Whether you’ve recently decided to dabble in photography, or you call yourself a pro, then this post is for you. The photographers are our eyes to the world. They tell us the story through their photos and inspire us in the most unusual ways. If the beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, then the photographer is the person on Earth. Is there a more beautiful way to capture a moment that’s already fleeting?
Macro photography has been on the market for quite some time. What started as a scientific pursuit in the past became a fun way to capture life-size subjects. If macro photography is your go-to choice, then choosing the right macro lens is a must. After all, taking a picture of an object that is the same size as your camera sensor poses a challenge. Regardless, of you being a beginner, or not, choosing the right camera and lens should be your top priority. The Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 Pro D Macro Lens is the ideal lens equipment if you’re shooting with a Canon 80D.
Due to its mid-range macro lenses, expect a longer working distance. It’s no wonder why so many people have opted for this product when capturing small subjects. In this review, you will learn more about the Tokina Macro Lens features and why it’s so popular in the photography community. Don’t aim for a shot in the dark. Prepare yourself with the kind of knowledge that will help you make the right buy.
Performance And Functionality
Tokina isn’t new to avid photography lovers. The company behind the product has over 70 years of experience in manufacturing photography-related products. Almost every photography enthusiast has heard of the brand before. And this product, in particular, speaks volumes about its worldwide popularity and demand. Learn more about the model’s performance and functionality in the next section.
If you’re looking for a reasonable price and a very detailed optical performance, then you won’t go wrong with this lens. What this model offers is a 1:1 macro magnification ratio, meaning the subject is at “life-size” magnification without loss or noise.
The name of the product explains that the macro lens is part of the Advanced Technology (AT) and has an outstanding AF-MF focus (PRO). The distance (D) marks the space between the camera and the subject. The focal length is 100mm. While, throughout the zoom range, the lens will allow an aperture of f/2.8.
Focus Distances
Since it has mid-range macro lenses, 100mm, the smallest focus distance is 30cm. The working distance allows you not to scar the subject or block the light. When shooting small subjects, such as insects, having some working distance is important so this makes an excellent lens for insect photography.
Modes And Sensors
This product has different models, made for either a Canon or Nikon mount. The Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 Pro D Macro Lens works great with both FX and DX camera bodies. Another benefit of using it for your macro photographs is that it complements the newest CMOS and CCD sensors. When it comes to the background and foreground, expect a soft bokeh. Even the blurred spots have shape and the photo remains quiet. Due to the fast f/2.8 aperture and 9-bladed diaphragm, you can capture models both indoors and outdoors.
The distortion is not present, which is regular in photos captured with macro lenses. Due to the solid design of the lens, there’s no lateral chromatic aberration. You can’t spot the colored edges at sharp contrast transitions in the corners, even on the raw files. The image is true to life.
The Tokina 100mm f/2.8 for Canon 80D includes auto-focus functionality. The front element of the product doesn’t turn when you engage the AF function. Thus, allowing the 55mm polarizing filters to be usable. With the macro lens, you don’t have to worry about a badly-focused and blurry image. You know the struggle of a ruined photograph that can’t be repaired even in post-production. In short, better focus means a better image.
Optical Design
Another thing that you can expect from the product is its great optical design. Rendering quality and diminishing the curvature of the field is integral. Keeping a high resolution of the whole image and eliminating the distortion are some of the perks of the macro lens’ performance. The product shows an excellent resolution from f/2.8 to f/11, not just in the center of the photo, but on the borders as well. This is an outstanding performance, one that you can expect from the most macro lenses on the market.
What is important to mention is the optical performance of this lens. Although for the most part used by macro-photographers, portrait enthusiasts would benefit from this model as well – in fact, this macro lens is a perfect fit for portrait photography. Full-frame cameras, such as Canon 80D, capture excellent photos using it. There’s no field curvature, and the blur is quiet. Taking photos of smaller insects, such as butterflies, from a greater distance, won’t lose detail either.
Lacks Image Stabilization
One drawback is that the model doesn’t come with image stabilization. The image stabilization allows you to capture fast-moving subjects at slower shutter speeds. Although in practice we know this isn’t always true. The image stabilization functionality only lets you take sharp images of static subjects at slower shutter speeds. If you don’t need IS, or if you’re using mid-range macro lenses, there’s no need to pay more for something you don’t need.
Many people consider the Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 Pro D to be the best macro lens at this price range. The many positive reviews they leave is a testament to the quality of the product. Clear photos, optical design, and an affordable price are some of the things that make this product so popular.
User Interface And Control System
The fact that the miniature world is endless, and there are captivating opportunities right around the corner comes with a challenge. The challenge is having a good macro lens model that can capture even the tiniest subject. The niche of taking macro photos is an art form itself. To be part of the miniature world, a camera with a quality user interface and control system should on top of your priorities.
No one will be camera shy when they see your photos using this macro lens model. Switching from AF to MF with the One-Touch clutch is easy. To disengage the AF, you need to slide the focus ring back towards the lens mount. You may need to turn the ring slightly to align the gears in the right way. The collar will slide back or forward once you align the gears.
The interface is fairly easy to use even if you’re wearing gloves. The motor that turns the AF can be a little noisy and not too fast. However, it’s good to control when you shoot in a general-purpose mode. Taking photos for your macro work is also effective. You need to have steady hands when you want to focus on a distance. Many macro photographers prefer to shoot with manual focus. Going back to AF or MF is effortless. The wide ring focus turns easily when the lens is in manual focus. Thus, allowing accurate manual adjustment. For best sharp results, place the camera on a tripod and use live view on the rear screen. The front elements don’t rotate when the lens focuses on “subjects that are nearer”.
When capturing subjects at full extension, compared to the front of the lens, the inner banner projects far. Have this in mind when trying to take photos of insects that might go away. On the other hand, the inner lens barrel remains pulled in, when focusing on distant subjects. It’s advisable to retract the inner lens barrel when traveling or on the move.
The distance of 30mm of the front lens element inside the inner barrel allows good protection. There’s no need of placing a filter onto the lens, as it’s protected. The front filter element ring is 55mm in diameter. You will receive a barrel-shaped hood when purchasing the lens. The hood is very steady and attaches easily to the model.
Quick Specifications
- Prime lens
- A focal length of 100mm
- 9 diaphragm blades
- F/2.8 maximum aperture
- F/32 minimum aperture
- Canon EF lens mount
- Optics: 9 elements, 8 groups
- Minimum focus of 30cm
- AF/MF mode
Just like any other great product, this one also comes with some downsides. Before turning the auto-focus mode, you might notice it is somewhat noisy. In low light, expect a harder time grabbing focus. When low light circumstances occur, consider switching it to manual focus.
Build Quality And Design
The perfect shot depends on the quality and design of the product. Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 Pro D Macro Lens provides a compact lens design. Producing macro lenses has been on Tokina’s agenda for some time. Tokina together with Pentax developed this model and came up with the design. Creativity and long-term success in the photography industry go hand in hand.
Metal Lens Mount
Building quality and sustainability have been of great importance for this brand, and this macro lens model didn’t disappoint its customers. The lens mount is made of metal and is ideal for your Canon 80D.
The load-bearing interior parts and the high-impact exterior plastic to create the perfect lens balance. The lens offers mechanical stability and long-term durability, even after years of use. The exterior part is resistant to minor bumps and scratches. To avoid excessive AF hunting, the focus-range limiter switch on the side allows locking the lens focus into or out of the macro focusing range.
Easy Grip
When you want to put the lens on the camera body, there’s a helping rubber ring that goes around them. That makes gripping the lens easy, and the time to put it on and off is reduced.
You will notice a focus distance scale on the top of the lens barrel. Once you decide which focus to use, switch the Tokina’s One-Touch clutch mechanism. The focus ring rests at the front end of the lens, helping to adjust the focus, moving it forward or backward. The focus arc moves to almost 180 degrees. The cap is there to shield the front element. All the plastic parts of the lens are of high quality, without any sharp or rough edges. What you can notice when focusing from infinity to close up, is that the lens tends to become larger. Auto-focus can be slower compared to modern lenses.
The lens barrel consists of 9 optical elements and 8 groups. As previously mentioned, this model doesn’t offer IS. Should you use a tripod, then no IS is necessary. If you hold the camera, then consider the IS a plus, but not an absolute must.
Physical Specifications
- Length: 95mm
- Weight: 540g
- Diameter: 73mm
- Color: Black
- Filter Thread: 55mm
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing the perfect lens for your Canon 80D camera isn’t easy. You need to consider several things before purchasing. If you’re more comfortable capturing macro moments, then go with Tokina at-X 100mm f/2.8 PRO D Macro Lens.
Sharp images, soft blur, high-resolution, and great focus are some of the benefits of this product. If you’re more passionate about macro photography, then this model offers to capture even the tiniest details of the subject. The affordable price is just one of the reasons why so many photographers choose this lens. After all, the price-quality ratio is definitely on Tokina’s side.
The many positive reviews by verified buyers speaks volumes not just about the lens, but the brand as well. With almost 20 years since it first appeared on the market, new customers still opt to purchase the Tokina at-X 100mm f/2.8 PRO D Macro Lens for their Canon 80D. Average photographers dwell on the camera model. Experienced ones know that image quality depends on excellent lenses. Are you ready to get yours?
