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

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm f/4 (IF) DX is a wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon DX-format cameras. This lens offers a versatile focal length range, making it an attractive choice for landscape, architecture, and even astrophotography, allowing photographers to capture expansive scenes with impressive detail.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 is its robust and durable construction. The lens body is made from high-quality materials that give it a premium feel, which is particularly important for photographers who might be working in challenging conditions. Additionally, it comes with a solid, metal lens mount that enhances its durability and longevity.

The lens is relatively compact for a wide-angle zoom, making it easy to carry around on extended shoots. The 77mm filter thread is a bonus, as it is a common size for filters, so you won't have to invest heavily to adapt your filter collection to this lens.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm is impressive, especially considering its focal range. It delivers sharp images across the frame, with minimal distortion, particularly at the wider end. The lens features an internal focusing system, which helps maintain a constant length during zooming, thus making it easier to handle.

However, while the lens manages chromatic aberration quite well, some users have reported noticeable vignetting at 12mm, which could be a concern for some landscape photographers. This effect can be corrected in post-processing, but it is something to keep in mind.

Autofocus and Usability

The autofocus system on the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 is commendable, providing fast and accurate focusing even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. However, it is worth noting that this lens does not feature silent wave motor technology, so the autofocus can be a bit noisier compared to some of its competitors.

The manual focus ring is well-damped and offers a smooth operation, which is crucial for those times when precise focusing is necessary, such as in astrophotography.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a durable design.
• Sharp images throughout the focal range.
• Minimal distortion and good control over chromatic aberration.
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
• Internal focusing system helps maintain lens length.

Cons

• Noticeable vignetting at 12mm can be an issue.
• Autofocus system can be noisier than some other lenses.
• Limited to f/4 aperture, which may not suit all shooting conditions.

Verdict

Overall, the Tokina AT-X Pro 12-24mm f/4 (IF) DX is a fantastic option for photographers looking for a wide-angle zoom lens for their Nikon DX cameras. Its combination of solid build quality, impressive optical performance, and versatility makes it a worthy addition to any kit. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as vignetting and noise during autofocus, these do not overshadow the lens's many strengths. If you're in the market for a reliable wide-angle lens to capture stunning landscapes or architectural shots, the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 should definitely be on your radar.