Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF vs AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 280 AF. Compare Test

Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF and Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 280 AF is autofocus zoom lenses with maximal aperture f/ 2,8 and the most popular for everyday shooting focal length. Both models were derived from Angenieux AF 28-70/2.6. Tokina company bought the rights to manufacture Angenieux and in 1994 released the first version of the lens - Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF, which is provided in this test. Then, after a series of modifications in 2000, an upgraded version of this lens - Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80 mm 1:2.8 280 AF. I had the opportunity to use these two lenses simultaneously, so I decided to do this test to identify how the latest version is better than the first. So start with the mechanics.

Handling and mechanics

As you can see from the photo Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF has a smaller size and weight than the Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80 mm 1:2.8 280 AF. And it is perhaps the only advantage. In all, the rest of it is constructive loses the latest model.

Now compare Tokina zooms of optical performance.

Note: All tests are done on the lenses that were at hand; it does not select the best copies, but only single instances "as is." Therefore, tests are not absolute but only relative to this instance's lenses.    

Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF vs AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 280 AF. Sharpness test

All photos were taken at the aperture f/2,8 in manual focus mode with confirmation on the green point. For the purity of the experiment, the second model was used in the range of 28-70 mm only.  

Sharpen in the near field in the center of the frame

100% Crops

28mm

50mm

70mm

As can be seen from the examples, Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 280 AF sharper than its predecessor.

Sharpness at Infinity

28mm

Crop 100%

70mm

Crop 100%

Here is a small advantage of Tokina 28-70mm f / 2.8 AT-X AF.  

Bokeh Test

Bokeh is subjective stuff. Moreover, it may be different depending on the subjects. Here are a few examples of bokeh with different subjects. I took the photo at 70mm focal length.

Crop 100%

At the Tokina AT-X PRO, 28-80mm f/2.8 AF 280 visible "onion rings" in the circles. While the first lens does not. Personally, I liked more bokeh Tokina 28-70mm f / 2.8 AT-X AF. I think it is more air; the picture is more artistic.

Contrast and Flare

28mm Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF

28mm Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 280 AF

70mm Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF

70mm Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 280 AF

Both lenses have good contrast and well with strong side light. But at the same time, both strongly fear direct backlight, especially on the long end. It seemed to me, Tokina AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 AF 280 copes better with backlight. Maybe an important role in this is constructive - front lens focal lengths under certain deep-seated in the barrel, which partially protects the lens from stray light. In the first version, such construction is not provided.

Conclusion

As shown by examples, both lenses have good optical performance. Yet, the model AT-X PRO 28-80mm 1:2.8 AF 280 has better sharpness and contrast. But the 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF, in my opinion, has a more artistic image. Also, AT-X PRO 28-80mm has much better construction. He is about 50-70 dollars more expensive first. So which lens one is more like it, you decide.