Sony 11-16 or Duclos Tokina 11-16 ?

In case you aren't aware the Duclos lens is a rehoused Tokina 11-16 f2.8 lens. It can be had for around $700 with a Nikon mount. The lens is remarkable. Esssentially parfocal, no appreciable barrel distortion and crisp optics. Timur did a Tokina lens test on Vimeo (I'm guessing) about a year ago.

Lots of F3 owners have the Nikon mounted version of the Tokina 11-16 as part of their standard kit. A few have the rehoused version.

There is lots of back discussion on this and related topics here. Give the search engine a go and read up on the Red 17-50 (and 18-50) as well. There are also a few people here who are lens officiandos. While you are reading the archives you will discover who they are (including Timur). They have a lot of useful things to say.
 
I have the Tokina 11-16 Canon mount for the DLSR and can will eventually add the Nikon mount for the F3. As everyone says, the lens approaches perfection.

Ned Soltz
 
Well the Sony is $7500, 114mm front and a 4-pin Cooke lens data interface, which passes lens data to your F3 if your running OS v1.3 or better.

The Duclos is $3500, 80mm front, no lens data interface.

I don't need lens data for what I shoot, and happen to own the Duclos 11-16, along with the Tokina 11-16.
 
Maybe it was my copy but my tests with the Tokina 11-16mm showed surprising softness at 16mm/F2.8 and a lot of CA. The Nikon 14-24mm kicked its butt til Tuesday, much sharper and more contrast.

There's got to be something to the lens for everyone to be raving about it though. I will return mine and will wait for the "II" version to come out before trying again.
 
The Sony Primes seem very sharp, as was the long zoom when I tested it, so it would seem that the 11-16 should also be good. I understand it has limitations but with some of the deals that are offered, it might be more affordable. From what I read the II version of the Tokina will be significantly better, and be available in March, so that might be a consideration. I wonder how long it will take to get a Duclos with II optics?
 
The 14-24 nikon is waaaay better.... but NOTHING looks as cool as 11mm...... plus it covers 5k, and FF till about 14mm.
 
The focus gear on the Sony 11-16 is so far in front of the lens it would be difficult to use a mattebox and follow focus with it. At $7500 it better be awesome. I just got the Duclos and its sweet!

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I have no experience with the Sony, but do agree with Erik about the focus gear issue. I have however used the Duclos a few times and I take it that it is a probably an issue with this particular lens, but it seems to have some weird flaring issues. I have only used it in a studio type setting, but it is not a flare that I care for. Like I said, many people speak highly of this lens, but the one I have used, I won't be using again, probably a coating issue, in fact I told the owner of it that he should send it in to have it checked. I would like to try a different one, before I put my money down on one. Just my two cents.
 
I added a mattebox and follow focus to the Duclos and it fits perfect. No issues. As for the flaring I can see having issues with the 11mm side. That's darn wide and shading the lens is a must to control unwanted flares. Super wide angles can be a challenge.
 
lasikdenver said:
The Duclos website states that the wait time for their 11-16 modified lens is 5-6 months currently.
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I got lucky and bought a used mint condition one. Now that a new updated version is coming out soon you have to think about if its worth waiting for. Got a love it.
 
A bit off topic but do you guys know if the Duclos Nikon mount has the iris ring on the lens? I'd like to get this lens for my 7d but do not want to be locked into the canon version... i need to be able to go to other camera bodies. Can i use a fotodiox pro eos to nikon adapter and use it on the 7d? And if it doesn't have an aperature ring...how do you guys use it on the f3?
 
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jambredz said:
A bit off topic but do you guys know if the Duclos Nikon mount has the iris ring on the lens? I'd like to get this lens for my 7d but do not want to be locked into the canon version...
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Yes, the Duclos version has an iris ring, but for the price of the Duclos version, you could buy both a Nikon mount and Canon mount in the Tokina version - and many more lenses as well.

Honestly, I see little reason to get the Duclos version if you don't need a PL mount - the glass is the same. The big reason to want a "cinefied" lens would be an improved focus ring, but with the DOF of a lens this wide focus pulling isn't really a concern.
 
Yes you can use a Nikon version on a Canon with an Nikon > EOS adapter. I do this.
Beauty of that is that the Nikon adapters to EOS or F3 can grab the iris mechanically so you can control iris with a ring or a handle on the adapter. Its not great but it works. On the prolock Nikon to F3 adapter you can see and set the f stops.

Love the Duclos guys but also don't see too much reason to spend on the Duclos version.
 
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