The lens in the photo is the new f:2.8 that I want but I didn't buy only because I can't wait until it is available. Mine is different in two ways and similar in two:
Almost same price and exactly same size and appearance (I have not seen the 2.8 since the stores don't even have a sample here in New York, but this is what I read).
After that, the two TOKINAS are different in the zoom range. Mine is 12~24 f4 and the other is 11~16 f2.8
The idea is that the designers wanted to maintain the quality --and size/price?-- so they cut the zooming range a bit. In exchange you get a fast speed.
I would have opted for the fast speed, but having the zoom go to 35mm equivalent is a good consolation price for the slow f4, so maybe I will sell it and buy the other one latter.
The two lenses are part of a Pro. DX line that was --at least for me-- under the radar and seams to be a consolidation of a wide stable of lenses that was set aside for a smaller but better quality fleet.
What I have observed about my lens is that it is well built, -- the hood fits a bit loose dough--, the focusing is screw driver type but works well with my D300, there is a clutch system for going MF-AF and when disengaged the focusing ring can't stop the AF (since it is disconnected and loose) A Polaroid filter can be used, as a matter of fact, I got a German one and used on the image above. This is important to say since some FX, or full frame equivalent lenses do not accept Polaroid filter, or no filter at all.
The barrel distortion is very acceptable for a lens this wide, I think that my Mamiya 35mm has much more barrel distortion and it is much less wide.
The only thing that I would work on is the hood, not that is not a working hood...
ps, the image above has a bit of stitching on the wright side, I will post other non retouched ones...
