Performance Zoom Lens?

Hoyer? Or Hoya? I have searched but found no hard evidence that Tokina and Hoya are related, and it would be interesting to see something more than internet speculation.

But of course it could be true.

G

An interesting link about the origins of the Tokina engineers:
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/tokina/Tokina_AT-X_M1...

In Hong Kong, as well as USA, Tokina/Hoya/Kenko are distributed together.
http://www.hktimaging.com/

But, as you say George, looking at the company profile for Hoya:
http://www.hoya.co.jp/HOYA_DYNAMIC/index.cfm?fuseaction=company.about_e
I can see no evidence that Tokina is owned by Hoya.
Rather, it looks like a close working relationship - perhaps a bit like Samsumg and Pentax.

Matt

I looked as well as the Photography Monthly surprised me too. I too can find no evidence other than the statement in this month's edition of Photography Monthly. I guess they need to be right if they are going to print it

All I could find was that Hoya supply their glass!

hoya supply most peoples glass!

I had always believed Hoya owned Tokina, but now that I look into it I can't find any evidence asside from the already mentioned THK distributors.

On the linked page "Hoya also makes the substraight material for hard drives and semiconductors"

Always bothers me when the spelling goes awry, makes you wonder if you can actually trust the information, sorry, infirm nation

Almost made a choice:-

Sigma EX 100-300/4 APO DG with 1.4 converter.

Just need to fund this now

That's just the choice I've made recently Gary, mine are on order from www.bhphotovideo.com
I now need to save for something to fill the gap from 50 to 100mm, the Pentax 50-135 is looking favourite but it's going to take some saving.
(And convincing if you know what I mean!)

My lens is on its way, hope to have delivery next Monday curtiousy of a fellow forum member

Looking forward to trying it out the following weekend.

I have one of these and use it for airshows. If it's bright conditions and you can stop it down to f/8 or smaller, then it is a fine lens - especially for the money. If you're using it in less than ideal conditions and have to use it wide open, then at either extremity of the zoom it shows it's budget roots. Wide open on anything over 300mm it's pretty dire. Give it plenty of light and shoot between f/8 and f/16 I have no major issues though it still gives its best if you knock it back a touch from 400mm. I don't know if this link will work, if not, I'll upload an example later when I'm at home.

Duncan

this photo looks encouraging good.

anyone second the IQ of the sigma 135-400?

i remember i have read some mixed user reviews.

I'd say the mixed reviews are entirely accurate. Used in the middle of the zoom range, well stopped down on the aperture, it is good. BUT, and this is a big but, wide open it's 'pants', especially so at full zoom. Also, don't even think about using this lens with a t/con.

If you live somewhere where the sun shines brightly, and you really only need 300mm most of the time, then go ahead and buy one, you'll be pleased. If you live in gloomy Northern Europe, and want to take pictures of small birds in winter, then forget it, you'll be disappointed. I'd imagine the user reviews are very mixed because of these differing scenarios.

Be aware that this lens has been, or is about to be, discontinued, you may struggle to find one, especially in Pentax fit, before very long.

If I did enough photography to warrant long lens use all the time, I'd buy something better. The cost of a high quality long lens is high, and I really can't justify spending the £££ for the amount of use it gets. If you want to use a long lens a lot, I recomment you skip the 135-400 and buy something better. For now and again use in bright conditions, it's fine.

Duncan