Tokina ATX Pro 80-200/2.8 in Pentax mount

Perhaps the most useful zoom lens for serious photographers is the 80-200 F2.8, ideal for a wide range of photographic situations - see Philips review of the Nikon version for examples. Unfortunately Pentax's own version is rather overpriced compared to other manufacturers - the lens tested here was the only 3rd party alternative available at the time of writing.

Build

This is a solidly built metal shelled lens - heavy and rugged. Zooming is smooth and easy, as is the action of the manual focus ring. The AF/MF clutch mechanism has a positive action and the lens comes complete with a metal hood, revolving tripod mount and a hard case. Large 77mm filters are required, as is a strong back for carrying it's 1.21kg around.

Optical

A 11 group, 17 element design, covering an constant maximum aperture range of F2.8, this is a serious optic. The very wide front element is a little intimidating, and the those of a nervous disposition may want to fit a UV filter for protection at all times. If you do I'd recommend using a multi-coated filters one, to minimise optical degredation.

At 200mm and F2.8 results are a touch soft, but at other apertures results are very good. Close focusing could be better (it's 1.8m), but decent portraits are still perfectly possible. I've used the lens a lot, and to date can't recall flare problems. Given the diverse situations I've covered, that probably means it's not an issue.

Handling

A two-touch zoom, with wide and smooth acting focus and zoom rings, and a well weighted aperture ring, this lens has good handling characteristics - helped by the bright viewfinder image that the constant F2.8 aperture affords. During AF the manual focus ring is de-clutched to avoid it revolving - to engage manual focus the camera must be switched to MF, and the focus ring pulled back to engage it (this isn't as smooth as the Pentax FA* lenses). The lens uses internal focussing, which helps when filters are used as the front element and filter mount don't rotate. The deep hood screw mounts to the lens, and it's not possible to use the lens cap with it fitted. Screwing a circular polariser to the lens, then screwing the hood onto the filter enables you to rotate the hood to align the polariser - facilitated by the hood not being of a "petal" design.

The weight of the lens makes it preferrable to tripod or monopod mount it - which the revolving tripod mount facilitates. Unfortunately the tripod mount is not removable, which can be annoying when handholding.

Compatibility

Results with Pentax Z1p and MZ5 bodies have been encouraging - exposure readings match those from Pentax AF lenses, and from an external light meter. Viewfinder aperture readings are correct - basically no compatability problems have been encountered to date.

Price

I paid 5500 Hong Kong Dollars (approximately 700USD) for this lens in 1997. As the Pentax equivalent is a lot more expensive, and competitors from Tamron and Sigma are not produced for Pentax AF (although the latest Sigma may be) there aren't many alternatives.

Conclusion

A fine lens, capable of "professional" results, and with excellent build and handling - this represents good value. Do be prepared for it's considerable weight however. My primary use is for photographing my kids at play, where the fast auto-focus and wide apertures are of great benefit. It also doubles as an good lens for studio portraiture.

Editor's Note:

Where to Buy

The Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 is stocked by Adorama, a retailer that pays photo.net a referral fee for each customer, which helps keep this site in operation. For additional retailer information, see our recommended retailers page and the user recommendations section.