Review Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

According provided by Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 lens (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO N / AIS) many thanks to Andrei Tverdokhleb.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Navigation

1. In short
2. History
3. Main Specifications
4. Assembly / management
5. Focusing
6. Image quality
7. Sample Photos
8. My personal experience with the lens
9. Prices
10. Alternatives
11. Results
12. User Comments
13. Add your review or question on the lens

In the review, the Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 lens will be abbreviated as Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO (according to the official name).

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

In short

The Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO is an old professional, fast, versatile lens for full-frame film cameras. Legendary model from Tokina. Excellent build quality, but many features with image quality.

At one time, the Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO was one of the fastest universal photo lenses. Its marking indicates 1: 2.6-2.8, which theoretically allows the use of a relative aperture of 1: 2.6 per 28 mm of focal length. Such aperture he inherited from his ancestor - the legendary Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1:2.6 AF... However, with the Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO, not everything is so rosy:

1. F / 2.6 only available at 28 mm focal length
2. F / 2.6 is just 1.16 times lighter than the classic F / 2.8 value. Is it worth chasing 16% (1/6 stop) aperture in the wide-angle range?
3. in terms of real apertureexpressed in T-stops, there is practically no gain
4. on most modern cameras, the menu will show F / 2.8 instead of F / 2.6. The standard F-numbers for modern cameras are F / 2.5 and F / 2.8 (no space between them)
5. the same lens was produced for Japan with marking Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.8 (the same Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO model), while users may not have guessed that F / 2.6 is actually used instead of F / 2.8

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO). Lens shown on a film SLR camera Nikon EL2.

History

Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO was produced since 1994.

There are a fairly large number of such lenses from Tokina. The difficulty in identifying a particular instance is due to the fact that some of them are very similar in appearance, and lenses were marked differently for different countries. For some lenses (depending on the target country), the maximum aperture F / 2.6 for 28 mm focal length.

The evolution of Tokina Class 24 (28) -70 (80) /2.8 (2.6-2.8) lenses:

1. Tokina AT-X AF 28-70mm 1: 2.8 - orange border near the front lens, filter diameter 72 mm, focusing is not internal. Window focusing distances. The name on the box is Tokina AT-X 270 AF.
2. Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (1: 2.8) - marking '1: 2.8' for Japan, marking '1: 2.6-2.8' for other countries, filter diameter 77 mm, internal focusing. The hood is threaded. Without a window of focusing distances, a gold border near the front lens. The name on the box is Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO. You can distinguish on these signs of.
3. Tokina AT-X PRO 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (1: 2.8) - marking '1: 2.8' for Japan, marking '1: 2.6-2.8' for other countries, filter diameter 77 mm. Externally similar to the previous version, but there is no 'Tokina' lettering near the front lens, and the hood is bayonet type. The version is commonly referred to as 'AT-X PRO II'. Name on the box Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO II. You can distinguish on these signs of.
4. Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80 1: 2.8 Aspherical - a window of a focus scale, a gold border near the front lens. The name on the box is Tokina AT-X 280 AF PRO. There is a subversion with a gold nameplate with the name of the lens and other enlightenment.
5. Tokina AT-X PRO SV 28-70mm 1: 2.8 (also called Tokina AT-X 287 PRO SV) - easily recognized by the 'PRO SV' prefix. Name on the box Tokina AT-X 287 AF PRO SV.
6. Tokina SD 24-70 F2.8 (IF) FX AT-X PRO Aspherical - easy to find by focal lengths. Has a built-in focus motor. Name on the box Tokina AT-X 24 ~ 70mm F2.8 PRO FX

As indicated above, the versions of Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO and Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO II exist in two versions: '1: 2.8' and '1: 2.6-2.8' and are quite similar to each other. The easiest way to distinguish between 'PRO' and 'PRO II' is by the inscription 'TOKINA' near the front lens and the presence of fasteners for the bayonet hood:

All options are 28-70 AT-X PRO. Click to enlarge.

It is worth remembering about Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1:2.6 AF, which is the progenitor for some models from the list above.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO). Lens shown on a film SLR camera Nikon EL2.

Main Specifications

All Tokina 28-70 / 2.6 (2.8) lenses are based on the same optical design.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Assembly / management

Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO has a very high quality build. The mount is made of chrome-plated brass. The inner frame is made of duralumin. The remaining parts are made of durable composite materials. Many users are very attracted by the pleasant tactile sensation when working with similar Tokina lenses. True to the touch Tokina AT-X 280AF PRO performed even better.

During a change in focal length, the front lens moves in a wave-like fashion, but does not extend further than the front of the barrel, and therefore does not increase the overall dimensions of the lens. The maximum lens recess is available at 50-70 mm focal length and focusing at infinity (the effect of the built-in lens hood is obtained). The front lens is moved as close as possible to the edge of the body frame by 28 mm focal length and focusing on MDF. We can say that the lens has internal focusing and internal zoom and does not change its size. When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves, the effect of a vacuum cleaner is minimal.

Unlike the Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO, the original Nikon / Canon class 24 (28) -70 / 2.8 lenses have a movable front frame (trunk), which does not look as stylish as the internal zoom of the Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO

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 F / 22 and fix it with a special switch, which is located to the right of the marks aperture. The F / 22 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, F /2.6, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. Intermediate values ​​can only be set using the camera menu.

The diaphragm consists of 8 straight lobes and forms regular 8-gons (sample photo on f / 5).

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO). Lens shown on a film SLR camera Nikon EL2.

Focusing

Auto focus is fast enough. During focusing, the front lens rotates and moves in the middle of the frame of the body (we can arbitrarily assume that the lens has internal focusing). In manual focus mode, the focus ring rotates 70 degrees. During auto focus, the focus ring can rotate freely between the extreme positions without affecting the focus. It is convenient to support the lens behind the focus ring.

There is a special Tokyo-based AF / MF One-touch focus clutch switch (one-touch focus mode switch). To switch between focus modes, just pull the focus ring toward the bayonet mount or front lens. The switch is uncomfortable. It will be possible to switch from automatic focus mode to manual only in the position of the focus ring in which the reverse transition was carried out. But you can switch from manual to automatic mode in any position of the ring (at any set focusing distance).

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:

• D1, D1h, D1x, D2x, D2xs, D2h, D2hs
• D3, D3x, D3s, D4, D4s, D5, D6
• Df
• D50, D70, D70s, D80, D90
• D7000, D7100, D7200,D7500
• D100, D200, D300, D300s,D500
• D600, D610, D750, D780
• D700, D800,D800E, D810, D810a, D850
• Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro, S2 Pro, S3 ProS3 Pro UVIR, S5 ProIS Pro
• Kodak DCS PRO 14n, DCS Pro SLR/n

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

• D40, D40x, D60
• D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500
• D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600
• all digital mirrorless cameras Nikon ZDX, Nikon ZFX with Nikon FTZ/FTZ II adapter

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.

Focus Features:

1.  Focus speed may vary slightly from the camera used. This issue has been considered. here.
2. During focusing, the lens and camera are quite noisy. The noise level can be found in my video review of this lens.
3. There is a small effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing).
4. Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO is a third party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some Nikon cameras. Details on this issue have been reviewed by me here.
5. When changing the focal length, focusing is a bit confused.
6. Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera and is a type lens Nikon D.
7. The lens has a scale with a focusing distance in meters and feet, as well as a mark scale for working in the infrared spectrum.
8. I got a review with a lens with problems of adhesion with the focusing motor of the camera, as well as with a problem ring of the diaphragm, so I can not judge the accuracy, tenacity of focus.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Image quality

Optically, this instance does not shine, often in the pictures you can find the characteristic Tokinovsky software.

The range 70 / 2.8 can be used for portrait shooting, where the peculiar pattern of the lens can give the photo its zest.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Sample Photos

Pictures from Nikon D90... Photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, converting the original RAW files with the original Nikon ViewNX-i utility without making additional adjustments. Some of the photos were taken with two 'naked' cartridge flashes Godox s45t.

You can download the original 'jpeg' photos at this link.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

My experience

Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO is a pleasant lens to work with, but for those looking for an inexpensive omnivorous all-rounder for a wide range of tasks, I would recommend finding a good copy. Tamron SP AF Aspherical XR Di LD [IF] 28-75mm 1: 2.8 Macro A09. Many times I met photographers who were unhappy with the image quality from similar Tokina lenses. Some argued that there was some kind of disease in the optics of these models, which over time manifests itself in the alignment of lenses and the deterioration of image quality. You can write your thoughts on this in the comments on this review.

My other Tokina lens reviews are listed here.

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Prices

Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO can only be purchased in the used version. from 200 to 400 dollars, depending on the condition. Prices for modern Tokina lenses can be viewed here.

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

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Professional fast wagon

Choosing a good high-speed universal lens is one of the most important for a large number of photographers. I pay a lot of attention to this issue, because I prepared this list of all full-frame universal (standard range of focal lengths) fast autofocus lenses:

Canon

Bayonet EF:

1. Canon Zoom Lens EF 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 L USM
2. Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 L USM
3. Canon Zoom Lens EF 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 L II USM

Bayonet R:

1. Canon Lens RF 28-70 mm F2 L USM, since September 2018
2. Canon Lens RF 24-70 mm F2.8L IS USMsince August 2019

Nikon

Bayonet F:

1. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)
2. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)
3. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-70 mm 1: 2.8D ED SWM (two body color options)
4. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70 mm 1: 2.8GN ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Asphericalsince December 2007
5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70 mm 1: 2.8EN ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical VR

Bayonet Z:

1. Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70 mm 1: 2.8 S
2. Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75 mm 1:2.8 (the scheme is similar to Tamron a036, animation)

Tokina (for different mounts)

1. Tokina AT-XAF 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF)
2. Tokina AT-X PROAF 28-70 mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (or 1: 2.8, Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)
3. Tokina AT-X PROAF 28-70 mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (or 1: 2.8, Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO II)
4. Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80 mm 1: 2.8 Aspherica (Tokina AT-X 280 AF PRO)
5. Tokina AT-X PRO SV 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 (Tokina AT-X 287 AF PRO SV)
6. Tokina sd 24-70 F2.8 (IF) FX AT-X PRO Aspherical

Sigma (for different mounts, in chronological order)

1. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom, from May 1992 (Vivitar 28-70 / 2.8 VMC was made on its basis)
   
2. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX Ashperical [+ -D], from the end 1998
3. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX Aspherical DF [+ -D]since February 2001
4. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG Aspherical [+ -D], [DF version], since February 2001
5. Sigma 24-60mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG [+ -D], from May 2004
6. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG Macro [+ -D], From september 2004
7. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom EX DG [+ -D], From september 2004
8. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 EX DG HSM, From september 2008
9. Sigma 24-70mm 1:2.8 DG HSM OS A (ART), from February 2017, Nikon F, Canon EF, Sigma SA
   
10. Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN A (ART)since November 2019, Sony E, Leica L, the layout is similar to Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 2.8 / 24-70mm, animation
    
11. Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN C (Contemporary)since February 2021, Sony E, Leica L

Tamron (for different mounts)

1. Tamron SP AF 35-105 mm 1: 2.8 Aspherical Model 65D
2. Tamron SP AF Aspherical LD ​​[IF] 28-105 mm 1: 2.8 Model 176D
3. Tamron SP AF Aspherical LD ​​[IF] 28-105 mm 1: 2.8 Model 276D
4. Tamron SP AF Aspherical XR Di LD [IF] 28-75 mm 1: 2.8 Macro Model A09 (Model A09N & Model A09N II) (scheme like Konica Minolta AF Zoom 28-75mm 1: 2.8 (32) D и  Sony 2.8 / 28-75 SAM)
5. Tamron SP 24-70 mm F / 2.8 DI VC USD Model A007
6. Tamron SP 24-70 mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Model A032
7. Tamron 28-75 mm F / 2.8 Di III RXD Model A036, (15/12), only for Sony E / FE, the scheme is similar to Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75 mm 1:2.8, animation
8. Tamron 28-75 mm F / 2.8 Di III VXD G2 Model A063, (17/15), only for Sony E / FE, Fall 2021
9. Tamron 35-150 mm F / 2-2.8 Di III VXD Model A058, Sony E / FE only, Fall 2021

Sony

Sony / Minolta A mount:

1. Konica Minolta AF Zoom 28-75 mm 1: 2.8 (32) D (scheme like Tamron 28-75 / 2.8)
2. Minolta AF Zoom 28-70 mm 1: 2.8 (32) G
3. Sony 2.8 /28-75 SAM (scheme like Tamron 28-75 / 2.8)
4. Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 2,8 /24-70 ZA SSM T *
5. Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 2,8 /24-70 ZA SSM II T* (circuit from the previous lens)

Sony E-mount:

1. Sony FE 2.8 /24-50 G (G, SEL2450G)
2. Sony FE 2.8 /24-70 GM (G, SEL2470GM)
3. Sony FE 2.8 /24-70 GM II (G, SEL2470GM2)

Pentax (K)

1. Pentax SMC FA 28-70 mm f / 2.8
2. Pentax HD Pentax-D FA 24-70 mm f / 2.8ED SDM WR

Angénieux

1. Angenieux zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF (for Nikon F, Minolta / Sony A, Canon EF)

Vivitar

1. Vivitar Series 1 28-70mm 1: 2.8 VMC AUTO FOCUS ZOOM, different mounts, presumably a copy Sigma 28-70mm 1: 2.8 Zoom

Panasonic

1. Panasonic Lumix S PRO 1: 2.8 /24-70 mm, from August 2019, Leica L

Leica

1. Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 1: 2.8 / 24-70mm f / 2.8 ASPH., from May 2021, the optical design repeats Sigma 24-70mm 1: 2.8 DG DN Art (animation)

Samyang

1. Samyang AF 24-70 / 2.8 FE, aka Rokinon AF 24-70 / 2.8 FE, from October 2021, only for Sony E / FE
2. Samyang AF 35-150/2-2.8FE, from April April 2023, only for Sony E/FE

Tokina AT-X PRO AF 28-70mm 1: 2.6-2.8 (Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO)

Results

The Tokina AT-X 270 AF PRO is just like many old Tokina professional lenses: super-quality build and thousands of controversies about image quality.

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