New Lens: Tokina 10-17 mm

This could be a fascinating and potentially very useful lens for underwater photographers.

For Nikon DX users - a combination of 10.5/16 mm would increase flexibility.

For Canon DX users - a much wider fisheye option and a possibly more flexible option than the Sigma/Canon 15 mm.

For those of you with full frame - well - you've already got plenty of options... So go away and be smug somewhere else.

I would imagine this lens could be useful on dives where larger critters are encountered at varying distances. Additionally, the fisheye design may present sharpness advantages behind a dome. But all this is speculation of course - unless someone already has one secretly housed.

Keen observers would note that this design is already available as a Pentax lens, but a new press release discusses the Tokina's plans to release the same design in other mounts (most likely Canon and Nikon).

I can't read the press release, but perhaps someone with Japanese skills might be able to elaborate.

A VERY rough translation:

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=e...%26as_qdr%3Dall

Doesn't say much, really. It's not a very fast lens (F3.5-4.5), but probably a better choice than their 12-24mm F4.0 for underwater photographers.

Thanks Matt,

"to pull the interest of the photograph, it raises"

well indeed!

I had mentioned this lens some time ago ( http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12396 ) and was really surprised that not more people have expressed happiness about such a lens going to be released.

I agree with you Anthony, at least for Canon crop users it is a must have lens in my opinion because there is no other 180° fisheye available for these cameras. The non-existence of such a lens was a major point pushing me towards the 5D. The zoom flexibility is great too and f3.5 @180° isn’t bad at all and not much slower compared to the fisheye primes.

Julian

For those of you with full frame - well - you've already got plenty of options... So go away and be smug somewhere else.  

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have to contradict

There is no 100°-180° fisheye zoom for full frame cameras available, not even a somewhat 110° fisheye like the 15mm/16mm fisheyes on cropped sensor cameras. OK, at least there is an 8mm circular one B)

Julian

Hi Julian - I searched, but missed those threads. Sorry to bring up the same thing twice.

And yes, I agree with you. Nice for crops and there could be a market for a FF version too

I have the 12-24 f4.0 and really like it. It will focus fast and it's extremely well made. It's a nice chunk of glass. I wouldn't hesitate to get the 10-17.

Any idea when this lense is going to be released? google didn't turn up much.

I have been watching this lens since it showed up like 6 month ago. No review, no availability yet..

Since I do not have any FE yet I am considering getting 10-17. This is first 180 degree FE possibility for Canon shooters. But even for me as a nikon user means the 10-17 very attractive FE range. I was thinking of getting both the 10.5mm and 15mm.

Considering the quality of the FE behind dome, I would ask how close could come the 10-17 to 10.5mm. Simply would you nikon shooters get 10-17 FE zoom? <_<

thanks

Martin