Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£490
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Lens mount: Sony E
  • Maximum focal length: 100 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 24.5 °

Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.6

Technical Score

20.0%

6.2

User score

Good
6.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.2

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.1

Build & Handling

20.0%

3.9

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
6.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

7.3

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(47)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(49)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Good
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 4.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.1

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.9

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Tokina FiRIN 100mm f/2.8 FE Macro is a specialized prime lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras featuring a life-size 1:1 magnification ratio and a 30cm minimum focus distance. It stands out for its high-resolution 9-element in 8-group optical design, multi-layer coatings for flare reduction, and a bright f/2.8 aperture that produces smooth bokeh. While it offers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and zero distortion, its main drawbacks include a lack of internal weather sealing, an external extending barrel design, and a relatively slow, audible autofocus motor.

Technical Specifications of Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.2

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.1

Build & Handling

20.0%

3.9

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.6
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a technical score of 6.63 points, which is lower than 74.5% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

7.3

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(47)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(49)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

6.2
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a user score of 6.2 points, which is lower than 95.8% of camera lenses.
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.
3.7
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a popularity of 3.7 points, which is lower than 69% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

7.9

Price

7.0
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 65.5% of products in this category.
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

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

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

no
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Only unofficial third-party options are mentioned.
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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

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

24.5 °
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

24.5 °
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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

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

0.3 m
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro focuses as close as 0.3 m, which is closer than 48.3% of camera lenses and equal to 7.9% of camera lenses.
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

1x
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro reaches a reproduction ratio of 1x, which is higher than 94.6% of camera lenses and equal to 4.5% of camera lenses.
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

yes
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via DMF mode.
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

no
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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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

no
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
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

?
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

123 mm
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro is 123 mm long, which is longer than 76.3% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.5% of camera lenses.
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

74 mm
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a diameter of 74 mm, which is slimmer than 58.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.9% of camera lenses.
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

no
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
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

yes
Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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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

?
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Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro vs the average camera lens

  • 0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    April 2019
    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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro was released more recently than the average camera lens.2019 vs 2016
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 0.81 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • No internal focusing
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 31 mm longer lens
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro is longer than the average camera lens (123 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No internal focusing
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support 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

    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • 31 mm longer lens
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro is longer than the average camera lens (123 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro is longer than the average camera lens (123 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.123 mm vs 92 mm
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
  • 30.5% lower user score
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.20 vs 8.091).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.20 vs 8.091).6.2 vs 8.09
  • 71% less popular
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro is less popular than the average camera lens (3.73 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro is less popular than the average camera lens (3.73 vs 6.383).3.73 vs 6.38
  • 5.6% worse value for money
    Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.96 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 Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.96 vs 7.346).6.96 vs 7.35

Graphic comparison of Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro?

  • Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness even wide open at f/2.8
  • Beautiful, creamy bokeh quality suitable for portraiture
  • Excellent value for money compared to first-party alternatives
  • Negligible distortion due to flat-field optical design
  • High build quality with a premium matte finish
  • Full compatibility with Sony in-camera features like 5-axis IBIS and MF assist

What customers dislike about Tokina Firin 100mm F 2 8 FE Macro?

  • Slow and occasionally noisy autofocus motor
  • Lens barrel extends significantly when focusing at macro distances
  • Lacks internal focusing and physical switches (no AF/MF or limiter)
  • Noticeable purple fringing/chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes
  • No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on camera IBIS)
  • Autofocus can hunt frequently in low light or macro settings

Expert reviews

O
opticallimits.com
05/08/2019
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
27/10/2016
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
Not Specified
Summary of the review
C
christopheanagno.com
15/06/2019
Summary of the review
J
joshmitchellphotography.com
01/06/2021
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
05/08/2019
Summary of the review
A
alphadxd.fr
09/08/2019
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
16/09/2018
Summary of the review
T
tseportal.nl
30/07/2019
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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