Review Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

According provided by Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 lens (AT-X 242 AF N / AIS version) huge thanks to the store www.fotika.com.uawhere you can find a huge number of different used photographic equipment, including similar lenses for Nikon cameras.

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

In short

The Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF) is a versatile super zoom lens for full frame cameras from a bygone era. It attracts with its range of focal lengths. For example, Nikon does not have lenses with a similar focal length, the most similar is Nikon 24-120mm 1: 3.5-5.6D AF Nikkor и Nikon AF Nikkor 28-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6D. Original lenses are much better optically than Tokina AT-X 242 AF.

In general, the Tokina AT-X 242 AF is not very bad, with a good build. It can serve as a budget all-rounder for full-frame and cropped cameras.

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Main technical specifications of Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Review Instance Name Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 ø72 Japan 6604224 N / AIS (this model is called Tokina AT-X 242 AF in official sources)
Basic properties
  • AT-X extension - the lens belongs to the line tokina Advanced Ttechnology EXbetween
  • N / AIS - lens designed for full-frame cameras Nikon fx
  • aspherical - the presence of aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • SD - low dispersion elements are used in the optical design Super low Ddispersion
  • 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'
  • internal focus
  • multi-illuminated optics
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use.
Front Filter Diameter 72 mm
Focal length 24-200 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 36-300 mm
Zoom ratio 8.33 x
Designed by for film cameras (available in versions for Canon, Minolta / Sony, Nikon and Pentax).
Number of aperture blades 6 straight petals, at values ​​from F / 3.5 to F / 8, the petals form a hole with notches
Tags focusing distance in meters and feet, focal length values ​​for 24, 35, 50, 70, 105, 200 mm, aperture setting mark (it is also a bayonet mount mark), aperture value, mark for setting a lens hood
Diaphragm
  • 24 mm - F / 3.5-F / 22
  • 35 mm - F / 4-F / 25
  • 50 mm - F / 4.5-F / 29
  • 70 mm - F / 5-F / 32
  • 105mm - F / 5.3-F / 36
  • 200mm - F / 5.6-F / 36

The lens has an aperture ring (Non-G - lens type).

On the aperture ring there are marks F / 3.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. The ring has no intermediate values.

MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.8 m over the entire range of focal lengths, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 5.97
The weight November 690, XNUMX
Optical design 15 elements in 11 groups

Two low dispersion Super Low Dispersion elements and two Tokina Aspherical aspherical elements are used.

Optical design Tokina 24-200

Lens hood BH-723, plastic, bayonet type
Manufacturer country JAPAN (Japan)
Period Since about 2000
Price Not for sale, used options sell at 80-180 cu

Prices for modern Tokina lenses are available see here.

Unlike the original Nikon AF Nikkor 28-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6D Tokina AT-X 242 AF has as many as 4 special optical elements.

Tokina AT-X 242AF

Tokina AT-X 242AF

Assembly

Build quality Tokina AT-X 242 AF is at a fairly good level. The lens is very nice to the touch, weighty, good shot down without any obvious flaws. A metal bayonet mount, lots of metal internal parts and quite impressive dimensions make the lens weigh almost 700 grams.

Design Tokina AT-X 242 AF is very much like the original Nikon AF Nikkor 28-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6D.

The retractable frame of the case consists of two sections. Focusing and zoom rings are pleasant to the touch, rubberized. During zooming, the trunk of the lens does not spontaneously extend.

The lens uses a plastic hood BH-723, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the focus ring is lost. When changing the focal length, the hood moves with the movable frame of the housing.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'vacuum cleaner effect', which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera.

Unfortunately, the diaphragm consists of only 6 not rounded petals.

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Focusing

Auto focus speed is average. The auto focus speed is slightly dependent on the focal length. At 200 mm focal length, auto focus speed is lower than 24 mm.

Lens uses internal focus. During focusing, the rear and front lenses remain stationary. When changing the focal length, the front lens does not rotate.

The focus ring rotates only 45 degrees. The ring travels smoothly, but it feels like the focus gear rotates with the ring, making the focus less comfortable. The minimum focusing distance is 80 cm, and the maximum zoom factor (macro) is achieved by 200 mm focal length and is 1: 5.97 (pretty good).

When used on a camera Nikon D90 (with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system) the lens behaves well, very rarely makes a mistake in focusing. I had no problems with focus accuracy and focus. On camera Nikon D90 I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances and different values ​​of the focal length (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode.

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.

Focus Features:

  1. Tokina AT-X 242AF 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.
  2. During focusing, the focus ring rotates and must not be touched.
  3. Focus speed may vary slightly from the camera used. This issue has been considered. here.
  4. During focusing, the lens and camera are quite noisy.
  5. There is a small effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing).
  6. Tokina AT-X 242 AF 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.
  7. When changing the focal length, focusing is lost.
  8. Tokina AT-X 242 AF transmits the focus distance to the subject in the camera and is a type lens Nikon D.
  9. The lens has a scale with a focusing distance in meters and feet. The scale is small, on it there are marks only for 3, 1.5, 1, 0.8 meters and a label of 'infinity'. Such a scale in itself is of little use and is present more for show (justification of this thought here) The distance scale is plotted on the focus ring, and not made using a special window. There is no depth of field scale and labels for working in the infrared spectrum.
  10. Tokina AT-X 242 AF does not have focus problems in Live View (tested on Nikon D90).
  11. Unknown compatibility with teleconverters.
  12. Tokina AT-X 242 AF does not have hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.
  13. 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, the values ​​F / 3.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 (full stops) 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 Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Image quality

The longer the focal length, the more sharpness sags. At 24mm in the center of the frame, everything is in order already at F / 3.5, but sharpness sags towards the corners of the frame. At 200mm focal length and F / 5.6 is weak, at least F / 8.0 should be used for an acceptable result.

It's nice that there are few chromatic aberrations. Of course, a noticeable distortion of 24 mm. Neutral (boring) pattern. Neutral (correct) color rendition.

In general, the quality of the Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 rests on its large zoom ratio, and it was developed in those distant times when a large resolution for monsters did not need to be similar Nikon D810 / Canon 5Dsr.

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Sample Photos

Pictures from Nikon D90. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, on-camera JPEG. This time I prepared photos for review Ishtar Ntr.

You can download the original photos in the '.JPEG' format at this link.

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

My experience

Tokina AT-X 242 AF - an old super-zoom. At that time, there were very few such lenses with a focal length starting at 24 mm. Optically, older super zooms are usually really weak. The Tokina AT-X 242 AF is no exception. I recommend instead of the Tokina AT-X 242 AF to get an original Nikon 24-120mm 1: 3.5-5.6D AF Nikkor or Nikon AF Nikkor 28-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6D.

For Nikon DX series crop cameras, I strongly recommend that you buy an inexpensive and forgotten one instead of the Tokina AT-X 242 AF Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135m 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical.

List of all Nikon FX 24-XXX autofocus lenses:

  1. Nikon 24-50 mm 1: 3.3-4.5 AF Nikkor
  2. Nikon 24-50 mm 1: 3.3-4.5D AF Nikkor
  3. Nikon 24-70 mm 1: 2.8GN AF-S Nikkor ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherical
  4. Nikon 24-70 mm 1: 2.8EN AF-S Nikkor ED Nano Crystal Coat SWM IF Aspherica VR + its modification of the 'Nikon 100th Anniversary Edition'
  5. Nikon 24-85 mm 1: 2.8-4D AF Nikkor IF Aspherical Macro (1: 2)
  6. Nikon 24-85 mm 1: 3.5-4.5G AF-S Nikkor ED SWM IF Aspherical
  7. Nikon 24-85 mm 1: 3.5-4.5G AF-S Nikkor ED VR SWM IF Aspherical
  8. Nikon 24-120 mm 1: 3.5-5.6D AF Nikkor
  9. Nikon 24-120 mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S Nikkor SWM VR IF Aspherical
  10. Nikon 24-120 mm 1: 4G N AF-S Nikkor ED VR SWM IF Aspherical Nano Crystal Coat

Catalog of modern lenses for Nikon can see here.

List of all Nikon FX 28-XXX autofocus lenses:

The catalog of modern universal lenses for Nikon can be see 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 AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF)

The sizes of the Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1 lenses are: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF) and Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135m 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical

Results

Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 (AT-X 242 AF) is a unique lens of its kind, at one time it was interesting for a set of focal lengths. Well assembled, optically not strong, can be useful for amateur photography where one universal lens is needed.

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

Add a comment: Oleg

 

 

Comments: 9, on the topic: Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6 review (AT-X 242 AF)

  • Ishtar

    Normal lens, nothing special. Heavy in hand. Pleasant bokeh. It would be better to reverse the position of the zoom ring and focus.

    • Gonzaga

      Nice photos! Ishtar, you are a great fellow! I liked the lens.

      • Oleg

        Yes, well done girl. We constantly see her in the reviews of Arcadia

  • Oleg

    Still not a bad lens

  • Eugene

    Hi all!
    Which lens will perform better on the Nikon d700 - Nikon AF 28-200 / 3.5-5.6 D or Tokina AT-X AF Aspherical 24-200 1: 3.5-5.6?

  • Steve

    Can you explain to me the function of the switch on the aperture ring (on the Nikon F mount version)? I believe it locks the aperture ring and enables the autofocus mode of the lens when showing the green dot. Otherwise the aperture ring is free to turn. Part of the reason I am asking is because I have this lens and it does not work properly on my camera (D810). Autofocus does not work and the lens transmits no lens data (like focal length and aperture) to the camera. thanks.

    • B. R. P.

      Quote from the review: The lens has a manual aperture ring. To be able to control the aperture value from the camera or to automatically set the aperture on modern CZKs, you need to turn the control ring to F / 22 and fix it with a special switch located to the right of the aperture marks. The F / 22 value and the latch mark are specially highlighted in green for their alignment. If this is not done, then on a number of cameras, the display will show an error – 'fEE' (aperture ring not installed).

      • Steve

        thanks. I did that (aperture set to f/22 and locked with switch on lens). But it still does not transmit any data (focal length and aperture) to the camera, and it does not autofocus. However, when I first tried the lens on my camera, for the first two test photos I took, it did autofocus and communicate with camera. So that is evidence that it should be able to work with my camera. But now it is like the lens has broken somehow. This change has me wondering if the electronics in the lens has somehow been damaged. For example, if I accidentally forgot to turn off the camera while changing the lens, could that have been the cause? Is this lens really that fragile? That would surprise me, but it is the only thing I can think of.

        • B. R. P.

          You're right. It's most likely an electronics failure. You will receive the exact answer in the service.

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