We are just in the second month of the year, but there is no slowing of certain launches. For instance, lenses. So far, Nikon and OM System have announced varied lenses for their devices. Joining the fray are Tokin, with the first wide angle for X-mount and Voigtlander for L-mount. The new lens launches add to the growing pool of optics high-resolution cameras. However, are they worth investing in? Let’s find out.
Tokina Launches Bright Lens for Fujifilm
After several rumors, Tokina finally unveiled its first wide-angle zoom lens, the 11-18mm f2.8 ATX-M. According to Fujifilm Rumors, the company’s first foray into lenses for Fujifilm mount was met with disappointment, as the lenses were mere clones of Voltrox lenses but simply priced higher. In addition, in 2023, this Tokina trinity was discounted. However, with time, the company decided to give it a second try with an APS-C lens, which was launched recently. This is a Fujifilm version of the already existing Sony E-mount. Here is a brief look at its specs:
- 13 elements in 11 groups, 2 aspherical and 2 super low-dispersion glass elements
- 9-round bladed diaphragm
- Macro ratio: 1:9.2 (wide) / 1:12.4 (tele)
- Minimum focusing distance: 19cm (wide) / 30cm (tele)
- Filter size: 67mm
- Compatible with Fujifilm cameras, including Image Stabilization, AF+MF, MF Assist mode, Eye Detection, and optical corrections
- Measures 74.4mm in length and weighs 320g
- Micro USB port (Type B) connector for firmware updates
- Price: $599.00
It has been a while since we tested an APS-C camera lens, especially one from Tokina. The last one we did put through the paces was the Tokina 20mm f2 FiRIN AF for the Sony FE mount. This version was simply an AF version of the existing manual focus lens, with no major updates to the specs or even weather sealing. While we did like the sharpness it provided, the image quality and bokeh were a bit underwhelming for us. So, we believe that Tokina may have produced another great quality lens for Fujifilm, but if it still misses out on weather sealing, then we have a problem.
At the same time, Tamron has an 11-20mm f2.8 for Fujifilm, Sony and Canon RF. We tested the Canon version, and we weren’t satisfied, but with the Sony version, the lens performed well and had a weather sealing. The only caveat is that the lens has softer edges, which won’t be ideal for architectural photography. At the same time, it is priced slightly higher at $659. So, while Fujifilm users have a cheaper option, you need to weigh the odds: weather sealing vs price, range vs performance. Tokina may be cheaper and has extra focal range, but you may miss out on weather sealing, which could make it challenging to shoot in outdoor conditions.
Cosina Voigtlander Launches a New 35mm Lens
Cosina had been rumored to launch a new Voigtlander lens for Leica mount at the CP+ Show. However, the company decided to release it much sooner for unknown reasons. Per the specs, these 35mm f3.5 lenses weigh a mere 99 grams and measure just 14mm. Here are other specs:
- Manual focus
- 6 elements in 4 groups
- 10 aperture blades
- 0.7m focusing distance
- 34mm filter size
- Available in silver and black colors
- Priced at 102,000 yen ($672) for silver and 105,000 yen ($692) for the black version
In our review of the Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 MC, we were quite impressed by its performance for Leica mount. “The Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 MC is a massive step up from many other third-party M-mount lenses that exhibit wobble with the build quality. Perhaps this fact will continue to be the foundation that makes you happy as you capture the moment. Alas, we still wish this lens were weather resistant,” we stated. The new lens certainly sounds like a great, affordable edition for Leica cameras. However, we aren’t sure whether it has a weather sealing with it. If that is the case, then like Tokina, photographers will have to make some sacrifices.
Since there is no mention of weather sealing, it is safe to assume that the companies may have overlooked this aspect to reduce the cost. However, in 2025, we do need to let go of this thinking for a better future.