Which is better: Tokina 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 or Sigma 18-50 f/3.5-5.6

leadwe · 5th December 2004

Deciding between these two lenses. Price wise is quite similar (Tokina is $199 and Sigma is $165). I am thinking of using the lens mainly to cover events. The pros of each of these lenses:

Tokina:
Better build
Able to use for both DSLR and SLR (which I have but seldom use)

Sigma
Better range hence good for events.

From the reviews here, I believe both are reasonable good and sharp lenses (for their prices).

And comments would be greatly appreciated.

denniskee · 6th December 2004

Hi leadwe, why dont you just borrow the 2 lens from friends for a few days. If not, get them to join you for photo shoot.

Its you who will ultimatly who use it to cover assignments.

romeo · 6th December 2004

Just curious, these two prices are brand new right?

Where to get?

Think I've heard that the Tokina has some light fall-off at the edges.

Considering a cheaper 17mm or 18mm lens too...

sniperleow · 4th April 2005

Hi, i have the sigma lens.. its a pretty Good lens, sharp, fast AF, and a good range, the 50mm is suitable for protraits. Its a good lens which i'm gonna keep for a Looong time! and cheap too!

jlchong · 4th April 2005

I have the Tokina lens. The build is mostly metal, feels solid and gives confidence, yet at the same time, it's not too bulky. In terms of performance. It's sharp and the AF is accurate too.

In fact,about half a year ago, i read an article where it was rated the ''most value for money'' wide angle zoom lens when lined up with 9 other lenses of similar range. Of course, the editor's choice award went to the EF 17-40 L ( then again, what's new?).

Can't really remember the name of the mag though, think it was either digital photography or popular photography. Also, i can't recall if the above mentioned sigma lens was included in the comparison.

Hope this helps.

Jer76 · 4th April 2005

Just bought the Tokina 19-35 2 days ago from CP.. very solid metal body, the zoom mechanism is build in the lens so when u zoom the front does not move, surprisingly the AF is quiet. Pic quality oso quite sharp at F8. For that price no complains

for this lens.

NE clicks clicks · 23rd March 2007

Never tried any of this lenses, but I do have the older version of the Tokina 19-35mm, that is the Tokina 20-35mm since film days. I've to say its one tough fella that delivers sharp images and at a good price. So I believe of the given 2, I would plunge for the Tokina.

blackdrakes · 11th May 2008

Revive this thread for a question.
Is the tokina really and still at $199?

Reportage · 19th February 2009

the tokina would be a better buy even if the range is shorter since you can just go nearer and works better in poor light since f/3.5-4.5.

View Poll Results: Which lens is better?
Tokina 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5	19	73.08%
Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6	7	26.92%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

5th December 2004	#1
leadwe Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: East Posts: 918	Which is better: Tokina 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 or Sigma 18-50 f/3.5-5.6 Deciding between these two lenses. Price wise is quite similar (Tokina is $199 and Sigma is $165). I am thinking of using the lens mainly to cover events. The pros of each of these lenses: Tokina: Better build Able to use for both DSLR and SLR (which I have but seldom use) Sigma Better range hence good for events. From the reviews here, I believe both are reasonable good and sharp lenses (for their prices). And comments would be greatly appreciated.

6th December 2004	#2
denniskee Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: bukit batok Posts: 4,210	Hi leadwe, why dont you just borrow the 2 lens from friends for a few days. If not, get them to join you for photo shoot. Its you who will ultimatly who use it to cover assignments. __________________ photography makes one sees things from all angles.

23rd March 2007	#7
NE clicks clicks Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 492	Re: Which is better: Tokina 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 or Sigma 18-50 f/3.5-5.6 Never tried any of this lenses, but I do have the older version of the Tokina 19-35mm, that is the Tokina 20-35mm since film days. I've to say its one tough fella that delivers sharp images and at a good price. So I believe of the given 2, I would plunge for the Tokina.

11th May 2008	#8
blackdrakes Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 754	Re: Which is better: Tokina 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 or Sigma 18-50 f/3.5-5.6 Revive this thread for a question. Is the tokina really and still at $199? __________________ http://photobuok.wordpress.com/

6th December 2004	#3
romeo Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Lost Posts: 270	Just curious, these two prices are brand new right? Where to get? Think I've heard that the Tokina has some light fall-off at the edges. Considering a cheaper 17mm or 18mm lens too...

4th April 2005	#4
sniperleow Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 180	Hi, i have the sigma lens.. its a pretty Good lens, sharp, fast AF, and a good range, the 50mm is suitable for protraits. Its a good lens which i'm gonna keep for a Looong time! and cheap too!

4th April 2005	#5
jlchong Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Redhill Posts: 435	I have the Tokina lens. The build is mostly metal, feels solid and gives confidence, yet at the same time, it's not too bulky. In terms of performance. It's sharp and the AF is accurate too. In fact,about half a year ago, i read an article where it was rated the ''most value for money'' wide angle zoom lens when lined up with 9 other lenses of similar range. Of course, the editor's choice award went to the EF 17-40 L ( then again, what's new?). Can't really remember the name of the mag though, think it was either digital photography or popular photography. Also, i can't recall if the above mentioned sigma lens was included in the comparison. Hope this helps.

4th April 2005	#6
Jer76 Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: West Posts: 1,109	Just bought the Tokina 19-35 2 days ago from CP.. very solid metal body, the zoom mechanism is build in the lens so when u zoom the front does not move, surprisingly the AF is quiet. Pic quality oso quite sharp at F8. For that price no complains for this lens.

19th February 2009	#9
Reportage Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,359	Re: Which is better: Tokina 19-35 f/3.5-4.5 or Sigma 18-50 f/3.5-5.6 the tokina would be a better buy even if the range is shorter since you can just go nearer and works better in poor light since f/3.5-4.5. __________________ My Blog/Video/Photo Archive. Photography\|\|Videography\|\|Post services available with quotation.