Tokina 11-16 or Lumix 12-35

omnikron

omnikron

Well-known member
I have the Tokina 11-16 2.8 nikon mount and I'm considering buying the Lumix 12-35 2.8

Here's where I'm at. I could really use the Lumix 12-35 with the stabilization for a lot more run & gun work. I currently use my EX1 for all run & gun and the GH2 for interviews or planned shots.

I don't feel that I've used the Tokina all that much. I feel it's quite distorted at the wide end unless I frame my subject exactly in the middle. So for my uses so far, it's a specialty lens I don't use a lot. The difference between 11 and 12 isn't that great.... I can sell it to help fund my purchase towards a 12-35... It seems like a good option to me but I just thought I'd see if I could get some others thoughts on it.

I don't plan on moving to a Nikon system as of now... I can't really think of a good reason to hold on to it when I feel I'd be using the 12-35 as my main lens. I could probably even sell the Lumix 14-140 lens.

I curently have the

Lumix 20mm pancake
Lumix 14-140
Lumix 100-300
Canon FDn 50mm 1.4
Canon FD 50mm macro
Tokina 11-16 2.8

I want the Rokinon 85mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4 for interviews and I'd love to get the Lumix 7-14, 12-35 and 35-100. I really only like the 20mm pancake and 50mm Canon FD that I have right now....
 
I sold mine right after I received the Lumix 12-35. I probably shouldn't have because I will need the Tokina when the BMCC mft ever shows up, but I can't stand lenses sitting around in boxes. The 12-35 is the best run-and-gun solution at the moment, I particularly like the auto iris (compared to anything available for HDSLRs any brand). I did use the Tokina all the time on the steadicam merlin, it was the best lens available for that before the 12-35 arrived, but I admit that the manual focus was really a handicap on that rig.
 
I've only briefly tried the 12-35 and 35-100, but I've got mixed feelings about the 12-35 in particular. They both felt a bit toy like, don't know why but I was expecting a more pro grade feel. The tech in them is a whole new level though and they are incredibly responsive, both for filming and photography. Problem for me with the 12-35, is the range. It's not quite enough on the long end, for when I need this kind of lens ie. run n gun type stuff.
 
I've used the Tokina, but much prefer the 12-35mm's reach, & OIS.

And the 35-100mm is my new favorite interview lens, replacing the EOS 24-105mm.

I'm so enchanted by these two new zooms that I've based my B-Roll kit around them, but won't be getting rid of the 14-140mm. In good light levels a 10:1 zoom still has advantages, particularly for documentary.
 
Ya, the real trick here is to consolidate to what I'll really use and need... I saw some footage last night of the 35-100 and I have to say it looks amazing. I don't particularly care for the zooming in & out on the 14-140 while recording. It looses focus. The bit I've worked with it, I've never been satisfied with it as a documentary lens. Comparing it to my EX1 is like night & day.

However, I'm taking a trip to SE Asia in a few months and lugging the EX1, its case and batteries around doesn't sound as exciting as a few GH2s and a GH3 if I can find a way to work with these newer Lumix X lenses. Maybe the 12-35 on one body and the 35-100 on another body.
 
While zooming the 12-35mm looses focus, & exposure shifts, but briefer than 14-140mm. The 35-100mm can also loose focus during snap zooms, but not on slower zooms, & never exposure shifts.
 
I guess I just have to learn how to shoot with it's limitations. I think I've been spoiled coming from the EX1. How do you manage to perform a snap zoom on the 35-100?
 
Bern Caughey said:
While zooming the 12-35mm looses focus, & exposure shifts, but briefer than 14-140mm. The 35-100mm can also loose focus during snap zooms, but not on slower zooms, & never exposure shifts.
Click to expand...
Is this a defect in the 12-35? It's supposed to be a zoom through (constant aperture) lens, no?
 
scorsesefan said:
Is this a defect in the 12-35? It's supposed to be a zoom through (constant aperture) lens, no?
Click to expand...

I don't think it's a defect because it happens on mine and everyone elses. It can achieve f2.8 throughout its focal length but it doesn't happen purely optically, which is why it will click and have a slight exposure shift instead of being continuous. This is a minor problem for most people. All the other other perks like OIS, weight, weather-sealed, and fast auto-focus make the 12-35mm more useful in more situations. Plus I'm willing the bet the lumix lens is sharper than the Tokina, which is vital if you wanna take advantage of ETC mode.
 
omnikron said:
Maybe the 12-35 on one body and the 35-100 on another body.
Click to expand...
Yes. then the range is covered without having to dismount/remount lenses and obviously there's at least one backup body. I really feel that Panasonic ought to offer this kit. 2 identical GH3's and the two lenses for one price at 15% off the unit costs. They'd get my money. 15% off would be a big deal.
 
I have both lenses and I love the image the Tokina produces but having to work with lens adapters and not being able to control iris from the camera all isn't worth the trouble for me. If I was shooting something with very high budget and and plenty of time and without too much need of changing focus all the time then I would prefer to use the Tokina though just as long as I can fix my lens adapter so that it won't shift the iris when turning the zoomring of the lens.
 
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