|
Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E - Review / Test Report |
|
Lens Reviews -
Sony Alpha/NEX (APS-C)
|
|
Page 1 of 3
Review by Klaus Schroiff, published January 2022
Introduction
The Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is a moderate, wide-angle prime lens for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. The paper specs may appear familiar to some of you. While differences may be present, the lens seems strongly related to the Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 which we reviewed last year. Cooperations in the industry are fairly normal and it's undoubtedly a win for both companies especially regarding Tokina's better-known branding and service network. The pricing remains reasonable at around $450USD or 370EUR.
The build quality is pretty high so the lens remains true to the Tokina tradition in this respect. It doesn't feature weather-sealing but most of the lens body is made of metal, including the large focus ring. It also features a dedicated, step-less aperture ring. This may not be ideal for photography purposes but it's preferred by video producers at least. You can, of course, also control the aperture via the camera when setting the aperture ring to A-mode. The length of the lens remains constant throughout the focus range. A deep, petal-shaped lens hood - made of metal - is provided.
The Tokina lens uses a stepping motor for auto-focusing. It's moderately fast and noiseless. Manual focusing works, as usual, by wire and is about as good as on modern Sony lenses. EXIF data is provided so camera-side image stabilization is possible (if applicable). On the downside, there is no built-in correction profile thus you have to rely on the raw optical capabilities of the lens in JPEG mode. Updates to the lens' firmware are also possible using a USB port on the lens mount.
| Specifications |
|---|
| Equivalent focal length (full-format) | "35mm" |
| Equivalent aperture (depth-of-field, full-format) | "f/2.1" |
| Optical construction | 11 elements in 10 groups inc. 2xED elements |
| Number of aperture blades | 9 |
| min. focus distance | 0.3m (max. magnification 1:10) |
| Dimensions | 65×72mm |
| Weight | 276g |
| Filter size | 52mm |
| Hood | petal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied) |
| Other features | Micro-USB connector for firmware updates |
| Mounts | Fujifilm X, Sony E |
|
