Quick tip: if a lense doesn't have weather sealing get some gaffers tape and tape it around the mount and the lense it'll be better then not having any. (do this if you can't get your hands on a lense with weather sealing)
I just picked up the Viltrox and I'm very happy with the results!!! $400 on Amazon... I probably would've gotten this lens had I saw this review before purchasing the Viltrox.
From the rumors (also around the new atx-m lenses just announced for APS-C), the Tokina lens optical construction is identical to the Viltrox. Obviously Tokina build its own housing - but maybe even the glass/coating is identical.
@@Zetaphotography I used the a7riii and the AF was excellent, just as fast as the Zeiss Batis 85mm I was using along with it...the fastest 85mm in many tests for Sony cameras. I did not notice any significant difference in AF performance between the two. Video AF was also super fast for me, and quiet enough to use commercially. It should work great with that a7rii!
I bought that lens when BH photo announced it. The only complaint I have is the low light focus, it is slow and blur (not a lens flaw) on my a6000 because its size interrupts the focus assist light, I think it only happens with the a6000. I do not know.
Would i be able to shoot with this lens 'manual focus', or is it a fly by wire focus like the Sigma C 30mm f/1.4 lens for the Sony crop sensor cameras? I'm looking at this for night sky nebula hunting shooting from a tracker. Will do Portraits also.
@@JamesLavish Thank you for getting back to me so soon. The tracker isn't the thing i'm getting at, but just a vehicle. I just wanted to know or not wether I can focus on the stars by hand and that it would stay there. that it not try to refocus its self due to darkness.
@@summit12275 I have not shot with that yet, if I do, I'll let you know! Maybe rent each and test first? Or order both if you can and send one back? Let me know what you decide!✌🏻
Ah, yes. It has a full manual mode for sure, but I would think you want a wider lens for this type of shot, as it will help keep your ISO lower by capturing more of the scene and light, etc. I usually use 20mm or wider for Astro work. I'll do a video on that soon, hopefully. Whenever we are let out of quarantine!😉
Thanks a ton Tariq! Yes, getting people to visit the channel is a challenge at first, no doubt, and I love bringing people over from Facebook. RUclips loves it, too! Thanks for the sub and see you around here!👊✌
I'd buy the samyang 85 1.4 over this, or the much cheaper viltrox. I think samyang has more value with f1.4 and weather sealing. Plus these tokina/viltrox (they probably are the same lens inside) metal case lenses hardly give any weight advantage of 1.8 over 1.4.
I can understand that and I'm looking into the manufacturing of this one. But that bokeh is really impressive. If that matters to you...and the video AF is faster and quieter than those, as far as I can tell, fyi!
I bought this lens recently and noticed there's a little play with it in rotation when I have it mounted on, is this normal? I have a Zeiss 24-70 with weather sealing and that lens has no play at all when it's mounted on. I don't know if it's because it doesn't have weather sealing but I'd appreciate an answer from anyone that knows why.
Hey Phillip, I have not heard of this issue with the Tokina yet, and my unit had a nice snug fit on both my A7III and A7RIII. The weather sealing should not impact the mount, no, so that's not it. And unless it is severe, it shouldn't impact your images at all, so I wouldn't stress about it too much. When I use macro tubes, there is often a ton of play with the lenses and it doesn't seem to affect the images whatsoever. But if it irritates you (I understand if it does!) I suggest you either return to the store you bought for a new lens, or if it's past the return window contact Tokina directly for a new unit. As a note, I have heard of this occurring with various other lenses, as mass production can't all be perfect, and sometimes an imperfect unit slips past Quality Control without notice. In any case, let me know how you make out!
Absolutely. Just remember that using full frame lenses on an APS-C sensor camera (like the 6400) will make the equivalent focal length 1.5X the stated full frame length. So 85mm becomes 127mm. As a note, If you are looking for a portrait lens, I would recommend checking out 50mm length, which would become 75mm!
Right and it will look like a 130.05mm f/2.75 Try to rent a Sigma 56mm f/1.4 (85.68mm f/2.14 it gets closer as what this Tokina lens offers you so you can decide)
Beautiful times for Sony users. Back when I was searching for 85, there were only overpriced Batis and GM. :/ So I picked GM. Now there is Samyang, Sigma, Sony, Viltrox and Tokina.
Can't lose with that GM, for sure. What a great lens. And you are a long-time Sony user! Yep, and I went with the Zeiss as it fit so well with my other Zeiss Batis 25 and 40!
@@blackjohnny0 Exactly! No you have to think of it as gone already. It's what it is...the only think that matters is the market price and what you have now. My philosophy anyway...I always swap lenses. Take the small loss and move on...trade for the best options now.
Hey Vivek, thanks so much. I really appreciate it. It is a great lens and 85mm option, especially for the price! That said, I am not sure how the updates have been on this, but I did do a review on the 85mm 1.8 Sony lens just a few days ago, you may want to check that out as well. I know the updates on that lens have been great, as I still have it. And they have been on sale recently here in the US...FYI!
I don't know if you got this answered yet, but Tokina requires you to return the lens to the manufacturers or representatives of the brand for firmware updates. While the costs are mostly covered by them, it's a slight hastle for persons who don't live in countries that have a representative as custom duties and other import taxes (when it's returned) must have paperwork filed in order to avoid paying for it. I also have to note that it seems Tokina does this only for this lens as attaching it to your camera body (for some) causes your camera to lock up. That aside - if you didn't care for updating your firmware - it's a marvelous lens for the price. What did you decide on?
@@wendythomas4501 Thank you very much for your message. I did eventually go with the Tokina. We dont have local support in our region and therefore, I haven’t updated the firmware since purchase. The price offered to me on the new unit seemed like a good deal and therefore I dived in. Except for ocasional focus hunting/breathing, its performance is acceptable/good. I’ve worked around the issue so it’s no more an issue (well almost)
for the price go for sony. if you want cheaper go for viltrox 85 1.8 unless tokina makes a cheaper 35 1.8 than the sony then people might consider this tokina 85
Have you tried the atx-m Tokina 85mm 1.8 for Sony? Tokina is a very well respected brand for cinema lenses that don't exhibit focus breathing and a lineup of DSLR lenses for Canon and Nikon. And Tokina have already announced that they will be releasing a lineup of lenses for mirrorless cameras-Sony in particular. If you haven't used this lens yet, I suggest you do so before dismissing the brand.
@@JamesLavish those are cinema lenses meant for manual focusing no breathing coz it's for video use. old tokina have alot of issues in af back in dslr days. I mean who would buy that 85 1.8 when there's native sony 85 1.8 for almost the same price?
Well, I've used just about every 85mm for the Sony and for the cost, this is the best deal in MY opinion. Gorgeous metal housing (strong and robust), better bokeh than the Sony (truly) with 9 blades and falloff, and I'm also recognizing that an extra $100 is significant to some people, so it may make sense for them. Thank you for the comments though, I appreciate input and value informed opinions! ✌🏻
Don't buy the Tokina 85mm F.18FE if you have a Sony A7 IV because it randomly locks-up. I never had such a problem before upgrading from Sony A7 II. Problem is definitely a lens issue because I don't see such a problem with my other Sony 85mm and Sigma lens. I also have the latest firmware updates.Tokina support is basically non-existent (no phone numbers to call and they ignored my contact form requests). Otherwise, the lens worked great for my Sony A7II. Lens are sharp and fast auto focus.
Alright, here we go. Time to watch 🤓... update: you better not be toying with my emotions... you’ve talked me into buying this lens. The performance and price seem too good to be true
James Lavish okay, if you’re in my position and don’t have an 85... would you choose this lens or the Sony FE? In your honest opinion. I can care less about the weight. Priorities are AF functionality during photo and video, and color rendering.
@@danzbeard Honestly, if weight is no matter, and you don't mind the focus ring scratching up over time, Tokina is a solid brand. Better known for cinema and DSLR lenses, so most Sony users may not know much about them yet. But with the nine aperture blades and excellent AF responsiveness that I experienced, plus the solid sharpness at wide open, it's a great deal. I would buy this if I didn't already own the Batis 85mm...
Like I said in the video, the trade-off is the attractive metal gloss construction and better bokeh with the Tokina, IMO, with the excellent rendering of circular balls of light. That said, I agree that the Sony FE is a fantastic lens and super sharp and super light....extremely hard to beat. So, it is definitely a matter of opinion.
I'm told they are essentially the same, but it is unclear if the AF components are different somehow, as the Tokina AF is spot on and some people complained about the Viltrox.
Thank you very much sir, i was hesitant about getting the sony 85mm 1,8 or a sigma lens instead, i think I’ll go with one. Subscribe to this Chanel right after this comment. Thank you 🙏🏼
What's your favorite portrait lens?? And what's your 85mm favorite???
Sigma 85 1.4 Art, Sony 85 1.4 GM, Zeiss Planar 85 1.4
@@smartyniuk All fantastic glass!
sigma 105mm 1.4. I dream of having it someday. Actually I have nikon 85mm 1.8
@@eagleeyetorr3244 Haven't tried that Sigma 105mm yet...will have to rent it!
@@JamesLavish I have not tried it yet, but the reviews have convinced me
Quick tip: if a lense doesn't have weather sealing get some gaffers tape and tape it around the mount and the lense it'll be better then not having any. (do this if you can't get your hands on a lense with weather sealing)
Great idea and I have done this in a pinch! 😉✌🏻
I just picked up the Viltrox and I'm very happy with the results!!! $400 on Amazon... I probably would've gotten this lens had I saw this review before purchasing the Viltrox.
That's ok, I've heard great things about that lens, too, and for $400, what a deal!!
From the rumors (also around the new atx-m lenses just announced for APS-C), the Tokina lens optical construction is identical to the Viltrox.
Obviously Tokina build its own housing - but maybe even the glass/coating is identical.
Super interesting. I'll look into it and see what I can find on that! Thanks Thorsten! ✌
What camera body do you use. How is the AF. Any missed shots when subject is walking towards you. I want to buy lens for A7R II
@@Zetaphotography I used the a7riii and the AF was excellent, just as fast as the Zeiss Batis 85mm I was using along with it...the fastest 85mm in many tests for Sony cameras. I did not notice any significant difference in AF performance between the two. Video AF was also super fast for me, and quiet enough to use commercially. It should work great with that a7rii!
I bought that lens when BH photo announced it. The only complaint I have is the low light focus, it is slow and blur (not a lens flaw) on my a6000 because its size interrupts the focus assist light, I think it only happens with the a6000. I do not know.
Very interesting and important to know. Thank you! It's the deep width of the lens then?? This is the first I've heard of this happening...
@@JamesLavish yes
I am soooo very happy to see your channel growing! Almost 700 views on this video and almost 400 subs now!!!
Thank you so much Angela! Yes, it's getting fun now! 😉✌
Awesome and you deserve it!
@@angelaweyhrauch5067 Awww. Sincerely thank you!
Very helpful information as always.. Thank you so much for taking the time and making this tutorial.
Super happy it's helpful, Gigi!
Could you please comparison video between this Sigma Art 85 1.4 and Canon RF 85 1.2 ??
Hey Galab, I use Sony and haven't any experience with Canon, FYI!
Would i be able to shoot with this lens 'manual focus', or is it a fly by wire focus like the Sigma C 30mm f/1.4 lens for the Sony crop sensor cameras? I'm looking at this for night sky nebula hunting shooting from a tracker. Will do Portraits also.
The Tokina is focus by wire, yes, I'm not sure how that impacts a tracker system, as you can still use this in manual focus for sure...
@@JamesLavish Thank you for getting back to me so soon. The tracker isn't the thing i'm getting at, but just a vehicle. I just wanted to know or not wether I can focus on the stars by hand and that it would stay there. that it not try to refocus its self due to darkness.
@@JamesLavish I'm also looking at the SAMYANG XP 85mm f1.2. Have you reviewed that one yet ?
@@summit12275 I have not shot with that yet, if I do, I'll let you know! Maybe rent each and test first? Or order both if you can and send one back? Let me know what you decide!✌🏻
Ah, yes. It has a full manual mode for sure, but I would think you want a wider lens for this type of shot, as it will help keep your ISO lower by capturing more of the scene and light, etc. I usually use 20mm or wider for Astro work. I'll do a video on that soon, hopefully. Whenever we are let out of quarantine!😉
What is the minimum distance for shooting
Ur video video outstanding, and yea facebook marketing works, I came from facebook and subbed on 10 sec video mark ;)
Thanks a ton Tariq! Yes, getting people to visit the channel is a challenge at first, no doubt, and I love bringing people over from Facebook. RUclips loves it, too! Thanks for the sub and see you around here!👊✌
I'd buy the samyang 85 1.4 over this, or the much cheaper viltrox.
I think samyang has more value with f1.4 and weather sealing.
Plus these tokina/viltrox (they probably are the same lens inside) metal case lenses hardly give any weight advantage of 1.8 over 1.4.
I can understand that and I'm looking into the manufacturing of this one. But that bokeh is really impressive. If that matters to you...and the video AF is faster and quieter than those, as far as I can tell, fyi!
@@JamesLavish yes, agreed. This is very impressive. Can see delicious bokeh on both these lenses.
very reminiscent of the nikon af-d lenses.
I bought this lens recently and noticed there's a little play with it in rotation when I have it mounted on, is this normal? I have a Zeiss 24-70 with weather sealing and that lens has no play at all when it's mounted on. I don't know if it's because it doesn't have weather sealing but I'd appreciate an answer from anyone that knows why.
Hey Phillip, I have not heard of this issue with the Tokina yet, and my unit had a nice snug fit on both my A7III and A7RIII. The weather sealing should not impact the mount, no, so that's not it. And unless it is severe, it shouldn't impact your images at all, so I wouldn't stress about it too much. When I use macro tubes, there is often a ton of play with the lenses and it doesn't seem to affect the images whatsoever. But if it irritates you (I understand if it does!) I suggest you either return to the store you bought for a new lens, or if it's past the return window contact Tokina directly for a new unit. As a note, I have heard of this occurring with various other lenses, as mass production can't all be perfect, and sometimes an imperfect unit slips past Quality Control without notice. In any case, let me know how you make out!
@@JamesLavish thank you.
I use a Sony a6400 camera. Is this lens compatible with my camera that I use
Absolutely. Just remember that using full frame lenses on an APS-C sensor camera (like the 6400) will make the equivalent focal length 1.5X the stated full frame length. So 85mm becomes 127mm. As a note, If you are looking for a portrait lens, I would recommend checking out 50mm length, which would become 75mm!
Right and it will look like a 130.05mm f/2.75
Try to rent a Sigma 56mm f/1.4 (85.68mm f/2.14 it gets closer as what this Tokina lens offers you so you can decide)
It works with A6400 for sure, but I think u should go with Sony SEL 16-55mm F/2.8 G, you will not regret
@@phplaw I don't disagree. That is a fantastic lens made for the APS-C cameras!
@@ajproart2 Agree, renting lenses is a great choice to help you decide. I do it all the time!
Beautiful times for Sony users. Back when I was searching for 85, there were only overpriced Batis and GM. :/ So I picked GM. Now there is Samyang, Sigma, Sony, Viltrox and Tokina.
Can't lose with that GM, for sure. What a great lens. And you are a long-time Sony user! Yep, and I went with the Zeiss as it fit so well with my other Zeiss Batis 25 and 40!
@@JamesLavish Yea, but it's pricey and heavy. I'm kinda sad, that Sony didn't started with cheaper and smaller ones.
Maybe swap it for the Sony 1.8 or this one and have enough left over to get another lens, too? That's what I did...fwiw.✌🏻
@@JamesLavish I kinda feel greedy for $ which I would loose selling it. :/ But it isn't bad idea. I could pick Viltrox + Helios 40-2.
@@blackjohnny0 Exactly! No you have to think of it as gone already. It's what it is...the only think that matters is the market price and what you have now. My philosophy anyway...I always swap lenses. Take the small loss and move on...trade for the best options now.
I'd love to try this lens - I never met a Tokina lens that I didn't love...
It's a pretty solid lens for the price, especially if you can get it for less than the Sony 85mm 1.8...I'd watch for deals!
@@JamesLavish for the exact same price, would you go with the Sony or Tokina?
@@SkipperGeffen For the exact same price I would choose the Sony 85 1.8! But if you need to save $100...the Tokina is excellent!
@@JamesLavish can you please elaborate why though? Does the sony generally have better optical quality?
Great review. I’m on the verge of buying this lens and was wondering how the firmware updates work for this lens. Appreciate your input
Hey Vivek, thanks so much. I really appreciate it. It is a great lens and 85mm option, especially for the price! That said, I am not sure how the updates have been on this, but I did do a review on the 85mm 1.8 Sony lens just a few days ago, you may want to check that out as well. I know the updates on that lens have been great, as I still have it. And they have been on sale recently here in the US...FYI!
I don't know if you got this answered yet, but Tokina requires you to return the lens to the manufacturers or representatives of the brand for firmware updates. While the costs are mostly covered by them, it's a slight hastle for persons who don't live in countries that have a representative as custom duties and other import taxes (when it's returned) must have paperwork filed in order to avoid paying for it. I also have to note that it seems Tokina does this only for this lens as attaching it to your camera body (for some) causes your camera to lock up. That aside - if you didn't care for updating your firmware - it's a marvelous lens for the price. What did you decide on?
@@wendythomas4501 Thank you very much for your message. I did eventually go with the Tokina. We dont have local support in our region and therefore, I haven’t updated the firmware since purchase. The price offered to me on the new unit seemed like a good deal and therefore I dived in. Except for ocasional focus hunting/breathing, its performance is acceptable/good. I’ve worked around the issue so it’s no more an issue (well almost)
Not much resources on this lens so far, but the lack of AF comparison was a bit disappointing :/
Great Review James and you sold me on this 85mm ....Just bought this lens for $399 at B&H (they matched Focus Camera).What a bargain!
Thanks so much, Tim. And that's a great deal for this lens!
Great review!
Thanks so much, Dan!
for the price go for sony. if you want cheaper go for viltrox 85 1.8 unless tokina makes a cheaper 35 1.8 than the sony then people might consider this tokina 85
Have you tried the atx-m Tokina 85mm 1.8 for Sony? Tokina is a very well respected brand for cinema lenses that don't exhibit focus breathing and a lineup of DSLR lenses for Canon and Nikon. And Tokina have already announced that they will be releasing a lineup of lenses for mirrorless cameras-Sony in particular. If you haven't used this lens yet, I suggest you do so before dismissing the brand.
@@JamesLavish those are cinema lenses meant for manual focusing no breathing coz it's for video use. old tokina have alot of issues in af back in dslr days. I mean who would buy that 85 1.8 when there's native sony 85 1.8 for almost the same price?
@@JamesLavish i aint dissing the brand its just for the price there are far better options.
Totally understand and agree with the history and application.
Well, I've used just about every 85mm for the Sony and for the cost, this is the best deal in MY opinion. Gorgeous metal housing (strong and robust), better bokeh than the Sony (truly) with 9 blades and falloff, and I'm also recognizing that an extra $100 is significant to some people, so it may make sense for them.
Thank you for the comments though, I appreciate input and value informed opinions! ✌🏻
Heavier is usually a deal-breaker for me. Might be worth ponying up the extra bill more ... but that bokeh is WHOA.
All true! And yes, that bokeh is great, especially at this price!
camera. Is this lens compatible with my camera that I use
Absolutely, see above!
Don't buy the Tokina 85mm F.18FE if you have a Sony A7 IV because it randomly locks-up. I never had such a problem before upgrading from Sony A7 II. Problem is definitely a lens issue because I don't see such a problem with my other Sony 85mm and Sigma lens. I also have the latest firmware updates.Tokina support is basically non-existent (no phone numbers to call and they ignored my contact form requests). Otherwise, the lens worked great for my Sony A7II. Lens are sharp and fast auto focus.
It lacks the eye AF button.
Good point, though for me, personally, that's not worth $100 extra. Thank you, Chris!
This must have been on the r series to have so much detail @ 200 percent
Yep, A7RIII, good eye!😉✌
Alright, here we go. Time to watch 🤓... update: you better not be toying with my emotions... you’ve talked me into buying this lens. The performance and price seem too good to be true
Haha. Yeahhhh. Thanks brother! 🤓😉 Let me know your thoughts!! ✌🏻
James Lavish okay, if you’re in my position and don’t have an 85... would you choose this lens or the Sony FE? In your honest opinion. I can care less about the weight. Priorities are AF functionality during photo and video, and color rendering.
@@danzbeard Honestly, if weight is no matter, and you don't mind the focus ring scratching up over time, Tokina is a solid brand. Better known for cinema and DSLR lenses, so most Sony users may not know much about them yet. But with the nine aperture blades and excellent AF responsiveness that I experienced, plus the solid sharpness at wide open, it's a great deal. I would buy this if I didn't already own the Batis 85mm...
James Lavish thank you very much!!! It’s a done deal then
@@danzbeard Yeahhhhhhh. Let me know what you think when it comes in!
heavier than the not much more expensive sony. Seems like this lens doesn't have much to offer. I love the Sony 1.8
Like I said in the video, the trade-off is the attractive metal gloss construction and better bokeh with the Tokina, IMO, with the excellent rendering of circular balls of light. That said, I agree that the Sony FE is a fantastic lens and super sharp and super light....extremely hard to beat. So, it is definitely a matter of opinion.
Compare this to the viltrox
I'm told they are essentially the same, but it is unclear if the AF components are different somehow, as the Tokina AF is spot on and some people complained about the Viltrox.
I have the mark 2 of Viltrox
Thank you very much sir, i was hesitant about getting the sony 85mm 1,8 or a sigma lens instead, i think I’ll go with one. Subscribe to this Chanel right after this comment. Thank you 🙏🏼
Looks like rebranded Viltrox lens
That may be true and I'm looking into it! ✌
Difference to the Sony lens is like a hundred...
Yes.
Could you please comparison video between this Sigma Art 85 1.4 and Canon RF 85 1.2 ??