Tokina Announces the World's First f/2.8 UWA Zoom Lens

Tokina has quietly announced today two new lenses aimed at cropped-sensor cameras, such as the Canon EOS 40D and Nikon D300.

Ultra wide angle fans will surely appreciate the AT-X 116 PRO DX, which represents an upgraded version of the well-known Tokina AT-X 124 PRO DX that boasts a 12-24mm focal range coupled with a constant maximum aperture of f/4.

Unlike the older AT-X 124, the new lens has an even wider 11-16mm focal range with a whopping f/2.8 constant maximum aperture. As mentioned earlier, it only works with APS-C cameras. This means that when mounted on a Nikon DSLR, the lens produces a picture angle equivalent to that of a 16.5-24mm mounted on 35mm full-frame single lens reflex camera. When using a Canon camera, the picture angle is a bit narrower, 17.6mm to 25.6mm. In other words, it's amongst the widest perspectives you can get with a non-fisheye lens. Moreover, it's the only ultra wide angle lens for APS-C sensors with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which could prove to be the strongest selling point of the Tokina.

Optically speaking, apart from the regular glass elements, the AT-X 116 PRO DX also uses aspherical and SD (ultralow dispersion) pieces to minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations.

Despite the wider perspective and the faster maximum aperture, the AT-X 116 PRO DX uses the same 77mm filter diameter, a standard among many professional f/2.8 lenses.

Second of today's order of business is the AT-X M35 PRO DX, a macro lens with a picture angle equivalent to that of a 50mm mounted on a 35mm full-frame camera.

This Tokina also comes with a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, which makes it useful for low-light portraiture, if you are not chasing bugs that is.

In terms of filters, the AT-X M35 PRO DX uses inexpensive 52mm filters, which is extremely convenient when purchasing circular polarizing filters. As you might know, macro lenses tend to hunt when focused up close, but you can improve the performance by using the focus limiter.

The AT-X 116 PRO DX will be available in late February 2008 for around $850 (94,500 Yen), while the AT-X M35 PRO DX will hit the Japanese shelves in December with a price tag of $640 (71,400 Yen).

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