On Sun, 13 Aug 2000, Jim <Jlaird@xxxxxxx> wrote:
<< Anyone familiar with the OM mount Sigma 70-210mm f/4-5.6 UC II zoom?
I'm looking for a zoom in that range and I'm wondering how it compares with
the OM 70-210 and others. >>
In a message dated 8/23/2000 8:17:54 PM, schloss@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
<< It doesn't. This is a 2-touch version of the Sigma 70-210mm f/4-5.6
UC (1-touch) zoom, which is surprisingly similar to the other two above
lenses, namely, the Tamron and Tokina.
All these ultra-compact telephoto zooms (and their 28-70mm complements)
appeared pretty much simultaneously (in late 80's), and are remarkably
similar though not identical. All these zooms have advanced glass (ED)
elements, which accounts for their fine optical performance when new.
Unfortunately, all these lenses were built to a target price, and a
very low one to boot, which explains their crappy/plastic construction,
and longevity which often measures in months, not years. >>
*************************************
Well, that's one man's opinion. I take it you've owned and used your own
versions of these lenses, Gary, so you speak from experience, not bias.
Or is there a lens graveyard somewhere that old lenses go to (like dying
elephants) where one might examine large quantities of these "crappy/
plastic" short-lived Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses in amounts sufficient
to make a rational analysis?
I don't have years of experience with the Tokinas, but the two Tokinas I
have certainly seem to be nice lenses. (The 70-210 SZX is like new and
the 28-70 SMZ was NIB.) They deliver sharp results, handle well, the zoom
operation is nice and smooth, and their construction seems solid to me.
IMHO they feel as sturdy as my Zuikos. They feel like metal, but I'm not
going to scratch a lens barrel to find out. If they're plastic, it's space
age
plastic. They *might* not hold up to years of pro usage, but they seem
quite adequate for my needs. If I wanted/needed a pro lens, I'd use their
pro line.
According to Monagha, Tokina made three levels of lenses: a consumer
line (EMZ, ELZ, ELF), an amateur line (SMZ, SZX, SZ, SL), and a pro line
(ATX). According to him, the Tokinas don't seem to have quite the pathetic
reputation you describe. On the contrary, they were praised for their
quality, construction and ruggedness.
<A HREF="http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/third/cult.html#tokina";>Cult Classics
in Third Party Lenses</A>
http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/third/cult.html#tokina
<< Tokina is the newest of the big three (Tamron, Sigma, Tokina) third party
lens makers. Tokina was a startup company formed by some former Nikon
engineers who decided to form their own lens making company.
They succeeded.
It helped that they picked the optimal time to start their own company, the
peak camera buying years in the mid-70s. Their entries helped make 1977 the pe
ak year for new 35mm lens introductions.
Some critics credit Tokina's current popularity to a lens design for a
super-sharp 28-70mm f/2.6-2.8 zoom designed originally by Angenieux. But
that's probably rather unfair, since the company was in its second decade by
the time this lens was produced. They must have been doing a lot right to
survive and prosper for so long!
Tokina currently enjoys a well-earned reputation for having one of the most
rugged mechanical lens mounts for its lenses. This factor is critically
important if you are looking for a lens mount that can stand up to
professional and serious amateur use.
I have to wonder if this emphasis on mechanical build quality wasn't
influenced by the perceived short-falls in mechanical quality in both of its
key competitors, Sigma and Tamron. See SIGnificant MAlfunctions page for more
graphic details. Tamron also had some mount related problems, chiefly with
the earlier adaptamatic mounts that lead up to today's adaptall and
adaptall-2 mounts. Naturally, high build quality for mounts and lenses was a
hallmark of Tokina's founding engineer's experience at Nikon.
Tokina adds an SD for super-low dispersion (meaning APO glass). If they
really want to impress us, they use HLD which stands for high-refractive, low
dispersion glasses. >>
Oh well, one man's opinion is another man's opportunity to challenge with
another opinion. Opinions are like noses, you know. Everyone has one. <g>
Cheers everyone,
Robert
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