Tokina AT-X 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Tokina AT-X 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon F (DX) mount cameras. This lens is particularly appealing to wildlife and sports photographers due to its extended focal range, allowing users to capture subjects from a distance with relative ease. In this review, we will explore the performance, build quality, and overall value of the Tokina AT-X 80-400mm.

Build Quality and Design

The Tokina AT-X 80-400mm boasts a robust construction, which is typical for Tokina lenses. It features a metal barrel that adds to its durability, making it suitable for outdoor shooting. Weighing around 1,500 grams, it is relatively heavy but manageable for its focal length. The zoom action is smooth, and the lens feels well-balanced when attached to a DX camera body. Additionally, the lens incorporates a prompt focus ring, providing good manual control for photographers who prefer to fine-tune their focus.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Tokina AT-X 80-400mm delivers impressive images across its zoom range. Sharpness is generally good, especially in the center, but some softening can occur at the edges, particularly at the maximum aperture. Chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, and the lens offers a decent level of contrast. However, users may notice some distortion at the wide end of the zoom range, which is something to keep in mind when composing shots.

Autofocus and Low Light Performance

The autofocus system is reliable and fairly quick, although it can struggle somewhat in low-light conditions. The lens features a relatively modest maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6, which means that photographers will want to monitor their shutter speeds and ISO settings carefully, particularly when shooting in dimmer environments. The lens does include a focus limiter switch, which can help speed up autofocus in certain situations by limiting the focus range.

Versatility and Use Cases

The 80-400mm range makes this lens incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a range of shooting scenarios, from wildlife photography to sports and even portraiture if you enjoy capturing subjects from a distance. Its focal length combined with the crop factor of DX cameras provides an equivalent focal length of around 120-600mm, which is exceedingly advantageous when trying to get close to distant subjects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality and durability.
• Impressive optical performance in the central area.
• Versatile focal length range ideal for various photography styles.
• Smooth zoom operation and focus ring.

Cons

• Heavier than some competitors in the same focal range.
• Softness towards the edges, especially at wider apertures.
• Autofocus can be slow in low-light conditions.

Verdict

Overall, the Tokina AT-X 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 is a solid choice for Nikon F (DX) users looking for a durable and versatile telephoto zoom lens. While it has some shortcomings, particularly in edge sharpness and low-light autofocus performance, the lens excels in construction quality and provides a great focal range for capturing distant subjects. If you’re ready to carry a bit of weight for excellent capabilities, the Tokina AT-X 80-400mm is definitely worth considering for your next lens purchase.