Tokina AT-X AF 24-200mm Interchangeable Lens Review

The 28-200mm zoom is one of the most popular lenses sold and every independent lens maker produces a version. But this focal length range can leave the landscape photographer wanting, as 28mm isn't always wide enough to get everything in view. Similarly there are times that you can't step back far enough when shooting indoors and when taking buildings you may end up cropping off the church spire. This zoom from the prestigious AT-X range offers a solution with its wider 24mm focal length.
For anyone who's used a 24mm you'll be aware of how useful that extra 4mm is. It's also starting to fall into the creative category where you can shoot from low down to gain towering perspective at 'arty' angles.

Despite having such a wide ranging zoom the lens isn't long, extending just 92mm from the mount to the filter rim and even when fully extended it's just 143mm.
It has a chunky body with a 72mm filter thread and it adds an extra 690grams to the camera weight. Not a light thing to carry around but certainly versatile.

The markings around the lens are fairly sparce. There's a scale showing focal lengths of 24, 35, 50, 70, 105 and 200, plus a focusing scale in feet and meters. There's no depth of field scale or infrared mark.

It comes with a blue drawstring pouch that offers limited protection and won't take up much space in a gadget bag and a bayonet attaching lens hood.

Verdict
This is a really nice lens to use, it handles well, has a superb focal length range and delivers very good results. Shame about the close focus and the weight, but you can't have everything.
Test by Peter Bargh