Name: Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E
Brand: Tokina

Technical Specifications of Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E

Overall score

7.3

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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

1.0

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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

telephoto prime

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

Sony E

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

APS-C

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

52 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

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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

56 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

56 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

28 °

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

28 °

Focus & Controls

6.5

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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

STM

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

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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

7.3

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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

9.0

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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-m 56mm F 1 4 E vs the average camera lens

Why is Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E better than the average camera lens?

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1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.4 vs 2.8
Has aperture ring
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
De-clicked 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-m 56mm F 1 4 E has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
156.4 g lighter
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is lighter than the average camera lens (369 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
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
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is lighter than the average camera lens (369 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.369 g vs 525.4 g
12 mm narrower lens barrel
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is slimmer than the average camera lens (65 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-m 56mm F 1 4 E is slimmer than the average camera lens (65 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.65 mm vs 77 mm
Newer release date
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E 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-m 56mm F 1 4 E was released more recently than the average camera lens.2021 vs 2016
20 mm shorter lens
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is shorter than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
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
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is shorter than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.72 mm vs 92 mm
6% better value for money
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.79 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (7.79 vs 7.346).7.79 vs 7.35
1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
Has aperture ring
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
156.4 g lighter
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is lighter than the average camera lens (369 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
12 mm narrower lens barrel
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is slimmer than the average camera lens (65 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Newer release date
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E was released more recently than the average camera lens.
20 mm shorter lens
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is shorter than the average camera lens (72 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.

Why is Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer aspherical elements
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
0.3 m longer minimum focus distance
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.6 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.09 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Not weather-sealed
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Not weather-sealed
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E 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-m 56mm F 1 4 E does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E 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-m 56mm F 1 4 E has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
0.3 m longer minimum focus distance
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.6 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
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
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.6 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.6 m vs 0.3 m
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
0.09 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x 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-m 56mm F 1 4 E has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.1 x vs 0.192 x
6.38x less popular
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).
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.
Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).1 vs 6.38

Expert reviews

opticallimits.com

03/01/2022

Summary of the review

Tokina atx-m 56mm f/1.4 E Review

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Tokina atx-m 56mm f/1.4 E Review - OpticalLimits 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

photozone.de

01/01/2022

Summary of the review

Tokina atx-m 56mm f/1.4 E - Review / Test Report - OpticalLimits

The Tokina atx-m 56mm f/1.4 E is an APS-C portrait lens with an 85mm full-frame equivalent focal length, designed primarily for portrait, still, and street photography. Priced around €370 or $430 USD, it enters a highly competitive E-mount market featuring at least 19 different standard prime alternatives. A major highlight of the lens is its exceptional build quality, boasting an all-metal construction that extends to the large focus ring and the included deep, barrel-shaped lens hood. Additionally, it features a step-less aperture ring that is highly beneficial for videographers, though it can also be switched to A-mode for camera-based control. Functionally, the lens provides an internal focusing design that keeps its physical length constant, supports EXIF data for in-camera image stabilisation, and includes a USB port for firmware updates. While the lens offers strong mechanical design and video utility, it does come with specific downsides. The stepping motor used for autofocus operates completely silently, but it is not particularly fast on Sony E-mount camera bodies. Photographers may also find the step-less nature of the dedicated aperture ring less ideal for...

christopheanagno.com

16/07/2021

Summary of the review

Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 X Lens Review

The Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 X is a compact, lightweight (315g) prime lens designed for APS-C Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless cameras, offering a portrait-friendly 85mm full-frame equivalent focal length. Built with a robust metallic housing, it features an ST-M focus motor that provides fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus performance for both photography and video. Optically, the lens delivers excellent sharpness and highly impressive bokeh in the center of the frame when shot wide open at F1.4. Furthermore, it incorporates Tokina’s exclusive multi-coating technology, ensuring natural color rendering, strong contrast, and excellent resistance to flaring when shooting against bright light sources. However, the lens does exhibit notable drawbacks, particularly regarding its optical performance away from the center of the frame. When used wide open at F1.4, edge and corner sharpness are somewhat soft, and the lens produces prominent longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations, as well as high coma levels. Moderate vignetting is also present at wide apertures, though it clears up by F2.2. In terms of physical construction, the lens lacks weather sealing, has no dust-protective rubber ring on the mount, and...

photozone.de

01/10/2021

Summary of the review

Tokina atx-m 56mm f/1.4 E - Review / Test Report

The Tokina atx-m 56mm f/1.4 E is a portrait-length prime lens designed for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras, providing an "85mm" full-frame equivalent field of view. Priced at approximately 370 EUR / $430 USD, it competes in a highly crowded market segment featuring at least 19 different standard prime lenses. The lens boasts an exceptionally high build quality with a metal body, a metal focus ring, and a dedicated, step-less aperture ring that can also be switched to an automatic "A-mode" for camera-based control. Its physical dimensions remain constant during focusing, and it comes supplied with a deep, metal barrel-shaped lens hood. Mechanically, it features a noiseless stepping motor for autofocus, supports EXIF data transmission to enable in-camera image stabilization, and includes a USB port for firmware updates, which differentiates it from its Fujifilm counterpart. The review highlights several distinct advantages and drawbacks of the lens. On the positive side, the high-level metal construction, inclusion of a premium metal hood, and the noiseless autofocus motor make it a physically robust choice. Additionally, the step-less aperture ring is a major benefit for...

digitalcamaralens.com

01/03/2022

Summary of the review

Tokina 56mm f/1.4 atx-m E Review and Test

This review examines the Tokina 56mm f/1.4 atx-m E lens, a short teleobjective designed specifically for portrait photography available for Fujifilm X and Sony E mounts. Mechanically, the lens boasts an excellent, solid build quality featuring a metal chassis, an anodised aluminium bayonet, and an internal focus system where the front element does not rotate. While its autofocusing is reasonably fast, quiet, and highly precise with zero micro-adjustments required, the lens lacks optical stabilization and external weather sealing like a rubber gasket. Optically, the lens delivers a notable performance but is heavily bottlenecked by its prominent chromatic aberrations. The biggest pros include its outstanding center sharpness, which reaches its peak at f/2.8, minimal geometric distortion (.45%), well-controlled vignetting beyond f/2.8, and a smooth bokeh with minimal "onion rings". On the downside, the primary con is the highly visible longitudinal chromatic aberration at its widest apertures (f/1.4 to f/2), which causes noticeable green and blue halos in high-contrast out-of-focus areas. Overall, the reviewer gives it a final score of 7.15 out of 10, concluding it is a solid portrait lens that...

Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E Review | 54 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E

Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E vs the average camera lens

Why is Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E better than the average camera lens?

Why is Tokina atx-m 56mm F 1 4 E worse than the average camera lens?

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Third-party reviews

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