f 22: Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Wide Angle First Impressions

Compared to the Zeiss 24-70 f/2.8, the wide angle Tokina is equally bright (faster considering its focal length) but does not have the same 'Zeiss warmth' and tends to look over-exposed in bright areas despite an in-camera -0.3EV adjustment and use of Polarising filter. The exaggerated angles of 11mm (i.e. 16.5mm focal length 35mm equivalent on the a55 APS-C sensor) present a surreal perspective view. While the colour and brightness/shadow balance seems natural and very good straight from the 24-70, this 11-16 seems to frequently require some restoration of the overblown light end of the spectrum. Reviewed against Sony's ultra wide angle, Ken Rockwell's review suggests the Tokina wins out in overall sharpness, especially towards the edges: "This Tokina 11-16mm lens sets a new standard for speed and sharpness in small-format digital SLR lenses. It's also the fastest ultrawide available for small format digital SLRs." Given the temple shots are all handheld on fairly open apertures, this is proving true. Although the lighting conditions were much more muted (dusk & shadow), the Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata) shot below shows a stopped down aperture of f/22 and 3.2" exposure on a tripod, with consistent edge to edge sharpness. This degree of wide angle appeals to those who enjoy the dramatic warped perspective while the 24mm of the Zeiss (36mm equiv. on APS-C) presents perfectly natural perspective geometry and more intense saturation and warmer temperature and very realistic exposure without intervention.

EXIF 1/100 sec, f/2.8, 11 mm, ISO 100, 2011:03:25 14:22:04, SLT-A55V

1. (680 x 1024) Nan Tien Temple