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Tokina atx-m Lens Range Review
Solid build quality, beautiful bokeh, small and lightweight.
Just a few words that accurately describe the atx-m range of lenses from Japanese giants, Tokina.
Currently, just three lenses in this line-up, with the newly announced tele prime atx-m 56mm F1.4 X due to be launched in the UK very soon. The existing trio of the Tokina ATX-M 85mm f1.8 FE for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras and the Tokina ATX-M 33mm f1.4 Lens and the Tokina ATX-M 23mm f1.4 Lens for the Fujifilm X-mount shooters, pack a punch for the small factor mirrorless camera user.
What does the ATX-M stand for?
The ATX represents Tokina’s advanced technology with the M standing for ‘motif’ and ‘mirrorless’. This is to represent the motivation that Tokina provides to the photographer, helping to create unique and breathtaking photos with mirrorless cameras.
But are these Tokina lenses any good? Let’s dive a little deeper into each lens to find out.
Tokina ATX-M 85mm f1.8 FE
The portrait king and the debutant of the ATX-M line-up. Can you get much better than an 85mm F1.8 for beautifully sharp images with an incredibly shallow depth of field? Perhaps yes, but only if you want to invest more than double the cost of this quality lens.
Key Features
- A classic look with an anodized semi-satin finish
- Simple and sophisticated design
- Creates smooth bokeh thanks to a super-fast 1.8 aperture
- Tokina’s exclusive Super Low Reflection Coating with water, oil and dust repellent
- Anti-mist capabilities
- Quiet and super-fast autofocus
- Take advantage of Sony's in-body 5-axis IS
- Developed in accordance with Sony’s licensing specifications
How much are we talking?
At just £489 (Jul 21) the atx-m 85mm is one of the most affordable F1.8 prime lenses on the market for Sony E-mount cameras. The F1.8 wide aperture not only creates that soft and buttery bokeh, but allows the lens to be a superb low-light performer.
What about videographers?
Not just for photographers either, the super-fast and near-silent AF is ideal for the content creator or videographer than needs to keep their kit light by having lenses with dual functionality.
Being able to make use of Sony’s brilliant in-body image stabilization, the lens fully communicates with the camera body, making it ideal for handheld shooting with very minimal shake - if any!
What about compatibility with Sony cameras?
Built to Sony’s licensing specifications, the 85mm is fully compatible with Sony’s high quality and fast hybrid AF system, the 85mm ATX-M F1.8 provides the user with the same perfect functionality and usability that the Sony own branded lenses will offer.
Would I buy one?
If I happened to be a Sony shooter (which I’m not, Canon all the way!) then I would certainly consider the atx-m series of lenses. With such a high build and image quality from an incredibly affordable lens, it would be silly not to put it into your potential selection list.
Moving on to the Fujifilm lenses…
Tokina ATX-M 23mm F1.4 (no longer available) and Tokina ATX-M 33mm F1.4
Clear, crisp and compact. Designed specifically for the growing mirrorless cameras market with the classic Fujifilm street, landscape and travel photographer in mind. These pair of lenses offer the full-frame equivalent of 35mm and 50mm focal lengths, making them the ideal lens for staying incognito or keeping light whilst on your adventures.
Key Features
- 35mm and 50mm full-frame equivalents
- Super-light and compact
- Fast and near-silent STM motor
- Ready to work with Fujifilm’s film simulation modes
- Click-less aperture ring for smooth aperture control
Are they good for videographers too?
The atx-m 23mm F1.4 sits at just 276g, which when paired with the likes of the small form factor of the Fujifilm cameras, is the ideal partnership for a long day behind the viewfinder. Just like the 85mm, the 23mm and 33mm Fuji X-mount lenses are great for both photographers AND videographers.
The fast and near-silent STM motor means that you won’t find your videos ruined by that AF hunting sound and nor will you find yourself shooting blurry and out of focus action shots.
How well do they work with Fujifilm cameras?
We all know Fuji are fab at offering fantastic film simulation options for their creators and the Tokina atx-m lenses ensure that this colour science is kept as true as possible by being specifically designed to handle and reproduce the Fujifilm colour systems perfectly.
Both X-mount lenses are equipped with a wide and bright F1.4 aperture that not only suits fast-past action but also low-light and nighttime photography. Working well with Fuji’s in-body image-stabilisation, creators can flip between capturing the action out on the streets to capturing star light trails in the deepest darkest of nights.
Would I buy one?
With both lenses coming in at under £400 (Jul 21) I definitely would, yes. I love how the Fuji atx-m lenses have a different design style to that of the Sony E-mount 85mm lens. These two have that classic analogue feel that is synonymous with Fujifilm, so in terms of style points, these lenses max out.
When talking about performance, you can’t argue with F1.4 aperture and the ability to work with your cameras IBIS. The internal build of 11 glass elements in 10 groups (plus multi-coatings) enables these lenses to produce some incredibly clear and crisp images that really support the power and quality of the Fujifilm X-mount cameras.
What’s next?
We’ve got more to come from Tokina here at Clifton Cameras. So keep your eyes peeled for more blogs, video reviews plus a brand new online Tokina shop page >
Want to read more?
- Last year we tested the Tokina Opera line-up, you can read my thoughts on this trio here >
- We've also reviewed the Tokina 100mm f2.8 FF Macro Lens, and you can read about that one here >
Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog, we really do hope they help you out and answer some of your questions. If you still have some unanswered, then please feel free to get in touch with our team of experts.
We have a LiveChat option on our website and we can, of course, be contacted via our email, we're also on the end of the phone too! Read more on how to contact us here >
Want to write for us?
If you've got experience with producing content on photo, video and/or optics products or techniques then we would love to hear from you. Contact our blog editor, Fee, with a sample of your work at fee@cliftoncameras.co.uk.
- By Fiona Chandler
- 27 Jul 2021
