Thanks for your comments Peter. I haven't used a Tokina with the Digital Rebel, but I did use the Sigma HSM 70-200 with one, and it was excellent. For build quality alone, I would go with the Tokina, although to be honest I have never used the Canon lens you mentioned. The Tokina lens that I use is an older version, with no manual/auto switch, therefore the only way to go to manual is the switch on the body. I have used the new Tokina AT-X Pro 80-200 however, and I would recommend it above all others in it's class. Tough, durable, sharp, etc. It's all there. AS far as soft images go, I think it's as good as the 3rd party lenses get, but not on par with a $1500 Nikkor, for example. How often will you use it wide open, and for what use? I am completely satisfied with my Tokinas, and I own all 3 (20-35, 28-80, and 80-200). Good Luck and Good Shooting.
Hi Todd, Excellent picture B+W does it justice I am considering the Tokina 80-200 2.8 ATX Pro lens and will probably buy it from Adorama or B&H. This lens seems to be sold out alot so someone likes them. Not many people give opinions about them but you seem to like them alot. The other lenses I am considering is the Canon 70-200 f4 and is about $60.00 less than the Tokina also less weight and mass. Then there is the Sigma 70-200 2.8 HSM EX which is $100.00 more than the Tokina and is just a few ounces lighter. I am a serious amateur and don't need the very best. What I want is quality images, decent focus speed and durability and the ability to get the images in numerous situations. I am presuming that a flagship lens like the Tokina 80-200 should accomplish this. Is the focus speed of the Tokina close to the other two or is it slower and is it significant compared to the other two lenses. Also some people say the lens is soft at 2.8 others not. Could this be older lenses or operator error because of shallow depth of field. In photo zone they score this lens 3.4 and in another area 4.1. Where would you score this lens. Does the Tokina have Full Time Manual focus. I read some where that in order to use the FTM focus that you still had to use the small hard reach focus switch in conjunction with the FTM focus ring, this seems implausible, please put me straight. There seems to be alot of lens snobbery out there and if you don't ask the questions people want there is no answers. This is a long winded set of questions but I need help. I shot a Pentax K1000 with a 50 mm lens for 23 years and with this Canon Rebel Digital I need faster and sharper lenses than that kit lens provides. Thanks again Peter.
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{K:7341} 9/6/2004
