Tokina has announced their new “Opera” 16-28mm f/2.8 full frame lenses for Nikon & Canon DSLRs. Sitting at a pretty low price point compared to the Nikon and Canon alternatives, the new lens is targeted towards landscape, architectural and astrophotography uses. Of course, with a lens this short of focal length and this wide of an aperture, there are many other potential uses for it, too.
Focal Length: 16-28mmMax aperture: f/2.8Min aperture: f/22Format: 35mm Full FrameMount: Nikon F & Canon EFAngle of view: 107.1° to 76.87°Minimum focus distance: 28cm (11.02″)Optics: 15 elements in 13 groupsDiaphragm blades: 9Autofocus: YesStabilisation: NoneDimensions: Nikon 89 x 133.5mm (3.50 x 5.26″) / Canon 89 x 136mm (3.50 x 5.35″)Weight: Nikon 940g (2.07lb) / Canon 950g (2.09lb)
The lens sits at an extremely attractive price point, a mere $699. And while this may still sound like a pricey lens, let’s take a look at the Nikon & Canon alternatives…
Nikon AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED – $1,951.95Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED – $1,696.95Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR – $1,096.95Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED – $746.95Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM – $1,999Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – $1,599Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM – $999Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM – $749
It’s even less than the Canon 17-40mm f/4L and the variable aperture Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5. Exactly how the new Tokina lens will compare to the OEM brands once it becomes available, however, remains to be seen. Although Tokina does seem to have stepped up their game compared to the Tokina of the past. So, we may be pleasantly surprised. The Tokina opera 16-28mm f/2.8 lens is available to pre-order now for $699 in Nikon F and Canon EF flavours. Shipping is expected to begin on March 15th. That’s the day before The Photography Show opens. We’ll have to see if we can get our hands on one to test it out in person.
