No, it simply is not.

But don't take my word for it, see for yourself:

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Tamron 90mm VR #F017: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1046&Sample=0&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Sigma 105mm OS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=790&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Micro-Nikkor 105mm VR: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=645&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Canon 100mm L IS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=674&Sample=0&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

At f/2.8 the Tokina is the softest of all the above lenses in the image corners and mid-frame. One macro lens with similar softness at f/2.8 aperture is the following...

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Sony 90mm OSS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1019&CameraComp=1175&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

This is NOT a knock against the Tokina. It certainly is a very good value for the money and has a lot of nice features. But it has some shortcomings that need to be acknowledged and it does no one any good to provide incorrect information.

1. All these macro lenses, including the Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm, sharpen up nicely as they're stopped down... by f/8 they are pretty much equal. Since macro lenses are often stopped down due to the very shallow depth of field they render at high magnifications, this is certainly a consideration.

2. The original poster, Royce, plans to use the macro lens he chooses on an APS-C (DX) camera... a Nikon D7200. This will crop away the corners of the images shown at all the above links, so he would see less of the Tokina's softness.

3. Of all the above, only the Tokina in the Nikon F-mount version is motorless, requiring an in-camera focusing motor to be able to autofocus. This is not a problem for Royce with his current camera because it has that motor, but may be a consideration for use on any other Nikon cameras in the future. This also may or may not be a problem since a lot of macro shooters prefer to use manual focus anyway. It may be more of a concern to someone planning to use the lens for non-macro purposes, too.

4. Of all the above, only the Tokina doesn't offer instant AF override. You have to switch the AF off (using the unique "focus clutch" mechanism) before you can manually focus the lens. This may be a concern if planning to use AF a lot and wanting to be able to fine tune focus manually. All the other lenses this can be done immediately.

5. Of all the above, only the Tokina is NOT an internal focusing lens. This allows it to be more compact when set to infinity for storage, but makes it longer than some of the other lenses when focused all the way to maximum 1:1 magnification. The result will often be less working distance between subject and the front of the Tokina lens. This may be a consideration if trying to photography shy critters or by increasing risk of casting a shadow over the subject.

6. Of all the above, the Tokina has the simplest focus limiter... a two stage type that allows full range or non-macro range. All the other lenses have three-stage limiters that also feature a macro-only range.

7. Of all the above, only the Tokina lacks optical image stabilization. This feature is particular nice to have on telephotos in particular, but is of somewhat limited help at higher magnifications. This may not matter much to folks planning to use a tripod, which is common for macro photography. Flash can also act to reduce camera shake blur and is used for a lot of macro photography. Note: Of the above lenses, only the Canon 100mm can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring.

8. On a positive note the Tokina has the most recessed front element of the above lenses. While it's not terribly deep, it may not require use of it's lens hood in some situations, which might increase working distance compared to the other lenses with their hoods installed.

9. The Tokina also is quite well made (as are most Tokina lenses). But so are all the other lenses listed above.

10. Another positive note, the other lenses above cost 1.5X, 2X or even 3X what the Tokina sells for!

11. The Tokina uses a 9-blade aperture with traditional, straight blades. This makes for excellent 18-point "sunstars". All the other lenses above use curved aperture blades that might make for slightly nicer background blur in certain conditions, but make for pretty lousy sunstars! Some of the other lenses might also use an 8-blade aperture, making for less interesting 8-point sunstars.

12. The current ATX-i Pro version of the Tokina appears to be identical to the previous AT-X Pro version, except for some external cosmetic updating. If buying used, I'd consider either version. Note that there also was a much earlier AT-X version that doesn't have "Pro" on it's label, works as and is labelled as an "IF" lens, and was made prior to 2006. I really don't know how common it is or how it's image quality and AF performance compares to the later two versions.

I think it's fair to say Tokina has kept their 100mm macro lens one of the most affordable by making some compromises in the lens' design and features. Some of those compromises may have little to no effect for a lot of users. But if concerned, there are alternatives... at higher prices. I also don't know why Tokina didn't put a focusing motor in the Nikon version of the lens. After all, it sells for the same price as the Canon and Sony versions, both of which have micro motors built in! Note: the Sony version is now called a "FiRIN FE" lens instead of AT-X or ATX-i. This Sony version used to be quite a bit more expensive than the Canon or Nikon versions... but recently was reduced to the same price.

The Tokina AT-X Pro or ATX-i Pro lenses are solid and quite usable as macro lenses or as short telephotos. I'd call these Tokina "very good" and "fully capable of making very, very nice images". I'd rank most of the other lenses listed above as "excellent and capable of making superb images", but also considerably more expensive than the Tokina!

No, it simply is not.

But don't take my word for it, see for yourself:

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Tamron 90mm VR #F017: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1046&Sample=0&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Sigma 105mm OS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=790&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Micro-Nikkor 105mm VR: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=645&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Canon 100mm L IS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=674&Sample=0&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

At f/2.8 the Tokina is the softest of all the above lenses in the image corners and mid-frame. One macro lens with similar softness at f/2.8 aperture is the following...

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Sony 90mm OSS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1019&CameraComp=1175&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

This is NOT a knock against the Tokina. It certainly is a very good value for the money and has a lot of nice features. But it has some shortcomings that need to be acknowledged and it does no one any good to provide incorrect information.

1. All these macro lenses, including the Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm, sharpen up nicely as they're stopped down... by f/8 they are pretty much equal. Since macro lenses are often stopped down due to the very shallow depth of field they render at high magnifications, this is certainly a consideration.

2. The original poster, Royce, plans to use the macro lens he chooses on an APS-C (DX) camera... a Nikon D7200. This will crop away the corners of the images shown at all the above links, so he would see less of the Tokina's softness.

3. Of all the above, only the Tokina in the Nikon F-mount version is motorless, requiring an in-camera focusing motor to be able to autofocus. This is not a problem for Royce with his current camera because it has that motor, but may be a consideration for use on any other Nikon cameras in the future. This also may or may not be a problem since a lot of macro shooters prefer to use manual focus anyway. It may be more of a concern to someone planning to use the lens for non-macro purposes, too.

4. Of all the above, only the Tokina doesn't offer instant AF override. You have to switch the AF off (using the unique "focus clutch" mechanism) before you can manually focus the lens. This may be a concern if planning to use AF a lot and wanting to be able to fine tune focus manually. All the other lenses this can be done immediately.

5. Of all the above, only the Tokina is NOT an internal focusing lens. This allows it to be more compact when set to infinity for storage, but makes it longer than some of the other lenses when focused all the way to maximum 1:1 magnification. The result will often be less working distance between subject and the front of the Tokina lens. This may be a consideration if trying to photography shy critters or by increasing risk of casting a shadow over the subject.

6. Of all the above, the Tokina has the simplest focus limiter... a two stage type that allows full range or non-macro range. All the other lenses have three-stage limiters that also feature a macro-only range.

7. Of all the above, only the Tokina lacks optical image stabilization. This feature is nice to have on telephotos in particular, but is of somewhat limited help at higher magnifications. This may not matter much to folks planning to use a tripod, which is common for macro photography. Flash can also act to reduce camera shake blur and is used for a lot of macro photography. Note: Of the above lenses, only the Canon 100mm can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring.

8. On a positive note the Tokina has the most recessed front element of the above lenses. While it's not terribly deep, it may not require use of it's lens hood in some situations, which might increase working distance compared to the other lenses with their hoods installed.

9. The Tokina also is quite well made (as are most Tokina lenses). But so are all the other lenses listed above.

10. Another positive note, the other lenses above cost 1.5X, 2X or even 3X what the Tokina sells for!

11. The Tokina uses a 9-blade aperture with traditional, straight blades. This makes for excellent 18-point "sunstars". All the other lenses above use curved aperture blades that might make for slightly nicer background blur in certain conditions, but make for pretty lousy sunstars! Some of the other lenses might also use an 8-blade aperture, making for less interesting 8-point sunstars.

12. The current ATX-i Pro version of the Tokina appears to be identical to the previous AT-X Pro version, except for some external cosmetic updating. If buying used, I'd consider either version. Note that there also was a much earlier AT-X version that doesn't have "Pro" on it's label, works as and is labelled as an "IF" lens, and was made prior to 2006. I really don't know how common it is or how it's image quality and AF performance compares to the later two versions.

I think it's fair to say Tokina has kept their 100mm macro lens one of the most affordable by making some compromises in the lens' design and features. Some of those compromises may have little to no effect for a lot of users. But if concerned, there are alternatives... at higher prices. I also don't know why Tokina didn't put a focusing motor in the Nikon version of the lens. After all, it sells for the same price as the Canon and Sony versions, both of which have micro motors built in! Note: the Sony version is now called a "FiRIN FE" lens instead of AT-X or ATX-i. This Sony version used to be quite a bit more expensive than the Canon or Nikon versions... but recently was reduced to the same price.

The Tokina AT-X Pro or ATX-i Pro lenses are solid and quite usable as macro lenses or as short telephotos. I'd call these Tokina "very good" and "fully capable of making very, very nice images". I'd rank most of the other lenses listed above as "excellent and capable of making superb images", but also considerably more expensive than the Tokina!

No, it simply is not.

But don't take my word for it, see for yourself:

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Tamron 90mm VR #F017: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1046&Sample=0&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Sigma 105mm OS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=790&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Micro-Nikkor 105mm VR: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=645&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Canon 100mm L IS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=674&Sample=0&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

At f/2.8 the Tokina is the softest of all the above lenses in the image corners and mid-frame. One macro lens with similar softness at f/2.8 aperture is the following...

Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm versus Sony 90mm OSS: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=958&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1019&CameraComp=1175&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

This is NOT a knock against the Tokina. It certainly is a very good value for the money and has a lot of nice features. But it has some shortcomings that need to be acknowledged and it does no one any good to provide incorrect information.

1. All these macro lenses, including the Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm, sharpen up nicely as they're stopped down... by f/8 they are pretty much equal. Since macro lenses are often stopped down due to the very shallow depth of field they render at high magnifications, this is certainly a consideration.

2. The original poster, Royce, plans to use the macro lens he chooses on an APS-C (DX) camera... a Nikon D7200. This will crop away the corners of the images shown at all the above links, so he would see less of the Tokina's softness.

3. Of all the above, only the Tokina in the Nikon F-mount version is motorless, requiring an in-camera focusing motor to be able to autofocus. This is not a problem for Royce with his current camera because it has that motor, but may be a consideration for use on any other Nikon cameras in the future. This also may or may not be a problem since a lot of macro shooters prefer to use manual focus anyway. It may be more of a concern to someone planning to use the lens for non-macro purposes, too.

4. Of all the above, only the Tokina doesn't offer instant AF override. You have to switch the AF off (using the unique "focus clutch" mechanism) before you can manually focus the lens. This may be a concern if planning to use AF a lot and wanting to be able to fine tune focus manually. All the other lenses this can be done immediately.

5. Of all the above, only the Tokina is NOT an internal focusing lens. This allows it to be more compact when set to infinity for storage, but makes it longer than some of the other lenses when focused all the way to maximum 1:1 magnification. The result will often be less working distance between subject and the front of the Tokina lens. This may be a consideration if trying to photography shy critters or by increasing risk of casting a shadow over the subject.

6. Of all the above, the Tokina has the simplest focus limiter... a two stage type that allows full range or non-macro range. All the other lenses have three-stage limiters that also feature a macro-only range.

7. Of all the above, only the Tokina lacks optical image stabilization. This feature is nice to have on telephotos in particular, but is of somewhat limited help at higher magnifications. This may not matter much to folks planning to use a tripod, which is common for macro photography. Flash can also act to reduce camera shake blur and is used for a lot of macro photography. Note: Of the above lenses, only the Canon 100mm can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring.

8. On a positive note the Tokina has the most recessed front element of the above lenses. While it's not terribly deep, it may not require use of it's lens hood in some situations, which might increase working distance compared to the other lenses with their hoods installed.

9. The Tokina also is quite well made (as are most Tokina lenses). But so are all the other lenses listed above.

10. Another positive note, the other lenses above cost 1.5X, 2X or even 3X what the Tokina sells for!

11. The Tokina uses a 9-blade aperture with traditional, straight blades. This makes for excellent 18-point "sunstars". All the other lenses above use curved aperture blades that might make for slightly nicer background blur in certain conditions, but make for pretty lousy sunstars! Some of the other lenses might also use an 8-blade aperture, making for less interesting 8-point sunstars.

12. The current ATX-i Pro version of the Tokina appears to be identical to the previous AT-X Pro version, except for some external cosmetic updating. If buying used, I'd consider either version. Note that there also was a much earlier AT-X version that doesn't have "Pro" on it's label, works as and is labelled as an "IF" lens, and was made prior to 2006. I really don't know how common it is or how it's image quality and AF performance compares to the later two versions.

I think it's fair to say Tokina has kept their 100mm macro lens one of the most affordable by making some compromises in the lens' design and features. Some of those compromises may have little to no effect for a lot of users. But if concerned, there are alternatives... at higher prices. I also don't know why Tokina didn't put a focusing motor in the Nikon version of the lens. After all, it sells for the same price as the Canon and Sony versions, both of which have micro motors built in! Note: the Sony version is now called a "FiRIN FE" lens instead of AT-X or ATX-i. This Sony version used to be quite a bit more expensive than the Canon or Nikon versions... but recently was reduced to the same price.

The Tokina AT-X Pro or ATX-i Pro lenses are solid and quite usable as macro lenses or as short telephotos. I'd call these Tokina "very good" and "fully capable of making very, very nice images". I'd rank most of the other lenses listed above as "excellent and capable of making superb images", but also considerably more expensive than the Tokina!

I use the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Macro on a Professional basis. I do recognize that the Tokina and the Tamron Macros do a fairly Great Job. But the build of The Nikon 105mm Macro does not take second to any Macros, although I do have a Zeiss which works very well, the Zeiss is MF only with no VR. I bought the Zeiss in the 80's. I really think that using any of the Macros will not let a Photog down if used correctly, which means knowing how to Focus Stack, Thankfully my Nikon D850 does it in Camera, but I advise anyone that is going to use a Macro Lens to get a decent rail system for Your Camera to mount on. Also, buy reflectors and deflectors, plus buy a Light Ring to take Shadows out of play, maybe even consider using a Flash for getting insects to really pop. Plus, Just Have Fun.

Fair questions...

There have been at least three versions of the Tokina:

- ATX-i Pro 100mm f/2.8 (2020-current)
- AT-X Pro 100mm f/2.8 (2008-2020)
- AT-X 100mm IF f/2.8 (prior to 2008)

And there have been ten versions of the Tamron:

- SP 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 USD #F017 (2019-current)
- SP 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 USD #F004 (2016)
- SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 #272E (2008)
- SP 90mm f/2.8 #72B (2006, manual focus)
- SP AF 90mm f/2.8 1:1 #172E (2003)
- SP AF 90mm f/2.8 1:1 #72E (1999)
- SP AF 90mm f/2.5 #152E (1996)
- SP 90mm f/2.5 #52BB (1996, manual focus)
- SP AF 90mm f/2.5 #52E (1992)
- SP 90mm f/2.5 #52B (1988, manual focus)