Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DX Fish-eye

Canon EF

Review

The Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DX Fish-eye lens is a fascinating addition to the arsenal of any photographer looking to explore the creative bounds of wide-angle imaging. Designed for Canon EF mounts, this lens opens up a world of possibilities for those who enjoy the unique perspective that a fish-eye lens can offer.

Build and Design

This lens features a solid build quality that is typical of Tokina's offerings. The barrel is crafted from a sturdy plastic that feels premium and can withstand the rigors of regular use. Weighing in at approximately 400 grams, it's relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it a suitable choice for extended shooting sessions. Its compact design allows for easy portability, essential for travel and on-the-go photographers.

Optical Performance

The Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 exhibits excellent optical performance throughout its zoom range. The fish-eye effect becomes particularly pronounced at the 10mm end, with striking curvature and distortion that add a creative flair to landscapes, architecture, and experimental shots. The lens offers chromatic aberration control, and while some distortion is inherent to fish-eye lenses, it can be creatively used to your advantage.

At f/3.5 to f/4.5, the lens performs admirably in various lighting conditions. While it’s not the fastest lens available, the aperture allows for decent low-light performance, especially when paired with a higher ISO setting. Users will appreciate the sharpness across the frame, particularly when stopped down a bit.

Autofocus and Usability

The autofocus system on the Tokina AT-X 10-17mm operates well in most situations, providing quick and accurate focusing necessary to capture fleeting moments. However, the lens may struggle in low-light environments, where autofocus can become somewhat sluggish. On the other hand, the manual focus option is smooth and offers precise control, which can be immensely satisfying for photographers who enjoy fine-tuning their compositions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sturdy build quality and lightweight design for easy handling.
• Excellent optical performance with sharp images.
• Unique fish-eye perspective that is excellent for creative shots.
• Versatile zoom range allowing for a variety of compositions.

Cons

• Autofocus can be slow in low-light conditions.
• Limited to a unique perspective that might not suit all photography styles.
• Not the fastest aperture lens available, which can limit low-light capabilities.

Verdict

The Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DX Fish-eye lens is a compelling choice for photographers eager to experiment with an unusual perspective while delivering solid optical performance. While it has its limitations in terms of low-light autofocus performance and versatility in composition, it excellence shines in its niche of creative photography. If you're seeking to expand your creative horizons and have fun with wide-angle shots, this lens is certainly worth considering.