Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm f/4 (IF) DX

Canon EF

Review

The Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm f/4 (IF) DX is a popular choice among photographers looking for a wide-angle zoom lens for their Canon EF mount cameras. This lens is especially favored for landscape, architecture, and interior photography, providing a versatile focal length range that allows for creative compositions.

One of the key strengths of the Tokina 12-24mm is its constant f/4 aperture, which allows for consistent exposure settings throughout the zoom range. This is particularly useful for photographers who are capturing scenes in varying light conditions. The lens features a robust and durable build quality that signifies its professional design, giving users confidence in its longevity. Additionally, the lens employs multi-layer coating to reduce ghosting and flare, which can be a common issue in wide-angle lenses when shooting into the light.

In terms of image quality, the Tokina 12-24mm delivers sharp images across the frame. The lens is equipped with low dispersion glass elements that help to control chromatic aberrations, ensuring that color fidelity is maintained. The bokeh rendered by the lens, although not as smooth as some prime lenses, is still decent, giving images a nice aesthetic, particularly when shooting subjects with varying background distances.

However, the lens is not without its drawbacks. One notable issue is the noticeable barrel distortion at the wider end of the zoom range. This can be problematic when shooting straight lines, as they may appear curved. This distortion typically requires correction in post-processing, which might be an inconvenience for some photographers. Additionally, while the autofocus is generally reliable, it can be slightly slower compared to lenses with more advanced autofocus systems or those designed for full-frame cameras.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range
• Solid build quality and professional design
• Sharpness across the frame with good control of chromatic aberration
• Versatile focal length ideal for wide-angle photography

Cons

• Noticeable barrel distortion at wider focal lengths
• Autofocus may be slower than higher-end lenses

Verdict

Overall, the Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm f/4 (IF) DX is a commendable wide-angle zoom lens for Canon EF mount users. It excels in delivering sharp images with a robust build and a versatile focal range. While it has some distortion issues and slower autofocus, these drawbacks are often outweighed by its affordability and the quality of images it produces. It is an excellent choice for amateur and semi-professional photographers looking to expand their lens collection for landscape or architectural photography.