Tokina AT-X 11-20 F2.8 PRO DX

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There was also some very mild fringing and vignetting (once I'd uploaded the images to my computer), however it was very minor and I found that this was easily fixed in LightRoom and at no detriment to the image quality. 

Overall I've found the lens to be a great build, producing excellent image quality at a fantastic price point! It's a great alternative to those who would like to use a ultra wide angle lens on a budget. I've really enjoyed using it and have definitely been impressed! It makes it into my travel kit every SINGLE time due to the quality images it produces and lightweight build.

PROS:
- Sharp Image Quality
- Good Colour Quality
- Excellent auto focus
- Produces nice detail
- Produces nice bokeh
- Good when it comes to ghosting and lens flare. I found it didn't have a lot of ghosting like some other lenses, especially as I do like to shoot into the light.
- Lightweight Build & Feel (which is great for travel!)
- Durability
- Signature AF/MF Focus Clutch Mechanism
- Excellent Price Point

CONS:
- If you don't pull/push the AF/MF Focus Clutch ring properly, it doesn't click in and work properly
- Minor Fringing, Vignetting, chromatic abberation and distortion (which can be seen in most, if not all, ultra wide angle lens at the widest point.)

My first impressions...

I had the pleasure of taking the  AT-X 11-20 F2.8 PRO DX  for a test run.

Historically I have been a Nikon 14-24mm lens user when it comes to a wide angle lens. So I was keen to give this lens a go and see how it faired in the field. I took it with me through Central Australia, off the beaten track and used it on weekends away; and, my first impressions were that it presented itself as a great competitor against its counter parts.

It is a well made lens - tough but light in its make. It feels durable despite its weight and I think that this can be attributed to Tokina having generally opted to use more metal in its production/parts (than plastic).

Whilst it is designed for a crop sensor, it does work on a full frame camera (tested on my Nikon D610). The lens has a great optical quality and the auto focus appears to have a good overall accuracy and consistency. I did not find fault with the focusing ability of the lens. It is also reasonably fast. However, it is not completely silent and you can hear a very small motor running (if you listen very closely).

In true Tokina fashion, switching from auto to manual focus is done via the distinctive push/pull ring. Generally really easy to use, once you get used to it. It comes with a petal hood and is an 82mm thread.

A couple of  things that I did see, was that there was a very small amount of distortion which became evident at the 11mm (the widest) end of the spectrum. I've found this to be normal in ultra wide angle lenses and have seen this in the Nikon 14-24mm also. 

The Results are in!

BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY RESULTS...

Better Photography Magazine run an annual photographic competition - The Better Photography Photo of the Year.

Last year I entered for the first time. I only entered two photos and received two bronze awards. At the time, I was disappointed that I hadn't done better. But after reading comments from social media websites, I found that there were people who had entered and not achieved enough points for an award.  So I took it on the chin with the realisation that I had actually done quite well.

This year, I entered five images. Three in the "Classic Landscape" category and two in the "Creative Flair" category. It's always daunting entering photographic competitions because you are going to be judged and something that you love and are passionate about, may not be seen in the same light by the judging panel. But I think you need to do it... I need to do it!

The judges this year were Peter Eastway , David Oliver  and Tony Hewitt.

So the results are in!

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the results. The images weren't perfect and there is always room to improve for next year! What is important to me, is the constant move forward - the strive for excellence and to continually improve and exceed expectations - that's the aim! I received three silver and two bronze this year! Hopefully next year, I will be able to secure a gold!!!