tokina 11-16mm lens

[pauli]

I've just got a gh1 and I'm looking for a fast wide angle lens. I'm thinking of buying the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8. If i get it should I buy nikon or canon fit? will I be able to manually set the aperture? and what adapter should I buy?

thanks for any help :)

[SonicStates]

Nikon mount has the aperture ring. Not sure about Canon, I didn't think so.
I'm looking at that lens too. The shots I'm seeing from it are very nice indeed...There are plenty of adapters out there for Nikon F mounts. People here have had success with a supplier in Poland cielo7 or something is his E-Bay store name...I'm sure someone will chime in and clarify.

[commanderspike]

Neither mount will let you adjust the aperture on the GH1 either electronically or otherwise, as it doesn't have a manual ring (only focus and zoom).

(Edit: SonicStates... I can't see the aperture ring on any pics... are you sure the Nikon version has one? Front ring is for focus, back one for zoom - has 11-16 on it).

I don't see this as a problem, but recommend a Vari ND filter to adjust exposure in bright light without having to adjust the shutter speed to stupidly high levels.

[J Davis]

Tokina 11-16 f2.8 is the dream lens for the GH1 but its DX.
As far as I know the only person who has it working on the GH1 is upshot
but no other info other than this teasing pic
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1724410#post1724410

I'm emailing ppl and working on my own solution, as soon as I have something solid I will post.

EDIT: there are some other solutions out there all around the $300+ mark
Novoflex MFT/NIK
16-9inc.com has the mod for the lens
Zoerk I think has a Canon adapter that might work with a MFT to EOS

[commanderspike]

I'm guessing the Canon mount will fit with the GH1 EFS adapter from eBay.

In the pic of the Nikon one, what is the screw driver in the adapter hole for? Not exactly practical!

[J Davis]

what is the screw driver in the adapter hole for? Not exactly practical!

... its very practical ... check out the vid at this link (http://longvalleyequip.com/gdxmount.php)

[SonicStates]

Neither mount will let you adjust the aperture on the GH1 either electronically or otherwise, as it doesn't have a manual ring (only focus and zoom).

(Edit: SonicStates... I can't see the aperture ring on any pics... are you sure the Nikon version has one? Front ring is for focus, back one for zoom - has 11-16 on it).



Nah man you're right. In the dx series all aperture control is done internally, my bad.
I believe Kholi is running with a Tokina 11-16...this just might be where "the q-tip method" comes in handy.

[simonclivehughes]

If you can settle for a slower lens, the Oly 9-18 is sweet, although it is f4-f5.6. It's quite cost effective and plays nicely with the GH1. Typically you're not going to get much DOF with an ultra wide anyway, so maybe bump your ISO up a bit to compensate for the slower aperture.

Cheers,

[J Davis]

If you can settle for a slower lens, the Oly 9-18 is sweet, although it is f4-f5.6. It's quite cost effective and plays nicely with the GH1. Typically you're not going to get much DOF with an ultra wide anyway, so maybe bump your ISO up a bit to compensate for the slower aperture.

Cheers,

Kit lens if f4 at 14mm so not much is gained there.


... "the q-tip method" comes in handy.

can you elaborate?

[simonclivehughes]

Kit lens if f4 at 14mm so not much is gained there

It may only be f4 but that's at 9mm which is a significant difference in the DOF from 14mm which is what the OP is looking for. It's also wider than the 11mm of the Tokina.

Cheers,

[Ben_B]

Isn't the point of buying an f/2.8 lens to use it at f/2.8 all the time anyway? :P

Actually I'm not entirely joking...if I had one I'd probably be using it wide open most of the time, you probably won't be getting shallow DOF anyway with a lens that wide, so enjoy the great low-light performance and use NDs during the day.

More seriously: $600 is too much to spend on a lens you can't easily adjust aperture on. :(
Too bad fast primes that are that wide are very very expensive usually.

[commanderspike]

I have a 10-20mm Canon EFS which I can't change the aperture on from F3.5. Is it a big deal? NOOO!

Just get the Canon version and slap a Vari ND filter on the front. Changing the aperture on such a wide lens is a bit of a none issue, because as Ben pointed out, DOF is very deep anyway on such a wide field of view.

[Kholi]

Just break a Q-Tip in pieces or fold some paper and shove it in the aperture ring. It won't hurt anything, or hasn't in my experience doing it for years now with this lens or any of the others.

Nikon mount Tokina doesn't have aperture ring. The lens is actually being rehoused for PL mount, that's how bad-ass it is. 600 is dirt cheap for an ultra wide angle like the 11-16 tokina considering distortion control, speed (duh) and the ability to resolve detail like it does. It probably shouldn't even exist for so cheap, to be honest, and was even cheaper until people began to discover how incredible it was.

I mean, come on, an 11mm with minimal distortion? That's too sick.

[J Davis]

Just break a Q-Tip in pieces or fold some paper and shove it in the aperture ring. It won't hurt anything, or hasn't in my experience doing it for years now with this lens or any of the others.

Nikon mount Tokina doesn't have aperture ring. The lens is actually being rehoused for PL mount, that's how bad-ass it is. 600 is dirt cheap for an ultra wide angle like the 11-16 tokina considering distortion control, speed (duh) and the ability to resolve detail like it does. It probably shouldn't even exist for so cheap, to be honest, and was even cheaper until people began to discover how incredible it was.

I mean, come on, an 11mm with minimal distortion? That's too sick.

yeh Ruby Lens (rehoused tokina) with the Hot Rod PL is one way! expensive tho!

Hey I'm sure you read my post (see below) do you have any Kholi insights on what that adapter is? Looks like Underdahls work but I emailed doug and it isn't his.


Tokina 11-16 f2.8 is the dream lens for the GH1 but its DX.
As far as I know the only person who has it working on the GH1 is upshot
but no other info other than this teasing pic
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1724410#post1724410

[Kholi]

It looks like a random hackjob, to me, that works. And why not? You only have to grab a spare nikon mount, drill a screw through the surface at the right angle so that when you twist the screw it manually moves the pin downward. That's exactly how the RED Nikon Mount works.

I'm just not smart enough to actually figure out which angle to drill the hole without going through several NIkon adapters.

You would have to get one of the one-piece M4/3 to NIkon adapters or something similar to that. But it shouldn't be too hard.

[J Davis]

I had thought about all that with my Nikon adapter but the angle and the precision is what will make or break it. Plus you would want the hole tapped with a thread.
And the hole would not want to interfere with the groove already in the adapter.

Actually I emailed Doug Underdahl to see if he woud be interested in building one for micro four thirds but thats a negative. I then got in contact with ceico7 in Poland about this and I showed him the underdahl video. Ceico7 said he is going to try and sort something out for the GH1. As I mentioned before, nothing solid yet, will post if I hear anything.

[Kholi]

Don't wait for these guys to do it for you. If I had the time I would, but I'm always stuck in the office or on set (P.S. Black and White is whoa-buddy-awesome).

Just shoot a message to someone on Ebay, beg them for a discount on three Nikon Adapters that look like they fit the bill and start tappin' em.

You only need to start the hole with a tiny drill bit, then finish it with a screw so that it remains tapped. Then, once you have it precise, solder something onto the end so that it won't damage anything or scratch. Aka, make it round or flat instead of a point.

You could afford to tap a few Nikon Mounts about three times (errors) before you really mess it up. In fact, you may only need two identical ones and just ruin the first one to find the right way to do it. Then, use your final result on the second one and you've got it.

[Ben_B]

I'm a little confused on the Q-Tip aperture thing? Elaborate?

[J Davis]

I'm a little confused on the Q-Tip aperture thing? Elaborate?

I think its using the stem from the Q-tip cut to the correct length and wedged in to keep the metal flange pushed all the way around. This enables the aperture to stay open. The risk is that if it got dislodged it can fall onto your sensor.
Without a DX lens near me or a Q-tip I can only infer but what I just said would seem logical.


Don't wait for these guys to do it for you. If I had the time I would, but I'm always stuck in the office or on set (P.S. Black and White is whoa-buddy-awesome).

Just shoot a message to someone on Ebay, beg them for a discount on three Nikon Adapters that look like they fit the bill and start tappin' em.

You only need to start the hole with a tiny drill bit, then finish it with a screw so that it remains tapped. Then, once you have it precise, solder something onto the end so that it won't damage anything or scratch. Aka, make it round or flat instead of a point.

You could afford to tap a few Nikon Mounts about three times (errors) before you really mess it up. In fact, you may only need two identical ones and just ruin the first one to find the right way to do it. Then, use your final result on the second one and you've got it.




At around $80 a pop per adapter I think I better wait. Maximum respect for those that DIY this. I'm probably gonna Q-tip it for a while and wait and see if ceico7 pulls thru.

[luke stewart]

... its very practical ... check out the vid at this link (http://longvalleyequip.com/gdxmount.php)

Wow! $800 for an adapter is not why I am buying a GH1. No DX glass for me I guess.

[J Davis]

Wow! $800 for an adapter is not why I am buying a GH1. No DX glass for me I guess.
Thats a RED ONE adapter you were looking at.

I posted the link to you could see how the bolt system works with a DX lens

[luke stewart]

Thats a RED ONE adapter you were looking at.

I posted the link to you could see how the bolt system works with a DX lens

Oh yeah, duh!

[yslee]

I have the Tokina 11-16/2.8 as well. It's for my Nikon system, and yes, just to confirm again, there's no aperture ring. Which kinda stinks because it is an awesome lens.

The difference between Canon EF lenses and Nikon G lenses is that the Canons default to their widest apertures, but the Nikkors default to the smallest. I would love to post a few samples from the 11-16/2.8 but a diffraction-addled version at f/22 is not going to be very helpful...

I'm considering the Novoflex adaptor but €169 is ouch.

[commanderspike]

I'd happily recommend the Canon EFS version of this lens... it's almost as good as the Canon 10-22mm for distortion, but is faster - and thanks to no control - stays that way :grin:

I don't see any advantage to going with a Nikon version... at all.

[J Davis]

Ruby Lens - the rehoused Tokina 11-16 by Focus Optics at NAB

http://provideocoalition.com/images/uploads/NAB0908-DSC_2495.jpg

some awesome footage
http://www.vimeo.com/5071090

[commanderspike]

Very nice.

Is the glass the same in the Nikon DX and Canon EFS version of the Tokina though??

Especially impressive how deep the DOF is when focused to infinity at F8. Kinda makes me wish I had control over my Canon 10-22's aperture now, to move it off the F3.5 mark.

[J Davis]

yep ... and only for around $600

now you know why I've been trying to sort out a solution for G and DX lenses on the GH1

EDIT: Ruby I think costs around the $10k mark

[commanderspike]

yep ... and only for around $600

now you know why I've been trying to sort out a solution for G and DX lenses on the GH1

EDIT: Ruby I think costs around the $10k mark

I admire and respect that, but doesn't the Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 for Canon just click directly onto the GH1 with the JIN Finance EFS adapter?

[J Davis]

I admire and respect that, but doesn't the Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 for Canon just click directly onto the GH1 with the JIN Finance EFS adapter?
To the best of my knowledge the Jinfinance adapter is a dumb adapter. No aperture control. He even states that under the description.

[Kholi]

Here are several reasons why it's worth the hassle to get a tokina 11-16 over the canon, one being the nikon mont is going to be universal for your future purchasE. We kinda have to begin to consider that we may bewith a nikon body one yea and a canon or panasonic the next.

Reselling and buying glass is not only a hassle but most of the time you don't even break, well, even.

As already stated, the tokina is pretty hard to touch at all focal lengths in overall performance. The canons, I believe begin to faulted on the wide vs ultra wide. Whereas the tokina is very consistent.

[commanderspike]

To the best of my knowledge the Jinfinance adapter is a dumb adapter. No aperture control. He even states that under the description.

Yeah true true.

I am just concerned that to get aperture control people seem to be going to some quite extreme measures.

Do intelligent EFS or Nikon mount adapters exist for the Four Thirds format? I have a Nikon AF-confirm chip mount for my Four Thirds to Micro 4/3rds adapter. But then again, that doesn't work either :)

Guess my Canon wide angle EFS will have to stay at F3.5 for a while longer.

[yslee]

EF lenses are FULLY electronic. When Canon dumped the FD system and went to EF they re-designed every single thing. To have aperture control on an EF lens you'll need to find a way to communicate to the lens electronically.

[yslee]

Yeah true true.

I am just concerned that to get aperture control people seem to be going to some quite extreme measures.

Do intelligent EFS or Nikon mount adapters exist for the Four Thirds format? I have a Nikon AF-confirm chip mount for my Four Thirds to Micro 4/3rds adapter. But then again, that doesn't work either :)

Guess my Canon wide angle EFS will have to stay at F3.5 for a while longer.
Darn. So the AF confirm doesn't work when you use the DMW-MA1?

[J Davis]

There are A LOT of tokina 11-16 nikon mount lenses being sold on ebay for around $575 to $600 as 'buy it now' and there are all shipping from hong kong, japanese versions, japanese warranty. The seller ratings all seem very good like 99% 100%
I am thinking of ordering one of these. Has any one else bought a hong kong one?
Is there anything I should know?

BTW - if you try and order the USA version from anyone in the US its like the GH1 - backordered!

[SonicStates]

I really don't want to take a bit size chunk out of my short budget for an adapter but I'm thinking the Novoflex one has me cornered....REALLY want the 11-16 with aperture control and plus I can use it (I think) on all/most/a lot of Nikon mount glass... more Tokina to come it seems. Does anyone use the Novoflex mount with plunger here yet?
J Davis, I was looking at those too but I'm thinking of staying locally and getting a Japanese one. I have no experience either way but I just ordered a 28-70 at-x pro (second hand $150 bucks, spotless glass)....should be arriving soon...so we're back to the adapter from Novoflex...22,000 yen.

[Martti Ekstrand]

This company cine modifiy the Tokina and add a PL mount. Maybe they could be persuaded to leave the Nikon/Canon on? Would still be pricey though I guess. They also have Zeiss ZF lenses cine modified.

http://www.ducloslenses.com/DL/PL116.html

BTW this thread really belongs in the Hardware section.

[SonicStates]

http://www.ducloslenses.com/DL/PL116.html



That's quite a markup!!!!

[Martti Ekstrand]

Markup? Shirley you must be joking. It's not a straight resell. They do work on it quite a bit. Retro-fitting a mechanical aperture ring doesn't sound that easy or quick and it's rehoused in a new alu shell.

[SonicStates]

I think this is where written words exclusively fall severely short. I am totally aware that they are not simply adding a percentage to an existing product. Poor choice of words on my behalf. I'm sure it is quite a brilliant and extensive modification. I was merely considering it from the point of view that I am trying to get this lens in it's original form for around 30,000 yen.

[Martti Ekstrand]

I thought so hence my Shirley remark :)

[J Davis]

Just ordered one. Cameraland has 4 more USA models in stock
http://myworld.ebay.com/cameraland/

[Chibs]

I'd assume using a C-mount to Nikon adapter will give some serious vignetting? You're forcing the projected image to a 25mm hole, that's not very friendly for the final image.

[AdrianF]

For the OP, if you want exposure control then you could look at the ZD 11-22 2.8-3.5. You'd need a 4/3 to micro 4/3 adapter for lens control, similar range but no AF with this lens. It's on my list, but if you want a lens that's compatible with Nikon/Canon then the Tokina might be a better bet.

http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_ZUIKO_DIGITAL_11-22mm_1_2_8-3_5_Details.htm (http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_ZUIKO_DIGITAL_11-22mm_1_2_8-3_5_Details.htm)

[Illya Friedman]

The Hot Rod Cameras forth coming Nikon to m4/3 mount may (or may not) have DX aperture control. :)

[yslee]

That's nice. I'll sit and wait for the pricing and availability announcement. :D

[SonicStates]

The Hot Rod Cameras forth coming Nikon to m4/3 mount may (or may not) have DX aperture control. :)

Just a gentle prod as to find out how forth coming that adapter might be??? At the moment I'm waiting for the Novoflex people to get back to me!
BTW Illya, you're making some killer gear by the looks!

[J Davis]

The Hot Rod Cameras forth coming Nikon to m4/3 mount may (or may not) have DX aperture control. :)

The fact that you mentioned it means your investigating – awesome news!
Are you looking at electronic or mechanical like Underdahl's mount? Is there a way to have aperture markings if it is mechanical? or would that be lens specific?
Look forward to any info.

[yslee]

Uh, different lenses start with different apertures.

[Ben_B]

Ooooh lala I'll take one of those adapters! :D

If it's under $200.

Ok maybe if it's over.

What we really want is an electronic system that works with AF ;) Get on that. Get on that next to impossible task.

[ginsek]

Here is an adapter for $30 that claims to be able to open aperture for Nikon G mount lenses that don't have an aperture ring:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-G-Lens-Micro-4-3-Adapter-G2-GH1-GF1-E-P2-E-P1L-/330432165458?pt=Lens_Accessories&hash=item4cef4ab652
There is a photo showing lens with aperture wide open. I can't confirm yet whether it really works, but I just ordered one and will try on GH1 with Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8 as soon as it arrives.

[lpowell]

Here is an adapter for $30... I can't confirm yet whether it really works...
The cheap Chinese m43 adapters with "Lock" rings are unreliable crap. I'd test it on an inexpensive lens first, rather than using the Tokina as a guinea pig.

[Ivan Lee]

For the OP, if you want exposure control then you could look at the ZD 11-22 2.8-3.5. You'd need a 4/3 to micro 4/3 adapter for lens control, similar range but no AF with this lens. It's on my list, but if you want a lens that's compatible with Nikon/Canon then the Tokina might be a better bet.

http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_ZUIKO_DIGITAL_11-22mm_1_2_8-3_5_Details.htm (http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/dslr_ZUIKO_DIGITAL_11-22mm_1_2_8-3_5_Details.htm)


The Olympus 11-22 f/2.8-3.5 is HARD to beat, stunning sharpness and very low distortion, and you have electronic control of the aperture.

[Brian@202020]

Here is an adapter for $30 that claims to be able to open aperture for Nikon G mount lenses that don't have an aperture ring:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-G-Lens-Micro-4-3-Adapter-G2-GH1-GF1-E-P2-E-P1L-/330432165458?pt=Lens_Accessories&hash=item4cef4ab652
There is a photo showing lens with aperture wide open. I can't confirm yet whether it really works, but I just ordered one and will try on GH1 with Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8 as soon as it arrives.

I have this adapter and the Tokina 11-16. They work flawlessly together. Here is a link to a thread where I used the combination on a short.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?223388-GH13-Short-film

[e-steve]

Forget the qtip guys, this is a no brainer at $30. Rainbow imaging is fast and the quality seems decent to me. (I paid a little more on ebay, so order through amazon)

http://www.amazon.com/RAINBOWIMAGING-Adapter-aperture-Panasonic-RainbowImaging/dp/B003TROEBM/ref=pd_cp_p_2

Make sure you choose Rainbow Imaging as the seller as it's 10 dollars more from other sellers.

[cordvision]

Is there any adapter (electronic?) available that offers aperture control on the canon version. I personally would prefer the canon version over the nikon version because they focus "cine styel" (Nikons are reversed).

[Barry_Green]

Such an adapter has been pre-announced but is not on the market yet.