Performance
The Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 performed reasonably well in our tests. Autofocus was very fast and precise. The AF operation was silent too, thanks to internal focussing. At 24mm, the images were sharp from f/5.6 to 16, and the sweet spot was f/5.6. At 50mm, sharp images were obtained between f/8 to 16 and the sweet spot shifted to f/11. At 70mm, the acceptable sharpness range was f/11 to 16, and the sweet spot remained at f/11.
We observed prominent darkening of corners at f.2.8 at the wide-angle end, reducing progressively with narrowing apertures and finally vanishing around f/8. The lens produced flare along with heavy purple fringing at the wide-angle end with the lens wide open while photographing strong against-the-light subjects. The 24-70mm showed barrel distortion up to 40mm focal length and pincushion at the telephoto end.
Value for Money
The Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 retails at an MRP of Rs.90,000. This is very good value for money for a standard f/2.8
zoom. |SP
FINAL SCORE 79%
Design and Build Quality 18/20
Key Features 16/20
Ergonomics 17/20
Performance
Autofocus 4.5/5
Sharpness 4.5/5
Distortion control 3/5
Aberrations 3/5
Darkening of corners 3/5
Extra features 3/5
Sub-Total 21/30
Value for Money 7/10
PLUS
• Excellent build quality
• Focus clutch mechanism
• Good sharpness
• Attractive price
MINUS
• Heavy distortion
• Prominent light fall-off
• No image stabilisation
VERDICT
The Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 is surely a good buy when it comes to the price. But having experienced previous Tokina models, it is but natural that we expected a little more of perfection in controlling aberrations and optical flaws. Nevertheless, at this price range, the lens is a good buy for advanced and semiprofessionals on a budget.
Sujith Gopinath
