Tokina AT-X 535 PRO DX AF 50-135mm F2.8

The Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX is a very good lens with a few flaws. The resolution figures are generally very good although a centering problem limited the potential of the tested sample here (at the long end of the zoom range). The contrast level is generally very high except at 135mmm f/2.8. Typical for dedicated APS-C lenses the vignetting is a little more pronounced at wide-open aperture but all-in-all the issue is still relatively well controlled. The distortion characteristic is about average whereas lateral chromatic aberrations are a little high at the extreme ends of the zoom range. The bokeh, the out-of-focus blur, is generally very smooth and buttery. The mechanical quality of the lens is absolutely superb and it is a joy to handle this quality - more of this, please! The Tokina does still rely on the old slotted drive-screw for AF (which is not present anymore on Nikon budget DSLRs) - this approach is a bit dated by now although the principal AF performance is very fine.

The Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX is a very good lens with a few flaws. The resolution figures are truly excellent except maybe at 85mm f/2.8 and at close focus distances (based on field experience). The contrast level is generally very good except at 135mmm f/2.8. Typical for dedicated APS-C lenses the vignetting is a little more pronounced at wide-open aperture but all-in-all the issue is relatively well controlled. The distortion characteristic is about average whereas lateral chromatic aberrations are a little high at the extreme ends of the zoom range. The bokeh, the out-of-focus blur, is generally very smooth and buttery. The mechanical quality of the lens is absolutely superb and it is a joy to handle this quality - more of this, please! The Tokina does still rely on a AF micro-motor but the AF speed is fairly high although a little squeaky in sound. It is nice to see that Tokina is back again with good design for a reasonable price of around 600€/US$.