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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.
copyright 1998 Steve Graham
The picture of my son Fraser at the top was taken on Agfa APX 400 using a
monopod mounted Pentax Z1p and Tokina ATX-Pro 80-200 F2.8 at 200mm F2.8 and
1/60s. The lens was pretty much right at it's nearest focus.
I've used the manual-focus ATX 2.8/80-200 with my Pentax and the ATX-AF with a Minolta 9Xi.
The AF-function of the ATX-AF is not that good as the OEM-lenses are (regardless Pentax, Minolta or Canon) - it's hunting a lot- but the optical quality has been improved compared to the manual-focus ATX!
AF almost always failed with a 1.4x-tele-converter (even it should).
Used with a tele-converter it gives fine results, much better than a 3.5-4.5/70-210. Even the older manaul ATX has been equal to a Pentax-A 2.8/135 with tele-converter. At 200mm (and wide open) it's better than the 135 with Pentax-1.4x-converter ! So you can really get great long-tele-shots with this superb-built-tele-zoom.
In addition it HAS a tripod-mount which many other comparable lenses do not have.
