Hello Don, As far as focusing, it didn't seem any slower - I mostly manually focus everything anyway. It's manual focus feel is very reasonable.
I never did drop the Tokina, but have dropped the Tamron onto concrete once. It survived pretty well - seems to have a very slight drag on focusing, but has been going strong ever since. Don't know how the Tokina would have faired. I do find the Tamron much more usable - closer focusing, easy to handle and balance, just has a nicer intangible feel. Also I think the optical quality is better than the Tokina. Every Tokina I have had seems good, solid and unremarkable (currently have the 80-200/2.8 Pro). Optics have been good but not great. If you are looking purely for durability, then the Tokina might be better. If you are looking for other factors besides durability, the Tamron made be a better choice. I am happy with mine and use it all the time. -- Best regards, Bruce Thursday, October 28, 2004, 7:18:17 PM, you wrote: DS> Thanks Bruce, you're the second one who has recommended this lens. DS> I was a little leery when I saw how much smaller/lighter it was. DS> It's priced about midway between the others, I'll keep it mind, small and DS> light is a very good thing! DS> IF it's not at the cost of quality and dependability. DS> Have you found it to be as sturdy and fast focusing as the Tokina? DS> I almost hate to admit it but I think I'm going to jump back in the ring and DS> see if my gear can't start paying for itself. DS> If I'm going to do that I want the most reliable equipment I can afford. DS> Don >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Bruce Dayton [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2004 8:44 PM >> To: Don Sanderson >> Subject: Re: Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX Aspherical DF vs 28-70 F2.8 Tokina >> ATX Pro >> >> >> Hello Don, >> >> You really should be considering the new Tamron 28-75/2.8 DI lens. I >> had the Tokina at one point and would absolutely go for the Tamron if >> I were to do it again. Of course, that is what I did. Here are some >> of the reasons: >> 1) Optical quality is better (IMHO) >> 2) Weight and balance are more in line with the *istD and smaller >> bodies (the Tokina is very heavy) >> 3) The Tamron is very close focusing, the Tokina is not. >> >> Sorry I can't comment on the Sigma, as I have not used it. But do >> consider the Tamron along with the others - almost anyone I have heard >> of trying it, has liked it. >> >> -- >> Best regards, >> Bruce >> >> >> Thursday, October 28, 2004, 5:29:15 PM, you wrote: >> >> DS> Now that I have decided that I need a short fast zoom I need >> a little help >> DS> deciding which one. >> DS> The Sigma is less than half the price of the Tokina, but how >> is the quality? >> DS> I've not heard anything bad about the EX series lenses but >> I'd like to hear >> DS> from someone that has used one. >> >> DS> TIA >> DS> Don >> >> >> >>
