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Lens review

Tokina AT-X DX AF 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6

3 February 2010
Arkadiusz Olech

6. Distortion



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The distortion is a category in which the Tokina’s performance is beyond reproach. Zoom lenses with a similar range on wide angle can show barrel distortion reaching even –5%. The Tokina, with its result of –3.30% fares really well here.

With the increase of the focal length the distortion decreases with lightning speed and changes the sign. At 24 mm it becomes pincushion and reaches 0.49%. It’s still not a problem - a bit harder part begins later. You must pay for the lower wide angle distortion level than in the case of competitors and the problems with a complete correction of the “pincushion” at the longer end are the price. At 35 mm the distortion amounts already to 1.59%, at 75 mm it decreases to 1.33% and at 135 mm – to 1.11%.


Tokina AT-X DX AF 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 - Distortion

Tokina AT-X DX AF 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 - Distortion

Tokina AT-X DX AF 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 - Distortion

Tokina AT-X DX AF 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 - Distortion