--Good handling --Good optics from f4 down, sorry but I haven't done enough at f2.6/f2.8 to give a conclusive result (previous Tokina 28-70 2.8 from the early 90s was not very good wide open) --Mechanical quality appears decent for price --Lens hood design protects well against flare where it is most vulnerable (i.e. 70mm) -- it effectively works as a zoom hood because of the front element retracting inside the barrel as you move to the telephoto end. The Nikkor 35-70 2.8, equally prone to flare at the 70mm end, has no such thing to help with the problem. --Wonderful rendering of fireworks shots, which I was impressed by -- no ghosting.

--Watch out for sample variation; test before your money back period is up. --First sample was truly appalling except at the 70mm end; poor central sharpness and no edges at all. I gave up in despair, put the lens away for many months, rueing having sold my Nikkor 35-70 2.8. I then looked at it more closely, noticed that when sharp in the corners at 28 it was not just soft but blurry in the center and when sharp in the center it was blurry in the corners, and realized that an element was probably in BACKWARDS. Sent it to Tokina. Can't remember whether they called me or I called them, but it was within a week, and they confirmed that indeed an element had been installed backwards. Rather than even try to repair it, they simply sent me a new lens that day with a new five year warranty.

A basically good mid-range zoom design. Watch out for sample variation; be sure to buy from a store you can return to, although Tokina seem to be fairly responsive themselves.

Customer Service

Tokina dealt with the backward element outrage professionally, courteously and promptly. No complaints here.

Similar Products Used:

--Nikkor 35-70. 2.8. This lens has a slight edge for sharpness over the Tokina but slightly weaker on flare due to the difficulty of protecting it with a lens hood at 70mm. If you favor working with m

Solid build, F2.8, sharp, delivers a pro product.

Switch between manual and autofoucus is a pain to operate.

I am a seroius photohtapher. Have done a review or two on this board some time ago. I do world travel (60 contries or so) and wildlife photography, but this lens is used for weddings. They pay for my trips and expensive equipment. I use EOS 3 with this lens and I get excellent results. How good? I also have Canon 28-70L (some kind of a stadndard) and I do not see difference in quality of pictures. Ehy two lenses? I must keep both, so one would serve as a back up in case of something unexpected. Canon is quiter and a little faster focusing, but costs three times as much and is not better made.

Customer Service

No need.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-70L

2.8 aperture build quality is excellent nice finish decent autofocus speed

Low contrast sharp only in middle of range at f8 heavy

I bought this lens as a cheaper alternative to the Nikon pro zooms in this category. It's cheaper for a reason. It's an all around fair to middlin' lens, but mediocre at either end. Best in the middle (50) in it's critical sharpness aperture range. Otherwise, low contrast and sharpness for a lens this big and heavy. A used 35-70 2.8 Nikkor would have been a better choice. This zoom made me go back to primes. Lackluster performance.

Customer Service

Fine. They actually respond when you send them an email. Seem like nice people. Perhaps the new version of this lens is better. I like my 80-200 Tokina, but I sold this one.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 35-70 2.8, variety of consumer zooms, Zeiss rangefinder lenses, Nikon and Canon primes

Very sharp lens at all settings with little distortion. Solidly built.

Quality control.

A good lens, if you can find one without manufacturing defects! This is an example of where you should inspect before you buy. I looked over and rejected four of them at Samy''s in L.A. before I found one that didn''t have paint chips, haze on the inner surface of the rear element, or scratches on the outer surface of front and rear elements. After I purchased the lens, I called Tokina''s importer, THK Photo, relaying my experience to them and (politely) suggesting that they look into this apparent quality control problem. Their reply was (and I quote) "Well sir, if you have such high standards may I suggest that you look into a Nikon brand lens instead." While I was standing there shocked he hung up on me. That about says it all IMO.

Customer Service

Nonexistent, see above

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-70/2.8L
Nikon 35-70/2.8

I liked the feel of the lens, except for the M/A focus switching.

When I would put the lens on the wide 28mm setting, it would not communicate with the F5. I had the same problem on my N90s. I sent the lens back for an exchange on a Nikon 35~70 2.8 and have been pretty happy. I am not a fan of the push/pull zoom, but the lens is sharp and works with the camera.

I really wanted this lens to work. I have read so many other good reviews of this lens, I can't help but think I got a bad one. Still I didn't want to goof around with it and went for the Nikon. Wish I could have afforded the Nikon 28~70 AFS lens, but it is just too much money.

Customer Service

I didn't even try the customer service. I sent it back to B&H for an exchange

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 35~70 2.8 D
Nikon 80~200 2.8 IF D
Several manual Nikon lenses

Solid construction, great finish on the pro II, great optics, great feel to manual focus.
5 year warranty.

a lttile soft in the corners at f.28

I have used most of the consumer grade Canon lens in this range and the Tokina beats them badly. I'm sure it's not as good as the Canon 28-70mm f2.8 L glass but then it costs 1/3 as much. I have 3 Canon L lens and this lens produces images that right up there with the images they produce

Customer Service

Mine actually broke, the auto focus quit working and they fixed it and had it back in a week.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-70mm 3.4/4.5
Canon 28-105mm USM
Canon 35-135mm

Hi quality build. All metal construction. Silky smooth manual focus. Sharp optics edge to edge. Quick autofocus for a non-USM lens.

Visible barrell shaped distortion at the wide side of the zoom range.
Dual MF/AF switches for EOS (switch + focus ring pull/push). I found the colour balance a bit cold compared to Canon's original lenses, but that is a matter of taste, not quality.

Despite the flaws, I strongly recomend this lens.

Customer Service

I do not think that many will have to use customer service for this lens. I surely didn't.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 28-70/f2,8

Built Like a tank. Relatively flare-free,especially with included hood.
Silky mechanism.
Sharpness compares well to my fixed focal length Nikkor lenses.

Weighs Like a tank.
Initially awkward focus clutch.

This was a great choice in a general lense. It is relatively fast, has an incredidibly solid build, and is sharp as a tack. Minute distortions at the very most. I have found some flare at wider lengths with this lens opened up, but less so than with Nikon's 35-70 2.8D, and for about $200.00 less with what feels like faster autofocusing on my F100. Quite a bit heavier than the nikon, but that's the price one pays for quality; did I already mention that this lens is CHEAP compared to the shorter, slightly-slower Nikon? Thought so. This lens goes everywhere with me. Great deal.

Customer Service

Not needed, so far.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 35-70 2.8D

Very sharp lens, great color balance and contrast. Built very well.

Really I have nothing to complain about other than the weight, I'll take a heavier lens with this quality build level though.

I would buy this lens again in a heart beat. This is my favorite lens to use. Very happy with the build quality and performance. Tokina keep up the good work!

Customer Service

N/A So far not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 28-200 LD
Nikon 70-300 ED
Tamron 200-400 LD

This lens is very solid and well-built. The zoom mechanism is smooth and well-damped. I was very impressed with the weight and construction of the lens. It gives you a feel of quality before you even begin shooting. The images are sharp, and distortion is minimal.

So far, the only weakness I have found is the AF-MF switching mechanism, which takes some getting used to. Once you are used to it, it really isn't a problem. The lens hood is a little clumsy to attach, but it does its job well. The AF motor is a little noisy.

When I went looking for an addition to the 50mm f/1.7 Minolta lens I have, I looked at Tokina, Minolta, Tamron, and Sigma. I did a lot of research and study, and decided to go with the Tokina. I can honestly say I am not disappointed! The slides and photos I've shot so far are very sharp and the color is good. The AF speed is good, and the zoom works well. All in all, this lens was money well-spent.

Customer Service

I haven't had any reason to contact Tokina's customer service department.

Similar Products Used:

none