But here is the response i got.
I picked up a used Tokina 400mm f/5.6 APO ATX lens on Ebay for about $100 and was amazed at the quality of the imagery for a lens this inexpensive. This lens was only produced for a short time and replaced the non-ATX 400mm f/5.6 SD lens which was optically inferior to the ATX version. The 400mm ATX was in-turn replaced by a zoom. It is a relatively light weight lens that comes with a wonderful built-in retractable lens hood that is a joy to use (Canon should provide this type of hood with their "L" tele lenses) and with a tripod ring.
On the downside, the lens is not as fast as USM focusing (but, what lens is that fast). As with all Tokina lenses, this one is solidly built. Is it equal to a Canon "L" lens -probably not. However considering that it is only a bit more expensive that the lens hood for a 400mm "L" lens, I consider it quite a value.
This lens fills a nitch for me. It is an occasional use item but, one that I can count upon for decent imagery without having a ton of money tied up.
This is a picture shot with that lense
http://www.photocamel.com/index.php?action=""
On 7/20/06, David Dyer-Bennet <dd-b@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
On 7/19/06, rush rouge <pixelrouge@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> hi guys i don't know if this belongs here.
> But i m trying to get myself a low end zoom lense.
>
> Its has been suggested that Tokina 400mm f/5.6 APO ATX lense would best fit
> my need. Someone got this for 100$ on ebay.
At least one of us as confused. The lens you mention is not a zoom
lens as I understand the term -- a zoom lens is one where you can
change the focal length, like the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 for example.
The lens you describe is simply a 400mm lens -- one focal length.
--
David Dyer-Bennet, <mailto:dd-b@xxxxxxxx >, <http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/>
RKBA: <http://www.dd-b.net/carry/>
Pics: < http://dd-b.lighthunters.net/> <http://www.dd-b.net/dd-b/SnapshotAlbum/>
Dragaera/Steven Brust: <http://dragaera.info/ >
