You’re looking at the new Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II lens review.
This lens is an update to the old Tokina 12-24mm lens.
On this update the Tokina added a built-in motor to the lens so that it can autofocus with Nikon’s entry level DSLR such as Nikon D40
I tested the Nikon mount
The lens’ diameter is slightly bigger and there is a minor weight reduction (only 30g).
The disappointing part is that there is almost no upgrade on the optics. They still use the same optical formula. The sharpness is still there, but also the chromatic aberration.
Sunset at the port. Tokina 12-24 II with Nikon D300s.
You can easily correct the chromatic aberration via post processing software, but you’re paying $200 more for the lens and I was expecting more from Tokina.
If you’re a Nikon user and using a non-entry level Nikon DSLR, I’d suggest you save your money and get the old version instead
Read on to see my complete Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II lens review.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Official Name:
Tokina AT-X 124 AF PRO DX II 12-24mm f/4
Focal Length Markings:
12, 15, 18, 20 and 24mm
Features:
AT-X – Advanced technology that Tokina use to design and fabricate for the most advanced lens (this one is a marketing jargon, don’t pay too much attention)
AF – Allows the lens to focus automatically on your subject.
PRO – Professional build quality for enhanced durability.
IF – Internal focusing mechanism. This will allow the lens to maintain its dimension during autofocus.
SD – Super Low Dispersion Glass. This is Tokina’s technology to minimize chromatic aberration.
DX – You can only use this lens with cropped sensor DSLR. You shouldn’t use it with a full frame DSLR camera.
II – The second version of the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 lens. Tokina added built-in motor in the lens.
Full Technical Specs (from Tokina’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 11 / 13 |
| Angle of View | 99 – 61° |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 11.8in.(0.3m) |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
| Weight | 540g (19.0oz) |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | ø3.46 x 3.74in. (84 x 89.5mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1:8 |
| Available for | Canon and Nikon
|
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II Sharpness
The Tokina 12-24mm f/4 DX II has the same sharpness as its predecessors. Both on the center and on the borders are sharp.
The optimal aperture is f/5.6, one stop above the maximum aperture.
See the full sharpness test for this Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II lens below.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 12mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
| 18mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
| 24mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 12mm | Great | Great | Excellent | Great |
| 18mm | Great | Great | Great | Great |
| 24mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
Distortion
Just like sharpness, the distortion characteristic is still the same (which is too bad because they can throw in some correction on the update).
The apparent barrel distortion at 12mm is still there.
Just like the previous version, at 18mm the distortion is significantly less and at 24mm, it’s virtually gone.
See the distortion test chart below.
Vignetting
Just like in the previous version, the vignetting is apparent especially at 12mm f/4 (widest angle, widest aperture).
At 12mm, you might have to stop down to f/8 to completely eliminate vignetting. At other focal length, vignetting is greatly reduced and won’t be noticeable even if you’re at the widest aperture.
You can see the result of the vignetting test on the chart below.
Chromatic Aberration
This is the part that I am disappointed with. It seems Tokina did not make enough effort to correct chromatic aberration from the previous version.
Chromatic aberration remains high on this lens on all aperture and all focal length.
Note that all the chromatic aberration below can be easily corrected via post processing tools such as Adobe Photoshop
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 |
| 12mm | High | High | Low | Low |
| 18mm | High | High | Low | Low |
| 24mm | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
The PRO designation indicates that Tokina used special finish to make the build more solid. The finish was excellent, similar to a professional grade Nikon lens and it was a joy to use the lens. Made in Japan.
Zoom Ring
Zoom ring is excellent. It is smooth with with no wobbling parts.
Focusing
The front element does not rotate during focusing so using a polarizing filter will not be a problem.
The Tokina features a focus clutch mechanism. This means you switch between autofocus and manual focus by pulling the focus ring back and forth.
The autofocus speed is now more silent and faster (I still find it unnecessary for an ultra wide angle lens) and still accurate.
For Nikon user: This lens now features a built in Motor, which means it will autofocus and will work perfectly when used with cameras with no internal focusing such as Nikon D40
Compatibility
This is an DX lens and that means it can only be used for a cropped sensor camera. You should not use this lens with a full frame camera such as the Nikon D3
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some pictures that I took using the Tokina 12-24mm II lens:
Get the best price online from Amazon: For Canon
Conclusions
Back to: Menu • Introduction
I find the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 DX II a bit disappointing for an upgrade. All Tokina did was add built in motor which makes the lens compatible with Nikon entry level DSLR such as Nikon D40
Optical quality remains relatively the same compared to the old version. The good thing is the sharpness are still there.
However, it seems Tokina did not make an extra effort to correct the chromatic aberration on this lens.
All in all, I don’t think the addition of a built in motor worth the extra $200. If you’re looking for a better value for money option, look at the old Tokina 12-24mm lens.
Below are the conclusions for Tokina 12-24mm f/4 DX II:
Drawbacks
- Chromatic aberration is apparent at all focal lengths at any aperture (can easily be corrected in post processing)
- Vignetting is a bit high on 12mm at f/4
- The addition of a built in motor raised the price significantly
Positives
- Very sharp at any aperture
- Good distortion control (except at 12mm)
- Excellent build quality
- Focusing is now faster and more silent
- Compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras that has no built in motor
Good For
Landscape shooters who uses cropped sensor DSLR.
Not So Good For
Low light interior or architecture photography (due to the max. f/4 aperture and barrel distortion at 12mm).
What Others Are Saying…
by “Orville Burgess”
I use a Nikon D90 and this lens is flawless with it. The auto focus is very quiet and responsive. My results indicate that it is a little soft wide open but quickly sharpens as you progress through the settings…
Click here to read the full review
by “W. Berger”
…After having used it now for a couple of weeks I find it quite outstanding. The build quality is first class it feels as smooth and solid as my 24-104mm L lens…
Click here to read the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 DX II from Amazon (cheapest price online):
If Amazon doesn’t have it in stock, try B&H Photo (Canon, Nikon) or Adorama (Canon, Nikon).
See the related lens review below to see more options.
There you have it, the complete Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II lens review!
You’re looking at the new Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II lens review.
This lens is an update to the old Tokina 12-24mm lens.
On this update th…
You’re looking at the new Tokina 12-24mm f4 PRO II lens review.
This lens is an update to the old Tokina 12-24mm lens.
On this update th…
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Tags: tokina 12-24 dx ii, tokina 12-24 ii, tokina 12-24mm f4 pro ii
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