Review Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

According provided by Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 lens (Tokina AT-X 840 AF, 'N / AIS' option, for Nikon cameras) is huge thanks to the store www.fotika.com.uawhere you can find a huge number of different used photographic equipment, including similar lenses.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF). The view is shown in film camera.

In short

The Tokina AT-X 840 AF is an old super telephoto autofocus zoom lens for full frame film cameras. Works well at the Central Purchasing Center. Very compact, with good build quality and normal image quality. Lens proved himself worthy, although far from ideal.

The Tokina AT-X 840 AF is one of the most affordable and cheapest zoom lenses with the ability to use a 400mm focal length at f / 5.6 aperture.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

History

The Tokina AT-X 840 AF is the first zoom lens with the ability to use f / 5.6 at 400mm. Nikon 80-400 / 4.5-5.6D VR appeared only 4 years after the announcement of the Tokina AT-X 840 AF, and Canon EF 100-400 / 4.5-5.6L IS USM after 2 years.

The lens has several modifications:

  • Tokina AT-X AF 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF, MKI), the version is shown in this review.
  • Tokina AT-X 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF-II, MKII), differs from the previous version by the built-in tripod foot, zoom lock, redone focusing system, weight, hood.
  • Tokina AT-X 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6D (AT-X 840 AF-II D, MKIII), differs from the previous case cover and improved enlightenment. It has a rough, nice body finish, similar to many AT-X PRO lenses, for example, AT-X 280AF PRO or AT-X 828AF PRO.

All versions of the Tokina AT-X 840 have the same optical design.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF). Maximum lens length (focusing on MDF, 400 mm zoom)

Main technical characteristics of Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (N / AIS, Tokina AT-X 840 AF):

Review Instance Name Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 N / AIS ø72 Japan 5913779
Basic properties
  • the lens belongs to the Tokina line AT-X extension (Advanced Ttechnology EXtra)
  • lens designed for full frame cameras (N / AIS version is similar to Nikon fx)
  • presence of a diaphragm control ring with aperture lock, analog Nikon NON-G lens
  • support for auto focus via the camera motor, analog Nikon AF
  • the lens transmits the focusing distance to the camera, analog Nikon 'D'
  • SD (APO) - low dispersion elements are used in the optical design tokina Super low Ddispersion.
  • Internal backlight prevention system.
  • high-quality metal case, compact enough dimensions
  • multi-illuminated optics
Front Filter Diameter 72 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length 80-400 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 120-600 mm
Zoom ratio 5 x
Designed by for film cameras (available in versions for Canon, Minolta / Sony, Pentax and Nikon). Near the lens mount there is an inscription N / AIS - Nikon AIS.
Number of aperture blades 8 straight petals that form a fairly even hole
Tags marks with focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 80, 100, 135, 200, 400 mm, double mark for setting the aperture (it is also a mark for bayonet mount), aperture values, marks (80, 135, 400 mm ) to work in the infrared spectrum.
Diaphragm
  • 80mm - F / 4.5-F / 32
  • 100mm - F / 4.5-F / 32
  • 135mm - F / 4.8-F / 36
  • 200mm - F / 5.0-F / 36
  • 400mm - F / 5.6-F / 40

The lens has an aperture ring (Non-G - lens type) On the aperture ring there are marks F / 4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32. The ring has no intermediate values.

MDF (minimum focusing distance) 2.5 m over the entire range of focal lengths, the maximum magnification ratio is achieved by 400 mm focal length and is 1: 5.4.
The weight 960 g (approximately)
Optical design 16 elements in 10 groups. The scheme includes only 1 Tokina Super Low Dispersion glass element (the element is shown in blue in the optical scheme).

Optical design Tokina 80-400

Here it is said that the circuit includes 2 more aspherical elements. The same scheme is used in Tokina AT-X 840 AF-II.

Lens hood plastic, marking: Tokina BH-721 JAPAN bayonet type with the ability to install in the opposite direction (see).
Manufacturer country JAPAN (Japan). The official page of the lens here.
Period From about 1996 to 2001. Subsequently replaced by Tokina AT-X 840 AF-II.
Price Not for sale, used options sell at 300-400 cu Prices for modern Tokina lenses are available see here.

Comparison review appeared on Radozhiv Tokina AT-X 840 AF-II.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF), rear lens enlightenment. Type of mount.

Assembly

The entire lens body is made of metal, which is why the Tokina AT-X 840 AF weighs almost a kilogram.

A copy from the review spontaneously changes the focal length under its own weight. In the new version of the Tokina AT-X 840 AF-II, a zoom lock was added to combat this inconvenience.

When changing the focal length, the front of the frame (trunk) is significantly lengthened, but does not rotate. The rear lens also moves during zooming.

Changing the focal length comfortable, wide rubberized ring rotates smoothly and nicely.

Included with the lens is a huge plastic lens hood BH-721 bayonet type, which can be installed in transport mode. The inside of the hood is dust-coated with trapping material.

At 80 mm and focusing on infinity, the lens has a very compact dimensions, its length is only 13.6 cm. From a distance it will be difficult to say that such a crumb can reach 400 mm of focal length. Tokina AT-X 840 AF fits easily in a small photo backpack or photo bag. During shooting, the small size of the lens does not attract too much attention.

Overall, the Tokina AT-X 840 AF has high-quality Japanese assemblyinherent in many old lenses.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF) with original front and back covers and a Tokina BH-721 JAPAN hood

Focusing

Tokina AT-X 840 AF focuses slowly. The auto focus speed is independent of the selected focal length.

The manual focus ring is wide, pleasant to the touch, rotates approximately 135 degrees. During manual focusing, friction of the internal gears is heard. Unfortunately, during focusing, the front lens rotates and moves forward.

The minimum distance is 2.5 meters over the entire range of focal lengths. The maximum magnification ratio is reached by 400 mm, and is 1: 5.4 (weak pseudo-macro). Tokina AT-X 840 AF has focus distance marking in meters and feet, as well as tags for working in the infrared spectrum for 80, 135 and 400 mm.

It's important: auto focus with this lens is available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing.

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras with a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will focus automatically:

Exact list Nikon DSLR cameras without a built-in focus motor, on which this lens will not focus automatically:

Only auto focus and sound confirmation of focus will not work with these cameras, all other important functions, such as automatic exposure metering and automatic iris control, will work well.

You will find a lot of useful information on the types of cameras and lenses Nikon here.

On cameras Nikon D700 и Nikon D70 и Nikon D90 the lens focused accurately and rarely re-focused. Even at 400 mm focal length, the lens behaves well. Focusing accuracy is independent of focusing distance. In Live View mode, there are no problems with focusing (a problem for some lenses from third-party manufacturers).

Feature 1: lens version for Nikon cameras does not have a focus mode switch. To translate the lens into manual focus on cameras with motor For focusing, use the focus mode switching lever located near the camera mount. For cameras without motor Only manual focus mode will always be available for focusing. The Canon camera version is already equipped with a simple focus mode switch.

Feature 2: the lens is close to parfocal - Focusing only gets a little off when changing the focal length.

Feature 3: there is the effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changes in viewing angle during focusing)

Feature 4: Tokina AT-X 840 AF transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera and is similar to Nikon D-type lenses. Often this lens is called Tokina AT-X 840 AF-D.

Feature 5: during focusing, the lens and camera are very noisy

Feature 6: During focusing, the focus ring rotates and must not be touched

Feature 7: When the extreme focusing positions are reached, the strokes of the focusing mechanism are heard (massive lenses knock against the extreme positions). Do not worry, this is a common occurrence for massive screwdriver lenses.

Feature 8: the lens has a manual aperture ring. To be able to control the value aperture from camera or for automatic installation aperture on modern central control valves, you need to turn the control ring to the F / 32 value, and fix it with the locking lever with a green mark, which is located to the right of the marks aperture. The F / 32 value and the latch mark are highlighted in green to match them. If this is not done, then on a number of cameras, the display will display an error - 'fEE' (ring is not installed aperture) Some cameras having diaphragm rheostatallow you to control the aperture using the ring aperturebut only in metering modes exposure 'M' and 'A'. You can read more about this issue in the section on Non-G Lenses. Ring aperture rotates with clicks, the values ​​F / 4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 22, 32 are plotted on it; set an intermediate value between pairs of numbers using the ring aperture impossible. Intermediate values ​​can only be set using the camera menu

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF). Enlightenment of the front lens.

Image quality

Image quality is inversely proportional to the focal length of the lens - the shorter the focal length is set, the better the image quality. On the positive side - weak distortion, not very much vignetting (on full-frame cameras).

At 80 mm, the lens shows good sharpness already at F / 4.5, with increasing focal length, the sharpness drops. Good sharpness is observed in the range of 80-200 mm, in the range of 200-300 sharpness is already lame, in the range of 300-400 the situation is even worse. However, at 400 mm and an aperture of F / 8-F / 16, you can get quite a decent image. Chromatic aberrations behave in a similar way.

In backlight, it can create glare and flare, but if you install a hood, then there are no special problems with flare.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF). The view is shown in film camera.

Sample Photos

The gallery shows examples of photos without processing.

You can download the source RAW files download from this link.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF) with Tokina BH-721 JAPAN installed

My experience

Tokina AT-X 840 AF is a nice old zoom. Of course, it will not pull modern sensors at 400 / 5.6, however, good contrast and a nice picture can still serve experienced photographers. In general, the old Tokyo televisions have some charm of their own, though not optically ideal. But, personally, I would use modern lenses of the 70-300 mm class for practical tasks, for example Tamron A005NII or good Tokina AT-X 340 AF-II.

Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

Small size lens Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF). The view is shown in film camera. Side by side baby lens Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)

Catalog of modern Tokina lenses can look at this link.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Results

The Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1: 4.5-5.6 is a compact, relatively lightweight and inexpensive lens. The first zoom lens to offer 400 / 5.6. For our time optically not strong.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Arkady Shapoval

 

 

Comments: 15, on the topic: Tokina AT-X AF 80-400 1 review: 4.5-5.6 (AT-X 840 AF)

  • Ivan IO

    Yes, colorful, but watch the crop, the nerves can’t stand it.

  • Alexey

    Yes, it is optically weak, but it is made firmly, as with most old lenses.

  • varezhkin

    looks great on film Nikon ... And 70 is simply gorgeous in color.

  • Pastor

    I looked at the pictures from d70 and realized that I would not sell it, although I was already thinking :) And the lens is actually interesting. Such an inconspicuous telephoto can come in handy for covert shooting. Who will guess that there is such an approximation. On the other hand, they can only work in a good light. It is unfortunate that they did not put stubs in such glasses then. With a stub, it would be just wonderful glass, and figs with it, which must be clamped at 400mm, is still great.

  • zivert

    In terms of price / quality ratio - excellent! The picture is impressive. Even the bokeh is decent. The picture is very reminiscent of the old Nikon AF Nikkor 75-300mm. The main thing is unkillable.

  • Vlad

    Hello!
    Many thanks to Arkady for his excellent reviews. Regarding Tokina - an excellent, reliable lens with a beautiful picture.
    This lens was created for ART works by the Japanese, in the style of their artistic traditions (ink drawing). Whoever has done ink washing understands this. The artistic value of a photograph does not consist of the amount of sharpness; as well as not in the number of pixels. Excessive harshness makes me sick (everything should be in moderation and in its place, everything else is a sign of bad taste).

  • Vlad

    PS And the picture looks like "Nikonovskaya" for a simple reason - Tokin is a former unit of Nikon (divided, as far as I remember, around the seventies). All Nikon lenses are made on Tokin. Therefore - if you want to have a "Nikon" picture, for example, on Canon - put Tokin's lens.

    • Ivan

      And the boot with Nikon was not accidentally shared after a divorce from the contact and watering can not? Kick specialists

  • Vlad

    PPS Arcadia of good health and success.

  • anonym

    Misprint: "On Radozhiv there is a review-comparison of okina ...."

  • Stanislav Kamysz

    The author has a mistake here - Tokina AT-X 840 AF-II was successfully released at Pentax.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Thanks. Fixed

  • Edward.

    Good afternoon. But you can tell about tokina 400 mm 1: 5,6.

  • Dahlia

    Please tell me what does it mean "tags for working in the infrared spectrum for 80, 135 and 400 mm"?

    • Rodion

      IR rays are not focused where visible light is. Therefore, with IR, shooting is focused in the visible range, and then brought to the focus mark in IR.

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