Tokina Atx-m 23mm F/1.4 E

Specifications01

MountSONY E

Focal length23mm

Max aperturef/1.4

TypeCinema · Macro · Wide · Prime

Weight276 g

Filter size52 mm

Physical length72 mm

Min focus distance0.3 m

Max magnification0.1

Aperture blades9

Optical elements11

Groups10

Lens hoodpetal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied)

Additional Info02

Category["Sony","Sony E (APS-C)"]

Keywords["APS-C","E-mount","Prime","Tokina"]

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating5.5

Other FeaturesMicro-USB connector for firmware updates

Review VerdictThe Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is a lens with multiple personalities. It is plenty sharp in the image center at large-aperture settings but the outer image field is soft. To be fair - this is probably forgivable in most real-world scenarios when using f/1.4 or f/2. Images are, however, tack sharp when stopped down to a medium aperture. Heavy vignetting can also be evident at f/1.4. Lateral CAs could be a little better at f/1.4 and f/2 but you can, once again, tame them by stopping down a bit. Image distortions are very low and that's without any digital corrections. The bokeh is better than on most lenses in this class. Out-of-focus highlights are perfectly rendered near the image center although the corners aren't as good in this respect. The focus transition zones are very smooth though. Axial CAs can be visible in critical scenes. The mechanical quality of the Tokina atx-m 23mm f/1.4 E is high, as usual. It's tightly assembled and most of the lens is made of metal including the lens hood. The video folks will also appreciate the step-less aperture ring. Unfortunately, there is no weather-sealing although that's probably not unexpected in this price class. The AF speed is comparatively moderate but operations are noiseless. Firmware updates are possible via a built-in USB port. Hopefully, Tokina will supply a firmware update with a correction profile soon - because this feature is missing. Overall, the Tokina lens isn't perfect but it combines the creative potential of a high-speed aperture and sane pricing.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":8,"Optical Quality":5.5,"Price / Performance":8}

Review Published2022-01-03T12:51:00+00:00

Optical Construction11 elements in 10 groups inc. 2xED elements