducing an updated, high-quality "micro-martelé" exterior design and improved camera communication. Mechanically, it features a unique clutch mechanism for switching between automatic and manual focus by sliding the focus ring, a focus distance limiter, and an external extending barrel design that remains highly compact when stored. While the lens delivers excellent sharpness in the center of the frame—peaking at f/5.6 and f/9—the review highlights that the autofocus is a screw-drive system reliant on the camera's internal motor, meaning it will not autofocus on entry-level Nikon bodies without a built-in motor. The core strengths (pros) of this lens include its outstanding structural build quality, flawless geometric distortion correction, and exceptionally low vignetting. Furthermore, its manual focus ring operation is smooth and precise, offering a wide 225-degree rotation that is highly beneficial for macro work. On the downside, the notable weaknesses (cons) include slow autofocus responsiveness when tracking outside of the macro range, as well as high-contrast...

tseportal.nl

02/04/2020

Summary of the review

The Tokina ATX-I 100mm f/2.8 FF MACRO in Practice

The Tokina ATX-I 100 mm f/2.8 FF MACRO is a highly capable full-frame lens that builds upon the success of its popular predecessor, the AT-X PRO D, by introducing a modernized exterior while maintaining exceptional optical performance. Weighing a lightweight 525 grams, the lens features a solid plastic body paired with a durable metal mount. Its standout pros include incredibly high corner-to-corner resolution, virtually non-existent distortion, and remarkably low light fall-off (less than half a stop) even when wide open at f/2.8. Optically, it excels at managing chromatic aberrations—completely eliminating lateral fringing in the corners and showing almost zero longitudinal color shifts in the background. This delivers a beautifully smooth, even bokeh with clean out-of-focus highlights, making it a versatile tool not just for macro photography, but also for landscape and portrait work. However, the review highlights specific mechanical behaviors that could serve as cons depending on your shooting style. While the rubberized focus ring offers a generous 180-degree throw for precise manual adjustments, the one-touch focus clutch mechanism—where you slide the entire ring forward or backward to switch between...

Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro Review | 54 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro

Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro vs the average camera lens

Why is Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro better than the average camera lens?

Why is Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro?

What customers dislike about Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Tokina atx-i 100mm F 2 8 FF Macro with