I would like to replace my Canon 28-105 3.5-4.5 consumer zoom with the above lens. I have used the 28-105 for the past 2 years and it's a good lens. However, I am looking for something that can give me sharper image. I personally like the 28-70L but couldn't afford the price tag. Does anyone have any experience with the above lens/camera combination? Is the Tokina any better than the 28-105 in terms of contrast and sharpness? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

-- Tom Nguyen (nguyentnt@yahoo.com), June 15, 1999

Answers

I owned th Tokina 28-70 2.6-2.8 ATX PRO with my A2 and 1N for about 3 years. The lens is one of the best off-brand lenses out there. The only thing that I found distasteful about it was the fact that it wouldn't function with the Elan II/IIE. Tokina doesn't pay for the updated chips from Canon every time a new body is released. They do retrofit updated chips in lens under warranty. This was the reason I traded it in on the first 28-70 2.8L I found used. I prefer to have fully functional lens without returning it to the manufacturer periodically.

-- Dave Mitchell (mitchell@effectnet.com), June 16, 1999.

Tom, the Tokina you're looking at is excellent both in terms of contrast and sharpness. The difference from the 28-105 is quite obvious and visible - I know because I went down the same route as you! Remember to get the Pro II version as this is the ONLY one that works well with the Elan IIe (EOS 50e). I've had this same body/lens combi for more than 6 months now and shot about 15 rolls (I'm no pro). So far I've had absolutely no problems with it at all. One thing to note, this lens is rather large (77mm filters) and won't work with the built-in flash - you'll get a shadow on the image. Other than that...go for it!!

-- Linus (linusjen@mbox3.singnet.com.sg), June 17, 1999.

"The difference from the 28-105 is quite obvious and visible". Sorry, I don't agree with it. I owned both of them in the past and I can't notice any differenc in term of sharpness, contrast and color reproduction, up to 12R, the Canon one may be even better. Actually, the 28-105 is excellent especially when you consider its price, size and weight. If Minolta has similar quality lens in line, I will go for the Dynax 9 at once.

-- Eric Ung (eung@hongkong.com), June 17, 1999.

Check out the Sigma 28-70/2.8. It's pretty good, and fast, and it selld for around 330$ or so.

-- A.B. (ab@fmonline.com), June 21, 1999.

Tom, I purchased the tokina 28-70 ATX Pro II a few months back and am thoroughly pleased with it in terms of sharpness and contrast.I'd be surprised, however, if you saw a significant sharpness increase over your 28-105 to warrent buying a new lens! The all metal construction and speed of the Tokina may be the better selling points.

Best Regards

-Ken Canning

-- Ken Canning (cann5@msn.com), July 01, 1999.