Tokina's fast ultra-wide zoom for APS-C DSLRs with constant f/2.8 and excellent build.
The Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 Pro DX II is a fast ultra-wide zoom for APS-C DSLRs, updated around 2012 from the original. With a constant f/2.8 aperture across 16-24mm equivalent, it offers the widest constant fast aperture in its class. The clutch-style manual focus ring provides instant AF/MF switching.
Optical quality is good with strong centre sharpness and reasonable corners from f/4. The constant f/2.8 is valuable for astrophotography and low-light architecture. Build is solid with a one-touch clutch focus mechanism that slides the focus ring forward for manual focus. The 11-16mm range is narrow — essentially a one-and-a-half-stop zoom.
Available in Canon EF-S and Nikon F DX mounts. Filter thread is 77mm. The narrow 11-16mm range is this lens's oddity — most competitors offer 10-20mm or wider. The Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX later offered wider range.
Good value used. Check the clutch focus mechanism and AF motor. The constant f/2.8 at this wide angle is the key selling point for astrophotography. The narrow zoom range limits versatility but the fast aperture is unmatched in the APS-C ultra-wide category.