I’m blaming too many mince pies (non-UK readers click here for a translation) and Quality Street (likewise) over the holiday period- we’re a bit late with the news that Tokina have announced a new ultrawide zoom that looks like it could become a staple of kit bags for anyone shooting on S35 cameras.
Tokina’s 14-20mm f2 lens will be available in Nikon and Canon-mount versions, focus is handled internally (no sucking dust into the mechanism) and it’s threaded for 82mm filters. It also offers a clutch-style manual focus override – there’s no switch to swap between AF and MF modes, you just click the focus ring into place as you would on a Sony EX-1.
And of course that maximum aperture of f2.0 will make shooting in low light easier regardless of what camera you’re using.
Tokina now have a slightly bewildering array of ultrawide lens options, from the original, very popular 11-16mm f2.8 through to the Mk II of that lens and more recently the 11-20mm that increased the zoom range. For good measure there are also 16-28mm and 17-35mm options in the Tokina lineup.
Of course you probably wouldn’t need more than one of the above, but if you teamed the new 14-20mm with a Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 you’ve got a two-lens kit that covers your low light, wideangle needs for S35 shooting.
Pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but judging by its predecessors we’d expect it to be reasonably affordable.
Tokina’s press release:
Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the new AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX.
Characteristics
The fast F2.0 Zoom lens of Tokina
Since the maximum aperture of F2.0 is given this lens, it’s possible to support the low sensitivity photography used ISO64 and ISO100 setting. The maximum aperture of F2.0 shows its power for the photography using the blur feeling and photography with the low brightness (In the room, In the night).
Adopt highly precise Plastic Aspherical lens
The 2nd lens group in this lens is adopted the plastic aspherical lens which improved surface accuracy, and is given antireflection coat. This lens is designed tough against ghost flare.
Arrange highly precise Glass molded Aspherical lens
2 pieces of super low dispersion glass molded aspherical lens is located in the back goup of the lens, and various aberration are corrected by these lenses.
Compact Body and Excellent Operability
Tokina’s exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to
switch between AF/MF simply by sliding the focus ring, forward side for AF and back toward the camera for MF. This lens is designed as the fast aperture F2.0 in all focal range, but it is a compact body. This lens has a thread in the front frame, so it’s possible to attach filters of 82mm size.
The new Tokina AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for the DX(APS-C) size, and has the maximum aperture of F2.0.
In low brightness situation, use it demonstrates its preeminent power.
Specifications
Focus distance: 14 – 20 mm
Brightness: F2.0 Canon
Format : APS-C
Minimum aperture: F22
Lens configuration: 13 elements in 11 group
Coating: Multilayer film coating
Angle of view: 91.68° ~ 71.78°
Filter size: 82mm
Shortest Object Distance: 0.28m
Macro maximum magnification: 1:8.36
Focus method: Internal focus
Number of Aperture blades: 9
Maximum diameter: 89.0 mm
Full length: 106.0 mm
Weight: 725 g
Hood (Attached) : BH-823
Above mentioned specifications are for a Nikon mount.
