Description
The AT-X 124 AF PRO DX
zoom lens is Tokina's first lens designed for use exclusively on Canon and Nikon Digital SLR cameras having an
APS-C sized sensor.
The 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124AF Pro DX lens is exclusively designed for use with
Digital SLR cameras, and provides a
super wide-angle zoom range, ideal for the tightest of interiors, as well as for
dramatic landscape photography.
This lens features the exclusive "Focus Clutch Mechanism", a signature of the Tokina PRO series lenses which provides a faster, smoother
autofocus operation with a smooth manual
focus action not normally found in autofocus lenses.
Two Aspherical elements are incorporated in the lens design, to correct for
spherical aberrations. It also incorporates internal focusing to prevent deterioration of the optical quality at close distances and to eliminate rotation of the front barrel during focusing.
This
lens gives the
Digital Photographer an ultra wide-angle zoom lens that
has the equivalent
focal length of an 18-36mm zoom range on a 35mm film camera while maintaining a bright constant aperture of f/4.
Features
Features
Non-rotating 77mm filter threads mean special effect filters will not change when the lens' focus is changed. Tokina recommends using HOYA PRO 1 Series low profile filters with the AT-X 124 PRO DX.
Fast internal focusing with Tokina's One-Touch focus clutch mechanism allows the lens to
AF focus faster and switching between auto and manual focus is as easy as snapping the focus ring back and forth.
2 sharp-cut aspherical elements accurately correct aspherical aberration usually associated with ultra-wide angle lenses.
A Bright, constant f/4 aperture allows plenty of light to enter the camera for shooting in a wide variety of photographic situations.
Chrome plated brass mount plate and all-metal zoom unit can stand up to regular use while advanced polycarbonate outer lens barrels reduce the weight of the lens, making it a pleasure to carry. Street price: $500
Item Includes
Front & Rear Lens Caps, BH-777 Dedicated Lens Hood, 3 Year Warranty
Reviews
Tokina 12-24 Lens & Nikon Speedlight Compatibility, June 13, 2009
By Edwin C. Silhan "Ed S" (Philadelphia area)
I found that the performance and build quality of this lens are both excellent - especially for the price. But be aware that there are compatibility issues using the Nikon SB-600 Speedlight (and probably the SB-800). Mounted on my D300, the auto zoom (that sync's the Speedlight zoom to the lens) and the auto focus illuminator (AF-ILL) do not work. Those Speedlight functions do work with my Nikon lenses. The auto focus illumination is important to me. If I had known about this, I probably would have spent the extra money on a Nikon lens.
Now with built-in motor, sharper than Tamron 10-24, March 24, 2009
By R. Lim
From many positive reviews, this is a keeper but have shied away for lack of a built-in motor (would work fine on my D300, but wouldn't have autofocused on my daughter's D40X). But when I saw a copy with motor, I pounced on it. It has been a joy to shoot with --built solid and with a nice balance (even with the D40X), focuses quickly and quietly (again, even with the D40X), and sharp at all focal lengths; acceptably sharp even wide open. Not as sharp as my Nikon 60 AF-D Micro (that lens is sharp enough to perform circumcisions with), but acceptable considering it's a wide zoom. Don't know too much about CA, vignetting and other benchmarks, but for me sharpness is a must.
Actually, I got the Tokina to replace the new Tamron 10-24 BIM (built-in-motor) which I returned after a couple of weeks of frustration due to my copy's lack of sharpness --even at smaller apertures. I so much wanted the Tammy to be a good lens due to the extra 2 mm at the wide which can be useful. But it was much too soft especially at the corners, and too many images required sharpening in NX2. One thing going for the Tammy over the Tokina, though, is with regard to color --a bit more vibrant compared to the Tokina. On the other hand, one can also say the Tokina renders more life-like colors than the Tammy. And its sharpness edge means more usefulness at higher ISOs. The Tammy will yield acceptable landscapes but will let you down in close-ups for lack of sharpness. The Tokina does a great job with both.
Also, the Tokina blows the Tammy away in build quality, and the Tammy's front extends a ways going from 12 to 24 while the Tokina does not --meaning the Tokina will likely stay more sealed to dust and moisture in adverse conditions.
Both Tammy and Tokina are roughly the same in price, which is about half the cost of the Nikon 12-24. Enough saved to Best Prices for the Tammy 28-75 next time around. I have tried this out in-store and it seems to be another excellent lens.
