Lens Reviews - Tokina AT-X840 AF D (80-400mm f4.5)

Overview

80mm

400mm

In 1996 Tokina created a new class of telephoto lens when it introduced the original AT-X 840 AF. This was the smallest zoom lens available that had a bright f/5.6 aperture at 400mm. Now Tokina has recreated the lens for the digital age.

Still the smallest SLR lens available that zooms to 400mm, the AT-X 840 AF D has a smooth and quick Internal Focusing system that means the all-metal inner barrel that houses the heaviest glass elements does not have to rotate when the lens focuses, making it much faster than the previous models.

Optically, the AT-X840 AF D has new multi-coatings applied to the elements that are formulated to compensate of the highly reflective CCD and CMOS sensors in today’s Digital SLR cameras. The new multi-Coating greatly reduces the chance of internal flare or ghost reflections.

A built-in low-profile tripod collar makes for a well-balanced camera/lens combination when using a tripod or monopod. For best results, Tokina always recommends using a tripod or monopod with telephoto lenses.

Another feature that makes the AT-X 840 AF D an excellent traveling companion is the zoom lock switch. The zoom can be locked at 80mm to so there is not chance of “zoom creep” when the camera and lens are being carried over the shoulder.

Tokina kept ease of use in mind with the new AT-X 840 AF D, the new BH-725 lens hood with the a PL Assist spring loaded thumb wheel allows a circular polarizer or special effects filter to be rotated while the lens hood is in place. No more removing the hood to change the position of the filter.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications

Lens Type: Zoom
IS / VR / OS: None
Min Focal length (mm): 80
Max Focal Length (mm): 400
Number of Elements: 16
Element Groups: 10
Max Aperture: 4.5
Minimum Aperture: 32
Diaphragm Blades: 8
Closest Focus Distance (m): 2.5
Maximum Magnification: 1.5
Filter Type: Screw In
Filter Diameter (mm): 72
Diameter at widest (mm): 79
Lens Length (mm): 136
Weight (g): 1020

Details

Mount availability:	Canon EOS, Nikon-D,

Focal length:	80 to 400mm

Maximum aperture:	f/4.5-5.6

Minimum aperture:	f/32

Optical construction:	16 elements in 10 groups

SD glass:	One elements

Coatings:	Multi-layer

Angle of view:	29° 50’ to 6°13’

Minimum focus distance:	2.5m (8.2 ft.)

Reproduction ratio:	1: 5.4

Zooming system:	Rotary type

Number of diaphragm blades:	8

Filter size:	72mm

Maximum outer diameter:	77.2mm (3.0in.)

Dimensions:	3.1 in. (79mm) X 136.5 mm (5.4in.)

Weight:	1020 g (35.9 oz..)

Lens Hood	BH-725

Availability:	June, 2006

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User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 5 user(s)


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		3.8
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		4.2

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

Thought it was a bad copy, but turned out to be th, Thursday, 06 May 2010


Overall rating (weighted)		4.0
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		3.0
Value for Money		5.0

When I first picked up this lens in April of 2010, I fired off a few test shots at all focal ranges and was very pleased (attatched to Nikon D90). HOWEVER, last weekend I took a day trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, took roughly 600 photos....only to find that everything from 270mm to 400mm was soft to the point of being out of focus. At first I thought I had a bad copy of the lens, but then it dawned on me; I used a new circular polerizer that day! I took two test shots at 400mm(mounted on a tripod and using a cable release). The one with the cheap CPL was completely soft, the one with the Hoya UV(0) filter was cristal clear and tack sharp. I had the same results hendheld.
The morale of the story is...don't skimp on a cheap CPL! This lens is very sharp at all focal lengths.

Why should you care what I think?

My relationship with this item: I own it
Where did you buy this item?: Samy's Camera
Price paid: 499
When did you buy this item?: April 2010

Conclusions at a glance

Would you recommend this Item: Yes
Pros: Solid build - no need for tripd in daylight (with body that has good high ISO quality)
Cons: Lens hood is solid, but feels like it may easily disengage from the bayonets.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

80mm-400m Tokina zoom f/4.5-5.6, Wednesday, 10 February 2010


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I am a devoted Tokina customer! I have had negative experiences with Tameron and stay away from them. I am a sports photographer and having a lens that is well built and has quick performance is utmost for my profession. Tokina are excellent lens and most of the lens I own are Tokina. I only wish they would make this lens with an f/2.8 aperture! I am well pleased with the pictures as long as I don't have to shoot in low light. I bought this lens for an Alaska trip and have low light lens that I can use if I have to shoot in those conditions. For the most part, this lens should do an outstanding job in the conditions I will be photographing. You definitely need to use a monopod or tripod for the long distance shooting for best results. I would recommend this lens for anyone that isn't shooting in low light conditions.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Eh, don't expect too much., Saturday, 30 January 2010


Overall rating (weighted)		1.5
Sharpness		1.0
Build Quality		2.0
AF Speed		2.0
Value for Money		1.0

I had this lens for about two weeks and tried very hard to like it but just didn't. I have the Tokina 11-16, which I really like, so I decided to give this a try. Admittedly, cost was a big factor since the Canon 100-400 was a long way off in terms of finances.

The big issue for me was softness and CA's. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get very sharp photos. I have a Canon 70-200 f/4L non-is, and I could consistently get better cropped photos at 200mm that were better than any from the Tokina. I did a lot of testing at different apertures and just could not find a real sweet spot. Even at f/4, the Canon 70-200 was better than the Tokina at f/8 and at any focal length.

One other issue I found with the lens was that it is a front focusing lens. This would cause the image to loose more sharpness because the end of the lens would droop causing part of the image to go out of focus.

It is very possible that I got a bad copy. My biggest gripes:

-Front focusing;
-CA's and purple fringing pretty bad, if you are shooting water fowl, look elsewhere;
-Heavy for size;
-Images not very sharp
-I don't recall the term, but if you are shooting towards the sun, the flaring is HORRIBLE!

Tokina makes a solid feeling lens and the lens is very compact and could make a good travel telephoto.

My suggestion is to look at other telephotos.

One compact beauty with strong IQ., Saturday, 21 November 2009


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I've owned this lens for about 6 months now and continue to be amazed at the image quality from this super compact beauty. In fact I owned the Canon 100-400L at the same time so have a great basis of comparison. AF speed is the same for both. The IS on the Canon was nice, but at this focal length I generally use my monopod or other support aid and the IS didn't produce better images at 400mm. I have counted hairs on my Golden Retreiver's tail and thread stitches in an American flag with great color saturation handheld at 400mm with this lens. I shoot my kids outdoor sports and have since sold the Canon as the images from this lens are at least equal and the lens is much more compact and travels so nicely. I have a lot of L glass and this is my only Tokina. Build quality is superb.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

Compact , Quality, Well Priced Lens, Thursday, 05 April 2007


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I bought this lens after trying a tameron 100-500 and returning it to the store I bought it at. I exchanged the Tameron for the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 AT-X 840D, a hoodman loupe, a 72mm uv filter, and a tamerac adventure9 camera bag. That was the difference in price. I am happy to say am very happy with this lens. Its build quality is rock solid, and the size is very convenient to carry around. I have been testing it for a few days and am very happy with the pictures I have been getting. The auto focus in good light is very good in very low light it tends to hunt a Bit, but that's alright with me I didn't buy it for low light photography. At 400mm and no image stabilizing function you definitely need to use a tripod mono-pod or a been bag to keep it steady. I would recommend this lens.