Tokina Firin 20mm F2 FE MF

Sony E

Review

The Tokina Firin 20mm F2 FE MF is an intriguing addition to the growing lineup of full-frame prime lenses designed for the Sony E mount. This lens is especially popular among landscape, architecture, and astrophotography enthusiasts due to its wide field of view and fast aperture. Let's delve into the details of what makes this lens stand out, along with its strengths and potential drawbacks.

Build Quality

The Tokina Firin 20mm F2 is built with a solid metal housing, providing a robust and premium feel. The lens features a sleek design that not only looks professional but also withstands the rigors of photography in the field. It has a textured focus ring, making manual focusing a smooth and precise experience, which is critical for shooting in challenging light conditions or with delicate subjects.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Firin 20mm impresses with its sharpness and clarity. Even wide open at F2, the lens delivers commendable sharpness across the frame, with only a slight drop in performance at the corners. This makes it a versatile option for shooting both landscapes and portraits. The lens also features an 11-element construction that includes low-dispersion glass, helping to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure vivid color reproduction. The bokeh quality is pleasing as well, making it an excellent choice for isolated subjects against a blurred background.

Manual Focus Experience

As a manual focus lens, the Tokina Firin requires a different shooting approach compared to autofocus lenses. This can be a positive aspect for those who enjoy the control and precision of manual focusing, especially in situations where autofocus may falter, such as in low light or with fast-moving subjects. However, it may pose a challenge for photographers who rely heavily on quick autofocus capabilities.

Compatibility and Adaptability

The lens is designed specifically for Sony E mount cameras, and while it performs exceptionally well on full-frame bodies, it can also be used effectively on APS-C bodies where it provides an equivalent focal length of approximately 30mm. This adaptability makes the Firin a versatile addition to anyone’s lens collection.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality: Sturdy metal construction with a sleek design.
• Sharp images: Good sharpness even wide open at F2.
• Pleasant bokeh: Creates aesthetically pleasing backgrounds.
• Ideal for manual focus shooters: Smooth focus ring enhances the manual focusing experience.
• Versatile focal length: Works well for both full-frame and APS-C formats.

Cons

• Manual focus only: Not suitable for users who depend heavily on autofocus.
• Weight: At times, it can feel bulky compared to other lenses in the range, particularly for handheld shooting.
• Limited aperture control: Aperture is manually adjusted, which may deter some users who prefer automatic settings.

Verdict

The Tokina Firin 20mm F2 FE MF is undoubtedly a compelling choice for photographers looking for a high-quality, wide-angle prime lens for their Sony E mount cameras. With its excellent build quality, sharp optical performance, and appealing bokeh, it's tailored perfectly for landscape and astrophotography. However, the manual focus operation may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to the convenience of autofocus. If you can embrace the manual focus experience, this lens could very well be a fantastic addition to your photographic toolkit.