Tokina 50-135mm or Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8?

[JeffryZ]

Not a lot of reviews on these two lenses. I am looking for fast medium range zoom for my Nikon D80 to replace the kit 18- 135mm f/3.5-5.6 and both of these seem interesting and possible fairly similar. I have a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 and like that better than my Sigma 10-20mm on the wide end so that has me leaning slightly toward Tokina on the larger lens also. Anybody got any experience with either of those lenses? Thank you in advance for any suggestions. Nikon does not have anything in this range but even if they did it would surely be quite a bit more expensive.

[DAJordan]

Nikon 80-200 F2.8?

[JeffryZ]

Size and weight are a consideration for me- I travel by bicycle. The biggest lens I presently own is the 70- 300mm VR. These lenses would be a DX equivelent of the 80-200mm f/2.8 on an FX camera. They also cost about 40% less in the US.

[cteckwee]

According to the reviews I read, Sigma 50-150mm is sharper and it has the advantage of extra 15mm at the tele end. However the built quality of Tokina is better.

[TheChef]

Some sample shots using 50-135mm.

[JeffryZ]

Thanks Chief. I have seen good picture quality from both lenses which makes the decision a bit difficult. A review I read somewhere said the Sigma was a bit softer at the long end (normal on many zooms) and the Tokina a bit more CA. Sigma has its own focus motor too I believe.

[batavia]

I bought my tokina 50-135mm in Alan photo Funan for $700+GST.......a great deal.....I think sigma 50-150mm is more expensive

[JeffryZ]

I went with the Tokina and got a good price in the US at BH Photo. It just came the othere day so I have not had much chance to get out with it yet other than just playing around the house. It would be nice if you could take off the tripod collar but it is not that big of a deal. What is big is the lens hood- it is pretty long compared to the length of the lens without it. Sharpness seems excellent but I have not downloaded any of the pic to my computer yet- just used the in camera review.

[TheChef]

Originally Posted by batavia I bought my tokina 50-135mm in Alan photo Funan for $700+GST.......a great deal.....I think sigma 50-150mm is more expensive

Congrats Batavia. I think other reputable shops are selling at around S$880. AP are becoming more competitive on its pricing and service nowadays.

Originally Posted by JeffryZ I went with the Tokina and got a good price in the US at BH Photo. It just came the othere day so I have not had much chance to get out with it yet other than just playing around the house. It would be nice if you could take off the tripod collar but it is not that big of a deal. What is big is the lens hood- it is pretty long compared to the length of the lens without it. Sharpness seems excellent but I have not downloaded any of the pic to my computer yet- just used the in camera review.

Congrats Jeffry on your purchase. Let's enjoy the well-made lens! Cheers.

[guitarboutique]

Hello Batavia,

is your camera a canon mount? I just checked with Alan photo but they said it's out of stock for canon mount... $700 seem a very good deal!!!

[JeffryZ]

Between being short handed at work and the weather, I have had little opportunity go get out with the 50- 135 but finaly did. A couple impressions. A little slow on autofocus with moving subjects. The length is about the same as my Nikon 70- 300mm VR when not extended (the Tokina does not change its overall length during zooming which I found interesting). It is heavier and definately solidly built. I am very impressed with its sharpness so far.

A couple of my favorite shots with it so far (these have been processed and shapened).
The Swimmer- just finished this one. I added a graduated filter in processing to make the horizon go more black. I really like this shot- it was the only one I got of the person before they dived into the water. It is in La Jolla Califorina.


Duckling- 135mm at f/5.6. The little guy is maybe a two or three inches high- must not be more than a couple days old.


Polar Bears- 125mm f/5.6


Tortise Close- Up- this one is unedited and only resized. 135mm f/2.8

[GELworkz]

nice shots u'd got here JeffryZ!

i read somewhere that tokina PQ is a bit soft on the extreme end wide open (i.e 135mm, f/2.8), as compared to the sigma.
what's your take on this? any comments?

please dun get me wrong, as i m thinking of getting this Tokina baby (i knw i m a bit biased as i already have their 80-200 ).
so just wanna hear more from experts like u

[JeffryZ]

I did not get a chance to compare the two lenses myself. The reviews were pretty close on the two and since I was extremely happy with my Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 that helped sway me towards the Tokina. Some may be attracted to the longer zoom on the Sigma but I was wondering if a zoom with a longer range would have as good of an image quality. Another plus for the Sigma is that it has (I think) an HSM motor while the Tokina does not. But on my Nikon D80 that is not an issue. I think somebody would be happy with either one. Now I need something in between the wide and moderate telephoto. I am back to confused on choices for that lens (and I need to save up more money again too!). Sorry this does not really answer your question.

The last shot here (the tortise) is at 135mm and f/2.8 and is unedited other than resizing. Seems sharp enough to me. How would I improve this lens? First let the tripod collar be removable and second maybe add VR.

[lovesg]

Originally Posted by JeffryZ I did not get a chance to compare the two lenses myself. The reviews were pretty close on the two and since I was extremely happy with my Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 that helped sway me towards the Tokina. Some may be attracted to the longer zoom on the Sigma but I was wondering if a zoom with a longer range would have as good of an image quality. Another plus for the Sigma is that it has (I think) an HSM motor while the Tokina does not. But on my Nikon D80 that is not an issue. I think somebody would be happy with either one. Now I need something in between the wide and moderate telephoto. I am back to confused on choices for that lens (and I need to save up more money again too!). Sorry this does not really answer your question. The last shot here (the tortise) is at 135mm and f/2.8 and is unedited other than resizing. Seems sharp enough to me. How would I improve this lens? First let the tripod collar be removable and second maybe add VR.

Hi all, I am using a Canon 40D body with a EF 28-135mm and I have read the reviews on photozone.de and found out that Tokina 50-135mm is really sharp. You see, the images produce by my 40D body is softer even when I shot my photos at my lens *sweet* spot.

I am intending to get this Tokina, but have any of the Clubsnap people here tested it with 40D? (Another alternative is 24-105mm IS L lens, but that is way out of my budget for 2009/2010). I will really appreciate any form of photos attachment at large size.

Thank you

[keeneyes]

I've checked about 2 weeks ago.. lots of shops are no longer keeping stock of this lens (canon mount). and the distributor - cathay, is no longer ordering this lens due to its lack of demand. called ms and they said they can order, price - $880 i think. its true AP was selling it real cheap at around $700 when they were clearing their stocks. a pity, its no longer easily available here

[JPLim]

Quite interested for the Tokina 50-135mm F/2.8 also.
However, there are some reviews stating that the AF suffers in low light condition.
Anyone has encountered slow AF in low light condition?

[JeffryZ]

The Sigma sounds pretty similar to the Tokina as far as image quality in most of the reviews I looked at- I would consider that one too if the Tokina is not available. Not from experience but low light can mean lower contrast which is harder for any camera to autofocus on. The manual focus is easy to switch to- you just pull the focus ring towards the camera and you are in control. A faster lens should let more light in which will help autofocus.

[Shen siung]

Seems like both lenses are good alternative to the 70-200 F2.8 of both N and C.

[Jcas1]

I have had the Tokina 50-135 for a few days now and i love it, i have never owned a Tokina lens before and i am blown away by the build, and the few pics i have managed to take so far , the IQ is great.

[JPLim]

Originally Posted by Jcas1 I have had the Tokina 50-135 for a few days now and i love it, i have never owned a Tokina lens before and i am blown away by the build, and the few pics i have managed to take so far , the IQ is great.

where did u get that from?
Do u mind to share how much did u get it for?
I would like to purchase one also for wedding shot.
Thanks first