Tokina AT-X 17-35mm f/4 Pro FX Lens Review

Tokina AT-X 17-35mm f/4 Pro FX Handling and features

As is the case for other Tokina AT-X lenses, this lens feels very solidly built. The plastics used on the lens barrel are tough and everything feels very well put together. Even so, this lens only weighs 600g, which is quite light for this kind of lens and it balances very well on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III used for testing. The lens has been designed to be 'more water resistant' with better seals than previous AT-X lenses. A rubber gasket placed around the lens mount helps to prevent ingress of dust and moisture into the camera body. The Canon version tested is actually quite stiff to turn on the lens mount due to this seal, which can make placing and removing the lens a little difficult.



Autofocus is powered by a standard micro motor, which makes a slight grinding noise during operation. Focusing is reasonably quick, but certainly not as responsive as manufacturer's own lenses using silent focusing motors. Autofocus can be disengaged quickly by pulling the focusing ring towards the camera. The focusing ring is well damped, which makes it a pleasure to apply manual focus adjustments.



Focusing is performed internally, and zoom adjustments do not change the overall length of the lens, which means the 82mm filter ring stays put. This is ideal for use with graduated and polarising filters.

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