Tokina launches low budget 16-28mm f/2.8 “Opera” lens for Nikon and Canon full frame DSLRs
Feb 22, 2019
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Tokina has announced their new “Opera” 16-28mm f/2.8 full frame lenses for Nikon & Canon DSLRs. Sitting at a pretty low price point compared to the Nikon and Canon alternatives, the new lens is targeted towards landscape, architectural and astrophotography uses. Of course, with a lens this short of focal length and this wide of an aperture, there are many other potential uses for it, too.
- Focal Length: 16-28mm
- Max aperture: f/2.8
- Min aperture: f/22
- Format: 35mm Full Frame
- Mount: Nikon F & Canon EF
- Angle of view: 107.1° to 76.87°
- Minimum focus distance: 28cm (11.02″)
- Optics: 15 elements in 13 groups
- Diaphragm blades: 9
- Autofocus: Yes
- Stabilisation: None
- Dimensions: Nikon 89 x 133.5mm (3.50 x 5.26″) / Canon 89 x 136mm (3.50 x 5.35″)
- Weight: Nikon 940g (2.07lb) / Canon 950g (2.09lb)
The lens sits at an extremely attractive price point, a mere $699. And while this may still sound like a pricey lens, let’s take a look at the Nikon & Canon alternatives…
- Nikon AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED – $1,951.95
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED – $1,696.95
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR – $1,096.95
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED – $746.95
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM – $1,999
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – $1,599
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM – $999
- Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM – $749
It’s even less than the Canon 17-40mm f/4L and the variable aperture Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5. Exactly how the new Tokina lens will compare to the OEM brands once it becomes available, however, remains to be seen. Although Tokina does seem to have stepped up their game compared to the Tokina of the past. So, we may be pleasantly surprised.
The Tokina opera 16-28mm f/2.8 lens is available to pre-order now for $699 in Nikon F and Canon EF flavours. Shipping is expected to begin on March 15th. That’s the day before The Photography Show opens. We’ll have to see if we can get our hands on one to test it out in person.
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John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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11 responses to “Tokina launches low budget 16-28mm f/2.8 “Opera” lens for Nikon and Canon full frame DSLRs”
Can’t wait for the reviews of this against the Tamron 17-28 F2.8
Nice! I’d like to see a whole new line of tokina lenses.
Nice! Tokina has always been an outstanding low budget option. Price vs performance is tough to beat!
Interested in seeing how it handles flare. I need a good wide to standard style lens for my Nikon. The nikon lenses have ugly flare.
Tokina makes two of my favorite lenses and they have excellent prices and quality. I don’t understand how people aren’t all over these things.
I had a beautiful Tokina wide angle. Returned the same day due to flare.
Interesting
Another the Same lens ? Why ?
I prefer non bulbous front for filter.
I’ve had the original version of the Tokina 16-28 F2.8 for years. It’s such a good lens that despite being able to afford the Nikon or Tamron alternatives, I never really bothered.
Is this the same design with the new “Opera” label?