Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX (Canon) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (APS-C)

Sample Shots

Ok, finally here're some sample shots taken with the 350D (all converted RAWs via RSE). Please note that RSE applies some degree of automatic CA correction.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 20.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/400s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 12.0mm
Exposure Data: f/4.0 @ 1/1000s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 12.0mm
Exposure Data: f/10.0 @ 1/250s
Size 3472x2312
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 12.0mm
Exposure Data: f/10.0 @ 1/320s
Size 3472x2312
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 16.0mm
Exposure Data: f/13.0 @ 1/250s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 24.0mm
Exposure Data: f/13.0 @ 1/400s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 12.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/200s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 12.0mm
Exposure Data: f/4.0 @ 1/1600s
Size 2312x3472

Verdict

The verdict about the Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X DX can't be easy because its quality varies across the different characteristics. In terms of resolution the lens is on a very high level. The center performance is excellent throughout the whole range. The borders are (naturally) quite a bit worse especially at f/4 but very decent from f/5.6 onward. Distortions are comparatively low for an ultra-wide lens and vignetting may only be an issue at 12mm @ f/4. On the downside chromatic aberrations are a significant problem at harsh contrast transitions - at least if you perfer straight JPEGs or plain converted RAWs. The problem can be almost completely avoided by using intelligent RAW converters such as Raw Shooter Essentials or by manual correction via Adobe Camera RAW or similar tools. So whether this characteristic is a problem for you is dependent on your workflow. Beyond CAs the lens doesn't really like contra light. Using the supplied hood is a good idea here and if possible light sources in the image field should be avoided. Typical for all Tokina AT-X lenses the build quality is on a very high level putting many lenses from other manufacturers to shame especially when considering the quite affordable price of about 450 EUR/US$.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
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