- Quality
- Build quality
- Ease of use
- Value for money
Been using the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro lens since 2.5 years. It is the most used lens in my collection.
in my view below are the Pros and Cons;
Pros:
1. Tack Sharp right from f2.8
2. Built like a tank - full metal - will last long
3. Very affordable - almost 1/3rd of Nikkor's macro and at par with image quality
4. Like the push-pull for AF/MF ( An interesting fact is, before i purchased this lens i was bit skeptical about the push-pull mechanism for AF/MF selection, I was thinking a switch on the lens would be ideal but now after using this for few years i know how practical it is to switch from MF/AF without even taking your hands of the focus ring. For my Sigma 180, its even worse I have to switch to AF/MF from the camera body and it takes a split second of your time)
Cons: (Not really but good to have)
1. VR/IS/VC - whatever you call !! - not a deal breaker for me but good to have feature and comes in handy at times
2. Extending Barrel during focus - at times, you end up "literally" touching the subject with front element
3. No inbuilt focus motor/Screw drive lns - May be focusing speed could have improved with this option but i am ok since i have a body with motor
4. No weather/dust proofing - I consider this as an important feature since all of my macro shoots are in the field with foggy/dusty environment..
Overall happy with the lens.. can't complain for the price i paid (New lens costed me USD 350, 2.5 years ago)
in my view below are the Pros and Cons;
Pros:
1. Tack Sharp right from f2.8
2. Built like a tank - full metal - will last long
3. Very affordable - almost 1/3rd of Nikkor's macro and at par with image quality
4. Like the push-pull for AF/MF ( An interesting fact is, before i purchased this lens i was bit skeptical about the push-pull mechanism for AF/MF selection, I was thinking a switch on the lens would be ideal but now after using this for few years i know how practical it is to switch from MF/AF without even taking your hands of the focus ring. For my Sigma 180, its even worse I have to switch to AF/MF from the camera body and it takes a split second of your time)
Cons: (Not really but good to have)
1. VR/IS/VC - whatever you call !! - not a deal breaker for me but good to have feature and comes in handy at times
2. Extending Barrel during focus - at times, you end up "literally" touching the subject with front element
3. No inbuilt focus motor/Screw drive lns - May be focusing speed could have improved with this option but i am ok since i have a body with motor
4. No weather/dust proofing - I consider this as an important feature since all of my macro shoots are in the field with foggy/dusty environment..
Overall happy with the lens.. can't complain for the price i paid (New lens costed me USD 350, 2.5 years ago)