Tokina lens markings
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Tokina products have an important role in the second echelon of manufacturers of optics for mirrorless and partly mirrorless systems. It occupies a strong position among the representatives of the caste of alternative objects due to the democratic cost and exclusive sets of focal lengths.
The analysis of the intricacies of symbols in the name of Tokina objects must begin with the designation of the compatibility of optics and its class:
FX — this marking is found on board objects for cameras with a full-frame matrix.
The DX abbreviation indicates that the object is sharpened for APS—C format cameras. However, the use of DX optics on full-frame cameras is also possible, but the photographer will have to put up with strong vignetting.
N/AIS is an object version for Nikon digital mirrors.
AT-X (Advanced Technology eXtra) is a consumer line of Tokina optics.
AT-X V is a lens squad adapted for video shooting on SLR cameras. It differs from the classic representatives of the genus AT-X by the presence of a toothed ring of focus for smooth focus translation using the fallow-focus system.
AT-X Pro are top—end objects from a Japanese manufacturer with improved optical and mechanical properties and a constant aperture over the entire zoom range.
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| When assembling Tokina PRO-objects, high-quality materials are used, and they also often have high light intensity |
Following the designation of an object belonging to a certain line, its name contains key data that can be used to judge the purpose of a particular lens (wide-angle, universal, portrait, telephoto, etc.).
300mm, 14-20mm — focal length. If there are several numbers written with a hyphen, first we are talking about the minimum value of the focal length, and then about its maximum value.
f/2.0, f/3.5-4.5 — the value of the maximum possible light intensity of the object. In the line of optics with variable focal lengths, the aperture is indicated for the short end and the maximum zoom position separated by a hyphen.
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| The values of the light intensity directly on the Tokina object housing can be indicated as in the photo — 1:3.5-4.5 |
In a separate group of abbreviations, everything related to the object focus system is encrypted:
MF (Manual Focus) — such a set of characters is found in the full name of the models, together with which you will need to focus on sharpness, relying on your own hands and eye (i.e. purely manually).
AF (Auto Focus) — the equipment of the object with an autofocus system.
SDM (Silent Drive-Module) — the presence in the design of the object of a quiet and nimble automatic focus drive.
IF (Internal Focus) — in optics, indicated by a similar combination of symbols, the elements of the optical circuit move inside the housing, so that when aiming at the target, the object does not change in size and does not draw dust inside the structure.
IRF (Internal Rear Focus) — focus is carried out by means of a rear group of lenses. A similar system has found application on board the Tokina AT-X Pro 300mm f/2.8 AF IF SD long-range fix.
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| When focus on the sharpness of the 300-millimetre fix from Tokina, only the rear group of lenses is movable |
FE (Floating Element System) is a system of floating elements to reduce astigmatism in the entire range of focal lengths of the object.
FC (Focus Clutch Mechanism) is a proprietary "chip" of Tokina objects — a mechanism for quickly switching focus by shifting the aiming ring to sharpness. Its forward displacement includes auto mode, and it is possible to return to the manual method of focus when the ring is rotated to the extreme position and its subsequent shift "to itself".
FO (One Clutch Focus Mechanism) is an improved version of the mechanism for switching the focus type, with the help of which a change in the method of focus on sharpness is provided literally in one movement — in the image and likeness of a shutter twitch.
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| A visual demonstration of the principle of switching the focus method in one touch |
Tokina objects are marked by a number of designations according to the type of elements used in the optical scheme:
AS (Aspherical Lenses) — aspherical lenses in the optical scheme included in the design of the object in order to reduce the level of chromatic aberrations. In terms of complexity of execution, aspherical elements from Tokina surpass their closest rivals in the class.
F&R Aspherical is the aspherical shape of the front and rear elements, which is done to reduce spherical astigmatism.
SD (Super Low Dispersion) — lenses made of glass with ultra-low dispersion. They are included in the object scheme in order to ensure high sharpness and contrast of the image even when shooting at the most open aperture openings.
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| Tokina objects with low-dispersion lenses in the optical scheme are indicated by the abbreviation SD |
HLD (High Refraction, Low Dispersion) — application in the construction of glasses with a high refractive index and low dispersion. The vocation of such elements lies in the elimination of secondary chromatic aberrations, which often occur when shooting in wide-angle positions.
MC (Multi Coating) is a multi—layer coating of lenses to minimize glare and re-reflections, as well as improve the overall image quality.
WR (Water Repellent) is a special water—repellent coating of the front lens.
The list of abbreviations of Tokina optics ends with the designation of types of objects:
Fisheye — lenses of the "fish eye" type, the distinctive features of which are the ultra-wide angle of the field of view (about 180 °) and pronounced barrel-shaped distortions. An example of such a solution is a specific zoom fisheye TokinaAT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 DX Fisheye.
Macro — there's nothing to think about — objects with this designation are sharpened for macro shooting.
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| A hybrid of a macro lens and a cinematic lens with a detailed focus scale and aperture marking in T-stops |
Cine is a group of optics with characteristic notches on the zoom and aperture control rings, adapted for video shooting.
Have a good shooting!
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