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Nikon x Tokina glasses

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Armello

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Hi folks,

I was wondering someone might help me. I would like to know and understand the relationship between Nikon and Tokina companies and mainly the differences in between the quality of their glasses. May I consider Tokina as second class glasses produced by a Nikon partner? I am trying to understand that because I want to buy a 500 mm and as I don't have cash enough for the Nikon prime, I am considering an used Tokina 150-500 mm. Also, comments about that specific glass are very welcome. Thanks.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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I don't remember ever using that particular lens Armello but I have used other Tokina lenses and they are generally of a very good build quality. Especially the AT-X pro line. The 150-500 is manual focus only right? Ken Rockwell has a review of this lens on his site (Ha, one of the few times I'm actually going to give KR a referral) and I found this user's comments about the lens

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/pentax-lenses/131868-lba-tokina-150-500-f5-6-x-sd-manual-focus-7-imgs.html

I'd probably get it myself if the price wasn't too high. Seems like an ok but not great lens at 500mm.

Posted 3 years ago #
Armello

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Thanks once more, NikoDoby! You're right about its manual focus. I cheched KR's review and also found out the same review you've posted the link. Your comment about sharpness at 500 mm is what is worring me because I am planning to use with a D700, mainly at 400/500 mm. I'll keep waiting for possible posts from the others. Maybe I'll find someone that uses it and might share some sample photos.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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Have you tried searching flickr for some samples Armello? How much is the used Tokina your interested in? What are you going to be shooting? Wildlife, birds-in-flight, landscapes, a hot neighbor? :)

Posted 3 years ago #
Regulator75

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I can't speak for the 150-500 Tokina, however I can vouch for the Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8, it's build quality and sharpness is amazing.

Posted 3 years ago #
monty11

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Wikipedia has a Tokina's history on record:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokina

Posted 3 years ago #
heartyfisher

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Of all the 3rd party lenses i have always liked the tokina best for build quality(i have tokina,tamron,sigma and several other brands I cant remember..). Recently I mounted my old 35-105 tokina manual focus lens on my DX DSLR and was pleasantly surprised at the IQ. they do make the smallest 80-400 zoom!

Posted 3 years ago #
Armello

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Wildlife and birds-in-flight is what I have in my mind so far. Hot neighbor ? If I pay attention to them I'll through my stuffs in the garbage collector .... LOL. Thanks for reminding me about Flicker and Widkipedia. I definetely forget them. And about Nikon and Tokina relationship. Any thougths ?

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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I think a manual focus lens is going to be a challenge to use with birds-in-flight, but not impossible. For me, it would really depend on the price of the used 150-500. Or what about a new 80-400 Tokina? It's a good lens and not that expensive with a teleconverter. You'd get nice pictures with the D700 and that lens for sure.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/429084-REG/Tokina_ATX840AFDN_AF_D_80_400mm_f_4_5_5_6_Lens.html

Not sure there's anything else to know about the Nikon Tokina history other than Tokina was founded by "rogue" Nikon engineers who now use Tokina lenses to fight ninja assassins for the Japanese government. :^)

Sorry that you have such fugly neighbors. But maybe you can photograph some "birds-in-flight" on one of those Brazilian beaches I keep hearing about 8^)

Posted 3 years ago #
monty11

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There are a lot of shots with different lenses here: http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=12955&perpage=12&focal_min=none&focal_max=none&aperture_min=none&aperture_max=none&res=3

I think that is easier to use than flickr ... you can even choose what aperture and focal length pictures you want to see.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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But pixel-peeper doesn't have any samples of the Tokina 150-500 monty :(

Posted 3 years ago #
monty11

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Didn't check that :)

Posted 3 years ago #
jbl

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Some personally experience that could guide you:

I own a Tokina 11-16mm ƒ/2.8 for my D300 and it's a great lens.

Fastest uwa zoom for DX, also the sharpest. Solid build quality too.

A downside would be that it doesn't focus as fast as an AFS lens.

Posted 3 years ago #
Armello

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NikoDoby - I am afraid I don't live by the shore. A friend uses to say that where I live you almost need to lay down the ground to see the sun by noon (BTW, I received a GP-1 from B&H today - let's see how it works down South)! I can tell you I have considered 80-400 mm Tokina too and also considered the usage of a TC 2.0 with my Nikon 70-200 mm. I am not sure the Nikon TC 2.0 would work well with both glasses and although I've heard that TC 1.7 is sharpper than 2.0, I guess I woldn't resist to the 2.0 power. Anyways, you all gave me good insights so far and I apreciate that. I'll keep seeking a good solution - that's one the photography's face I love.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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If you have the 70-200 then try the 2.0 teleconverter first Armello. It will give you the reach your looking for and it will probably give you, at worst, the same image quality as the used 150-500 Tokina at f5.6. Plus it's your cheapest solution.

Have you actually tried out the used Tokina 150-500 at the store? Is that possible for you to do?

Armello make another post and give us a review of that new GP-1.

Posted 3 years ago #
Armello

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Unluckly it's not possible for me a trial test. Thanks for the encouragement with TC2.0. I am also guessing it's the best option, but 500 mm is still 500 mm - it spins my mind!. About GP-1: I've just put it into normal position (hot shoe) tonight and went outside the building and it got (stable) signal very easily. One thing I may mention in advance: As in my D700 I use a SLR Classic strap, from UPStrap, the GP-1 strap adapter didn't fit well on it because UPStrap is thinner than D700 original strap. I manage to overcome this installing it in between two metallic sliders. Let's see its behavior when I have much time.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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Well the 2.0 is your only option if you want to get as close to 500mm and still have money left for food :^)

But do make another thread and give us updates on your GP-1.

Good Luck Armello

Posted 3 years ago #
Armello

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Thanks a lot. One more week for the GPS, please.

Posted 3 years ago #

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Nikon x Tokina glasses

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