Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro Review

Darren Miles, Southwest Florida and Naples Based, Wedding, Portrait, Family and Real Estate Photographer;
www.DarrenMiles.com
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CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION: So to wrap up this review, we gave the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro lens a 46.5/50 and our Highly recommended rating! So to answer the original question, did the Angry Photographer make a decent recommendation? Yup, he did. Thanks angry, as I would have most likely picked up the much more expensive Nikon 105mm f/2.8 micro - which granted has VR, but it’s also more than double the price.
THE FINAL WORD: If you’re anything like me and you’ve recently changed systems to Nikon and you need a high quality, good value macro lens, then look no further than the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro with it’s excellent combination of fantastic build and great optics both for macro and portraiture and all for a very reasonable price, then it’s really hard not to highly recommend a lens like this. Tokina has historically done a great job offering 3rd party glass with superior build and great optics and all for very reasonable prices, the 100 f/2.8 is exactly that, I just wish the focus motor were a bit faster, and a bit quieter.
This is Darren Miles, with Darren Miles Photography based here in beautiful, sunny Naples, FL, if you like these reviews, please don’t forget to “SUBSCRIBE!” Thank you so much for watching, and until the next time, happy shooting!

[@kathodosdotcom]

At 2:38, too true, its build is way above its price! Well, all the macro lenses hunt in AF to some 'significant' degree, depends on lighting and contrast of subject. awesome video, awesome video using the lens, awesome SHOTS with same. Just awesome :) !!

[@DarrenMiles]

Theoria Apophasis Thanks Ken! Appreciate the recommendation!

[@kathodosdotcom]

nothing to thank me for man! Winks*

[@charlatan19]

He dun gud diddnt he Ken ?!!!

[@kathodosdotcom]

hehehehh, well, yeah,

[@kaichinn]

+Theoria Apophasis haha, good recommendation Ken (Ken just recommended this lens to me as well with my inquiry!) ;)

[@giangvu7902]

I really like your review style. Straight to the point and easy to follow. Keep it up!

[@gordonwolf6074]

Way to go Darren, totally took all or most of my questions and did exactly what your review had intended! I'm sold on this lens and cant wait to get those depth pictures that I have wanted for a long time! Also its Senior picture time with twins! Perfect for the occasion.

[@glenngolter5603]

Thank you Darren! This looks like the macro lens that I've been searching for.

[@scottedwards5191]

Really nice review - thank you!! Your reviews are CRISP and really enjoyable.

[@marshal165]

Awesome Review..... Especially the variety of pictures and videos samples ....Great work 👍👍👍

[@joylaine3193]

Great video... I also bought one on Kens recommendation...I couldn't be happier with a lens.. Got some amazing shots...

[@evanmcknight2566]

Hi Darren. Great review. I picked this lens up over Christmas. They were going for $340 with a rebate. I love this lens! As you said it produces images well beyond it's price point. I've heard many positive reviews, but I was more than impressed with this lens despite having high expectations. As you said the build is also great (which is becoming a rare thing these days). It really is a steal/no brainier. Keep up the great work.

[@BarryWardPhoto]

Another awesome video Darren! Keep up the great work.

[@zbruch66]

thank you! Nice review! Good blurred background and lighting condition, perfect speech and beautiful music. I bought this lens recently

[@wayneleinen7030]

zbruch66 Glad you liked it...

[@lesleyh2007]

I have owned this lens for 3 to 4 years now and use it mainly for Macro and occasionally for portraits. I can only agree with all the points made here. The focus is definitely buzzy. You can't help but notice it. However this is so minor compared to all that is excellent about the lens. I did own the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR Micro which I got rid of after using the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro. The Nikkor was a good lens but heavier, much more expensive and the Tokina just worked better for me. The workmanship on the Tokina reminds me of older Nikkor lenses when things showed craftsmanship. Lenses from my film days but this lens shines on digital DSLR's. I haven't regretted the switch for a moment. I do use a lot of Nikkor lenses but am not shy of 3rd party photography products when they can do the job at a lower price.

[@martinsmyth540]

Thats on my shopping list :) Thank you Miles and ken

[@ducksinarow9272]

I just picked up a copy of this lens today...can't wait to try it out....GREAT review by the way.... Canon newby.

[@efreutel]

Remarkably entertaining review, and such spectacular photographs. A superb review. Many thanks!😊

[@MrCochise71]

amazing lens. one of my best lenses ever. great vid!

[@guylstephenson]

Great review and very helpful. I have the D750 and have scratching my head over what macro lens to buy. Based on this video and reviews everyone has written, I'm going with the Tokina!

[@DarrenMiles]

Guy Stephenson is a great lens! And I still use it today :-)

[@EricSnissaert]

Thanks Darren. I just bought the lens for Nikon. I'm exited to be able to work with it.

[@elizabethcastro9339]

Just got mine today based on you review! Love it!

[@ausi14u]

I see your point, the presentation says it all.

[@sidneyan2603]

Thank you. Best review on this lens ever! Awesome job.

[@DarrenMiles]

+Sidney Alves do Nascimento Thank you very much!

[@madassmac]

+Darren Miles Just ordered mine and I can't wait to shoot some Macros. Thank you for this comprehensive review. Keep up the great work👍🏼

[@DarrenMiles]

+Martin Infante Nice!

[@pianoman6639]

Great video just purchased the latest over the Nikon 105 ,thanks for helping me make the decision

[@OZZIEMV]

You had me in the first 30 secs of this video. "Canon shooters, trying to find similar Nikon lenses to fulfill the same requirements". I've been trying to swap over since 2015. Great video Darren, thumbs up. BTW, I've just purchased this lens and looking forward to it equalling my Canon 100mm f2.8 L macro.

[@VasilWho]

Great review, thanks. I wish this lens was weather sealed, but I guess it's not a deal breaker. Buying it for my Nikon D7100 and saving for a full frame camera.

[@chrisfrancis1364]

My Tokina is on its way, going to pair it with my new Canon 90D, cant wait to see what results I can get.

[@paulinap-k8409]

Omg!!glad to see your comment. How is your tokina lens?? I wonder if you can do focus stacking ?? Because I was reading focus stacking in 90d works only with particular lenses :/

[@richard381able]

I have used this lens on my Canon for over a year and love the quality. I use mainly on manual, but with steady targets auto is fine. Center focus and depth quality is great.

[@obsidian00]

Great review...you sold me on this lens!

[@ImACarbonCopy]

hi Darren I think you were spot-on with that review. this little macro lens is a tank very tough very tough

[@marioplus321]

I have just paired it with my 6Dm2 and it works fantastically!Fine bokeh, fast responce, sharpness at the point of expectation!worth the money!

[@victorrivera6375]

Darren, I just purchased the Tokina 100mm lense, waiting for it to come in so I can use it with my d600. Thanks again, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

[@guddakaka]

Is it sharper than Nikon 85mm 1.8G? I know this 85 mm is not a macro lens but still interested to know.

[@shuswaptoy]

Great video, review and showcase of the Tokina 100Macro F2.8

[@DarrenMiles]

+shuswaptoy Thank you very much!

[@ronaldplesco9661]

Excellent video. Once I received my Tokina Macro and saw the results, I parked my Nikon 105mm Micro Nikkor on the shelf. The shots with the Tokina look so much better. And as far as the Tokina not having VR, when shooting macro, you wouldn't need it anyway. We can thank Ken W. for turning us on to this awesome lens. Super review, and production!!

[@DarrenMiles]

+Ronald Plesco Thank you very much!

[@Dakai2007]

Mine is on the way and I can't wait thanks for the further affirmation/ confirmation on my purchase the Angry Photographer sold it anyway but this vid just drove the point home that much more so again thanks for sharing.

[@jc32750]

Nice review. Saw Kens review and got me interested in this lens. You should go by the name The Nice Photographer LOL

[@DryasAnne]

Very nice review! Just ordered one.

[@DarrenMiles]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johnarmstrong5727]

Excellent review of this lens, I also have bought the tokina 100mm 2.8 after watching Kens review and using the 28-80 2.8 tokina I bought last summer (both ebay uk) I am happy with the AF speed on screw drive lenses for my spare time photography and have a now 14 year old 70-300 vr afs nikon for the small amount of wildlife photography I do. One of the best presented reviews I have seen.

[@TheEstibon]

excellent Video, i am also looking at Tokina 100mm F/2.8 after Ken's recommendation. i just received my Tokina 300mm F/4.today, great build quality. very nice photos. i really like it. now the Tokina 100mm. i have only used Nikon up to this point, but i am glad i tried Tokina, thanks to ken and now your video i am a Tokina fan. Thanks again for the in depth Review.

[@seal-nowweretalking6753]

Darren, I really love your reviews. In my opinion - the best on the web. Can you please review the ony 90mm f/2.8 macro oss G-series. Thanks.

[@spansaver]

I bought this lens a couple months back and love it. Also bought a Tokina 11-20 2.8 which is also a fantastic (and highly underrated) lens! Oh, and the photos are just as sharp with a Canon camera as well!

[@billk5631]

Great video. Excellent speaking and audio. I just bought this lens based on Angry Photographers review

[@DarrenMiles]

Thanks Bill!

[@Mjollnir1234]

I'm getting one this Friday for my D750 and 7200. Can't flippin' wait.

[@oaklandtobangkok]

Love your videos and especially this review. I am a still on the fence between the (much) different and more costly Nikon 105mm 2.8 DC. I love the macro on the Tokina, it would be my first macro. I'll probably end up with both.

[@isaacsung336]

Great review. I always enjoy your reviews. And the music.... is so awsome.

[@DarrenMiles]

+Yuki Sung Thank you very much!

[@wayneleinen7030]

Glad you liked it! Thx.

[@brysonmartin5405]

This is an amazing lens, I shoot action with it and it's superb. Thx to the nutty photographer for the heads up.

[@robmelone6947]

I also bought the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro lens based on Ken's persistence of owning this lens. I also purchased the Nikon 60mm f2.8D lens, which Ken states is a "must own". Got both on eBay for less than $500 total. I love these lenses....

[@iSabier]

I have to thank you for this review. This review has convinced me to look outside the Canon family of expensive macro lenses.

[@DarrenMiles]

+iSabier Thank you very much - you should really thank the Angry Photographer, he turned me on to the lens in the first place.

[@tophtml1]

I believe that this lens' does not have its own autofocus motor and operates, solely, on the "Screw Drive" motor that is built into the higher end Nikons. Problems with speed and noise would be shared between the camera and the lens although my D800E drives my copy of this lens quietly and quickly.

[@mml3140]

wwweeshoooooo......subscribed. The test shots were gorgeous and this after someone HIGHLY recommended and showed me their great shots. Going to try the Canon version on Sony body (was eyeing the Sony 90 Macro) but this is a 3rd of the price , Ill see how it performs in that scenario.

[@TheChefRod]

Thanks for the very detail and full of valuable information, I just purchase mine. (and subscribed to your channel)

[@kevinlane2365]

Great video Darren. Just got my Tokina 100mm delivered today. This weekend is for shooting for sure! I was wondering, what did you shoot this video with; it came out beautiful quality! Thanks!

[@DarrenMiles]

GH4, Olympus 75mm f/1.8 lens...

[@mokotramp]

Great video, thanks for posting Darren!

[@DarrenMiles]

+mokotramp Thank you very much!

[@Gibson1976uk]

My bag always has this lens and the Sigma art 18-35 F1.8 :) between the two, I have had STUNNING results for event work

[@isaacsung336]

I got this lens today, and it's an AMAZING lens for the money. WOW am I impressed. I am really nitpicky when it comes to optical resolution of a lens, and this lens brings A LOT of performance for the money. I don't know why I didn't get it earlier. AF is slower than I expected even after hearing that it's only mediocore at its best from you. However that was when I was doing AF test with the lens cap on doing work from minimum focus to infinity. In real-life situations, it was oaky. It does sometimes hunt a lot when in macro situation, but I prefer manual focus anyways for macros. Only other drawback was the chromatic abberation just like you have said it in the clip. Other than that.. this is truely an amazing lens. I got the Canon mount version

[@diaasameh]

I ve followed Theoria Apophasis on his recommendations regarding the 85mm 1.8G for portraits and it rocks, & Darren Miles you are the best accurate reviewer ;)

[@MiCoke03]

Awesome helpful review!

[@michaellippert]

Great review and now it's between Sigma or Tokina macro lenses. I've switched to Nikon also and my friend also ditched his Canon(s) and moved to Nikon and Sony (A7), he's filmed for Vogue! Great portrait photographer.

[@continuumnxt6417]

This is definitely an awesome lens !!

[@Argyll9846]

I've used the Nikon 105 Micro which hunts a bit in AF and was considering buying it until I saw Ken's review. After watching your video and looking at the shots you've taken, I think Tokina is a clear winner over the Nikon 105. Ken's definitely the man when it comes to picking lenses; he's also a really amusing guy and great fun to watch and listen to when in full rave mode.

[@DarrenMiles]

+Nicholas Fox He's definitely off the wall, but when it comes to lenses, the man knows his stuff.

[@VictoryStudios2012]

Why cant all review videos be like this?! Amazing information, the the point, and legit feedback!

[@DarrenMiles]

Thank you very much!

[@njrivetelite]

I am currently shooting with canon, do you think this would be a good choice for me? I do some product work and I do portraits. I do want the Canon 100 2.8 L but don't wanna drop $800-900 just yet

[@ron3117]

I just bought this lens based upon Ken's recommendation and this video. I purchased it to use on my D810, the first time I tried using this lens, there was an error code "FEE" In the view finder. Initially I was disappointed, however, after researching on line, I discovered you need to manually see the F stop on the Tokina to its smallest stop, f32. At that point the code went away and the lens functioned as it should. I really didn't understand the why for this, and surprised that bit of information was not mentioned in this video or others I viewed. Overall I'm very pleased with this lens.

[@Slowjo1221]

You sold me on this lens, purchasing today

[@peterschlemihls]

I use this lense to shoot artwork. It is so sharp, I dont miss any detail of any shade of a painting.

[@larryflewers4607]

I have this lens paired with my Canon 6D it is my go to lens for portrait work. The optics are nothing short of amazing and it's built like a tank. I was in the market for a 100mm and was tempted by the Canon until I watched your video review so thank you as you saved me a bunch of money.

[@serginaru]

how is the focusing barrel? is it smooth enough? I've hear some complains :/

[@larryflewers4607]

+Sergio Denis There is no problem with my one :-)

[@carlosdias-xm4qv]

thank you very much. your inform was very helpful to choose which one i must buy. I always buy nikon lens however, i decided to buy tokina 100mm instead. have a beautiful day! *

[@PankajGoswamih]

Thank for your discussion about the lense . I have confused it would be buy or not ? Is better or worst. Your clarification is cleared my doubt and now I want to buy this product and it is under my budget.. thank you 😊

[@arunhvk]

Good Review. Thank You

[@pantag2]

Nice review! I also have a D750 and just ordered the Tokina 100mm f2.8. As it will be my first lens to experiment macro shooting, do you need a tripod if you are out walking and want to capture a bug, flower, old lock etc? Will the outcome be decent and somewhat sharp?

[@theory8sf]

You guys think this lens to good to shoot wide open at f2.8 for portraits?

[@exngnuo]

Very good review making it Simple and real.

[@DarrenMiles]

tom nguyen Thanks Tom!

[@christopherkotsopoulos701]

Great review! Did you your images to be tack sharp all over even when shooting at f/2.8?

[@tejasgandhi9146]

After making such excellent videos why dont u get more subscribers Your videos are just amazing

[@nadeemafzal8984]

An excellent review - v eloquent

[@Ilustre87]

Hi from “beautiful, SUNNY Tampa. Nice work I went and buy mine right away

[@smkunder1]

Great video, a lens I am considering on my D500. Do you think for macro it would be a winner on DX?

[@samiturunen5335]

Thanks Darren for this review!

[@DarrenMiles]

StrobistDude Bokeh You're welcome!

[@samiturunen5335]

I bought this lens after viewing couple of forums and this review - good reviews overall. I've been very pleased to this Tokina lens (never owned Tokina before), especially sharpness part. And I actually find AF/MF clutch quite handy... Hopefully it won't get too loose etc. over the years...

[@markshirley01]

thanks really helpful - I shoot with a D750 both images and video. Did you shoot the video clips with the D750. So nice to see someone else using this camera for video.

[@Zeppy007]

Great video as always Darren :-) I have the Nikon 105 macro as well as the Nikon 200 and the Nikon 60 2.8 D :-) Do you think I should sell the Nikon105 for the Tokina? I don't really need the VR so I would think yes no brainer!

[@kingdom777866]

Got this lens on order.. i will be using it with a Nikon D810 so im expecting a few good results.. mybe post a few on here..

[@ernest4483]

Just got mine this week on the D750 so is a sweet lens

[@DarrenMiles]

And a great deal too!

[@arijitghosh6378]

So I get that the lens is awesome but would its lack of vibration reduction not be a problem in real life situations? Also, is the lens a viable option for APS-C bodies?

[@LegendaryPhenom]

Is it suitable for close up macros? I mean really close macro of insects or flowers, so i can capture all the details and textures

[@moazzamtariq74]

This is one of the best lens I ever owned. Currently using on Nikon d7500. Any suggestion for similar prime lens in the range of 50mm to 85 mm with low price which returns the same level of bueatiful and clear pictures?

[@kokhertan9581]

Just bought mine today. Odd thing is that instruction manual says that i need to set it to f32 so the "FEE" error doesnt apear in our camera. But mine is the other way round. "Fee" appear at f32 but not the other bigger aperture. it worked but it loses the lock mechanism. Help! Do you i should send it back?

[@chrisfrancis1364]

Hi Darren, great review, may I ask why you switched to Nikon from Canon?

[@PhotographyByLenny]

Great Review. Thanks. I have a Nikon D7100 crop sensor camera. Do you recommend this lens for macro work on a D7100?

[@mendex2006]

+Photography By Lenny I have the same, D7100 + Tokina 100mm, works PERFECT! Link to my flickr for some examples --> www.flickr.com/photos/136937114@N05/25569181541/in/album-72157662461580626/

[@kaichinn]

Great Review, i will have to subscribe! :)

[@yvesb.5190]

Hi Darren! Thanks a lot for your review! Would you still recommend this lens in 2020? Did you ever try the Laowa 60mm or 100mm Macro (both with 2x magnification) and woud you recommend any of those over the Tokina. Or is there any other (affordable) Option to consider for Nikon F mount (Aps-c)? Would you say that the Tokina is a viable option for free hand macro even if it doesn't have image stabilization? Thabks again and kind regards from Luxembourg (Europe)

[@victorrivera6375]

Great video. I'm considering a macro lens and the tokina 100mm has had great reviews. thanks.

[@DarrenMiles]

+Victor Rivera Thank you!

[@victorrivera6375]

Darren, you're welcome. I actually have the tokina 12-24mm ii f4 lens and it's great. I have all but a dedicated macro, so I'm looking at the tokina. Again thanks. I'm out here in Florida myself.

[@chriskamminga7901]

Awesome vid as always! I really hope you could answer this question: will the autofocus work on my d5300?

[@caponebr]

Chris Kamminga it works like Nikon D lenses requiring a motor drive thus D7000s but not D3000s or D5000s

[@godfathermetal3162]

Help please. With many health issues I know find that I shake more than most. What would you recommend. This lens or one with an image stabilizer, and if you would go to a stabilizer model which would be your pick ? Thank you for your time, and help, Mike

[@LennyBonapart]

bought it, based on your and angry's recommendation! They should give you royalties!

[@laurentb8323]

Recently bought Tokina 100mm macro to go with my D850 and can't get the focus shift shooting mode to activate on camera which is a great pity, I've tried changing settings on camera without success, any ideas

[@muhannadfakih5195]

Sigma 105mm f2.8 ex dg hsm OS macro vs tokina at pro 100 f2.8 macro / nikon mount!!?? incase there have same price??

[@justinaldrich692]

Didnt show one extreme up close... to me at least. How could it photograph a moth at 1:1??

[@yuranideuht1261]

A 'true' Macro lens which the Tokina 100mm is, can project a 1:1 image of a subject onto the sensor ..... assuming, of course, the projected image fits onto the sensor.

[@MrTanker10a]

Hello Darren, I am on the market for a Macro lens for NIKON D750…Thanks for a great video review on the Tokina 100mm…I have never thought of using a Macro lens for regular portrait shots... I currently use a Tokina 11-16mm/f2.8. You have convinced me to keep using Tokina as my alternate choice of lens in addition to the NIKKOR lenses... Btw: I am looking for a handle Selfi stick for my iPhone 6. You are playing with your phone video at 7:40. What kind of stick/handle is that? I need one for public events because some Selfi sticks (like the one I have) are no longer allowed anymore and particularly at the PGA events. Thanks in advance for your prompt response… Cheers!

[@Cartoongurlify]

Can I use this for portraits during a ceremony? Someone said It might be slow.

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Do you know if this lens is made (without an adapter) for the Sony A7-II?

[@TheSaumon15]

Hello thank for your video i have a question .I have a APS-C Nikon D3200 the AF work well whitch this lens ??? Sorry for my english

[@ClearImageWebDesign]

What camera is used to film the intro and lens.... i love that the camera and you are just in focus? thanks