Above: the 365 pic, shot at f/8. Below: a similar composition wide open at f/4.5.

After the photowalk yesterday, while editing pictures, I noticed that the subject of several shots was completely out of focus. This was somewhat bothersome, as my initial thought was that something was wrong with a) the lens; b) the D7000’s green dot focus computer; c) my technique.

I’ve been meaning to review the Tokina for quite some time, as I’ve been unable to find any lengthy user reviews of this particular model (AT-X 35-200 f/3.5-4.5 from sometime during or after 1982). So I went out today to take some random shots of the neighborhood, and took every shot at its minimum aperture and at f/8 to see what was what.

Well, you can see for yourself here.

Both images received the same post-processing in Aperture: +.35 to exposure; +.1 to Brightness; +.05 to Contrast; +.15 to Saturation; +.1 to Vibrancy; and a levels tweak to make sure white and black were represented. Additionally, both pictures received a .1 increase to saturation in the background and .25 increase to definition in the foreground.

I’ll say more in the review, coming soon (hopefully): stay tuned.

D7000. Tokina AT-X 35-200 f/3.5-4.5, at 200mm. 365 pic: ISO800, 1/1250th (AP Mode), f/8; Outtake: ISO800, 1/4000th, f/4. (See above for processing information.)

And it just struck me: a competent professional reviewer would’ve used a tripod to ensure identical composition. Alas, I’m not a professional reviewer: I’m a user, an amateur photographer, and someone more interested in general usability than mtf charts and all that.

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