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The following chart presents a comparison between basic properties of the tested Tokina and other standard f/1.4 primes designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors.

The Tokina ATX-M 33 mm f/1.4 X doesn't stick out with any special feature. It also lands right in the middle of the group when it comes to physical dimensions and weight.

In the following photo the Tokina is positioned between the Sigma C 30 mm f/1.4 DC DN, and the Fujinon XF 35 mm f/1.4 R.

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The tested lens starts with a metal mount that surrounds contacts and a rear element, 24 mm in diameter. That element doesn't move, and is positioned about half a centimeter lower than the contacts. The area around it is dark, matt, and ribbed so from this side everything seems to be in perfect order.

The proper body of the lens starts with a narrow, metal ring that features an inscription 'Tokina' from one side and the filter thread marking, 'ø52', from the other.

Then you see an aperture ring, less than 1 cm wide, with fine ribs on its side to improve the grip. The ring moves smoothly; its range starts from f/1.4 and ends at f/16, with an adittional A position in which the camera chooses aperture values automatically.

Further on you find a significantly big part of the casing that doesn't move; its width amounts to 20 mm and it features two inscriptions: 'atm-x 33mm F1.4 X' and '0.4m/1.32ft'.

A manual focus ring is the biggest part of the Tokina's body as it is 36 mm wide. It doesn't feature any markings or a distance scale but its surface is almost entirely covered by fine ribbing. It is a focus-by-wire construction and its focus throw amounts to about 300 degrees; it's a high value, allowing you very comfortable settings.

The lens ends with an immobile part of the casing which almost immediately passes into a hood mount.

The front element is 34 mm in diameter, quite flat and immobile. It is surrounded by a filter thread for filters that are 52 mm in diameter.

When it comes to optical construction the producer declares that inside there are 10 elements positioned in 9 groups. However the optical diagram, delivered by the same producer, is at odds with that claim as it shows 10 elements positioned in 8 groups. If you compare it to the diagram of the similar Viltrox you find out that two elements positioned the closest to the mount, glued together in the Tokina's diagram, are in fact two separate parts so there are indeed nine groups. Tokina announces just one special element made of low dispersion SD glass but Viltrox mentions one more element, made of glass with high refraction index. Perhaps that index wasn't high enough for Tokina to mention it.

Inside you also find a round aperture with nine blades that can be closed down to a value of f/16 at the maximum.

Buyers get in the box with the lens: two caps, and, what's interesting, a protection filter.