Tokina AT-X M100 PRO AF D 100 mm f/2.8 review - Build quality

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Tokina AT-X M100 PRO AF D 100 mm f/2.8

7 October 2007

Arkadiusz Olech

3. Build quality

Tokina has already accustomed us to the fact that with the AT-X Pro series we obtain a very solid casing with a metal bayonet of very good build quality. First thing that we notice is a large and comfortable manual focusing ring. Unfortunately, to switch it from the position of automatic to manual focusing, we have to move it firmly in the direction of the body of the camera. Personally, I really dislike this solution. It often happens that I focus using the AF mode and then I like to slightly improve it by manual focusing. The switch of the ring from AF to MF is so sudden that it spoils the focusing value set in AF and the whole work goes to drain...

Tokina AT-X M100 PRO AF D 100 mm f/2.8 - Build quality

It is typical for many macro constructions that the front set of elements is hidden very deeply in the casing. When we try to reach the minimum focus distance, which in Tokina is only 30 centimetres, the set slips out with the whole surrounding it tube. This tube is equipped in a filter thread of 55 mm diameter. Fortunately it does not rotate, so it is possible to work comfortably with any kind of filters.

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Another characteristic feature on the casing is the switch of the range of the focusing FULL/LIMIT. In the LIMIT mode focusing takes place in the range from 30 to 37 centimetre or from 37 centimetre to infinity.

As far as its construction is concerned, Tokina 2.8/100 consists of 9 elements set in 8 groups. The manufacturer does not mention using any special kinds of glass. To add, there is a 9 blade diaphragm, which can be stopped down to f/32.