Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Specifically, it's an AT-X Pro DX (not the DX II).

I'm considering purchasing this lens to use on my Sony a77, which most know is a crop sensor, so the angle of view on it is about16-24mm. I've read several positive reviews but thought I'd ask if anyone here has experience with this lens, and for thoughts on how and why I want to use it.

I already own Sony's 16-50 2.8, but I want to go a bit wider while keeping the large aperture. I would use the lens primarily for scapes, including city, land, and especially night sky, the primary reason I'm looking at wide, fast lenses. For the night sky this lens will give me a 50% longer shutter than my 16-50 without getting star trails. That's a huge boost, especially important for my a77 which doesn't handle low light as well as I would like.

I know this lens is not optimal for ordinary landscapes or cityscapes, but rather it is a specialty lens, for example, for wide shots with interest in the foreground. Still, my primary interest is in shooting the night sky.

I don't care about the 5mm of zoom; I would gladly shop for a prime if there were a similar lens available at a similar price. The closest is a Sigma 10mm 2.8 that dyxum.com says is not as sharp, for $300 more than I can get this Tokina. I can get a manufacturer refurbished, full warranty copy for $349 total, delivered. I shouldn't spend the money right now but this is a bargain that I might not see again any time soon. Any thoughts?

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I have the lens and have been using it for about a year. I like it very much. It is sharp and, if you keep the lens level with your subject, it is not too bad with the distortion. Of course, since you said you want to shoot the sky, level would not be an option. Then again, I don't think distortion will be a problem also if you are shooting the sky. I also use it on a crop sensor camera (D-7000) and find that it is wide enough for anything that I want to do. I do not feel like I need a wider view. I really like the lens.

al davis Loc: chesterfield virginia

I also have this lens.I have had it for about 3 years in my opinion you can not go wrong. A very good piece of glass. I also use it on a 7d and a 60d. I would buy this all over again very pleased. Thumbs up rating out of five :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I got rid of mine because it can have a lot of CA at the sides when defocused and it has pretty horrible flare characteristics when shooting against the sun. That being said it is very sharp and the constant f2.8 aperture is a plus. Also solidly built. For normal shooting it is an excellent lens. The newer model isn't really any better optically, so if your camera can handle the AF it is an excellent deal at that price.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I read about the pretty bad flare problem, so I guess sunsets are out but that isn't my primary interest anyway. The CA should be easily correctable in post, shouldn't it? I think I'll go ahead and get it. Thanks again.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Yes, CA should be correctable, and sunsets should be OK. It's only really bad if you include the bright sun in the frame.

al davis Loc: chesterfield virginia

I have had no problem with flare with this lens.If you click on my link and take a look most of the sunrises and sunsets were shot with this lens. :? :? :?

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

There won't be a problem in such situations. Here is an example of a shot with the 11-16 @11mm compared to the Sigma 8-16 @11mm. This is the kind of situation where you will see the problem.

Tokina

(Download)

Sigma

(Download)

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

As long as you don't point it at the sun, the Tokina does a fine job. I've been very happy with mine.

Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 Nikon Df, f/2.8 @ 1/8 sec. ISO 200

PVR8 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have this lens and use it on Nikon D7000. The only time I had any flare problem was when I used it without the lens hood. I recently took the lens on my trip to Myrtle Beach and I shot in bright direct sunlight and in evening light with no problems. Using a lens hood in direct sunlight is a must to avoid flare. The lens is sharp and fast focusing. I really like it alot.

blairt Loc: Utah

I have had this lens for three years and love it. Lens flare is a small problem but easy to work around. I have shot sunrises, sunsets, and lots of nightscapes. The f/2.8 throughout is great, and I really like the star bursts this lens creates.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Okay, I'm convinced - I just ordered it. You guys are awesome, and I really appreciate your replies and sample shots (very nice, btw!) I was on the fence because I wanted it for specialty use and didn't know if it was worth it. But after seeing your shots and reading your remarks, I am now thinking this will be one of my favorite lenses, and I have more lenses than I really need (thanks to legacy Minolta, Sigma and Tamron.)

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

My UWA is on my camera probably 75% of the time. Definitely my one-lens-on-a-deserted-island choice.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

My UWA is on my camera probably 75% of the time. Definitely my one-lens-on-a-deserted-island choice.

Bamboo Loc: South Carolina

For night sky naturally a full frame would serve you better. Here is a link to a photo I posted earlier showing my results with the Tokina 11-16 2.8. In this case a longer shutter speed would show more star movement and a higher ISO more noise. You will have to view it in the download.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-240051-1.html