Tokina ATX-i 100mm
Score: 82/100
Tamron 150-500mm
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD offers superb sharpness and effective 3-mode vibration compensation in a relatively portable super-telephoto package. Its drawbacks include a variable aperture that hampers low-light AF and a heavy build that benefits from tripod use. Best suited for wildlife and sports photographers who need long reach without the bulk of native lenses.
The Tokina ATX-i 100mm f/2.8 macro delivers true 1:1 reproduction, a fast aperture and a 55 mm filter thread in a compact package. It lacks an internal focus motor, causing autofocus limitations on some Nikon bodies. Perfect for macro photographers needing high sharpness and decent working distance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 mmbest | — | |
2.8best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.3 mbest | 0.6 m |
| ↓ lower better | 525 gbest | 1,879 g |
— | 3.3best | |
9best | 9best | |
1best | — | |
9best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E-mount |
Mount Compatibility | Full-frame | Sony E-mount |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | External focus | VXD |
Optics(3) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 100 mm | 150-500 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 2.8 | 5-6.7 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.3 m | 0.6 m |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 55 mm | 82 mm |
Weight (g) | 525 g | 1879 g |
Length (mm) | 98 mm | 211 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Tokina ATX-i 100mm f/2.8 for its exceptional sharpness, especially at f/5.6, and its flat-field design that yields edge-to-edge clarity.
Everyday users praise the lens for its striking sharpness, soft bokeh, compactness, and fast aperture that handles low-light situations well. Recurring criticisms focus on the limited autofocus performance on certain Nikon bodies and the need for extra lighting when stopping down to very small apertures.
Professional reviewers consistently praise the Tamron 150-500mm for its excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, especially when stopped down, and for its 2-3 stop VC system that makes handheld shooting at 500mm viable. The VXD autofocus is lauded for speed, quietness and reliable bird-tracking, while the weather-sealed build and Arca-Swiss tripod collar add rugged appeal. Critics note the extending barrel's exposure to elements, the slower variable aperture that hampers low-light AF, and the reduced 15 fps burst on Sony A1 compared with native lenses.
Everyday users echo the pros highlighted by experts, valuing the lens's sharp handheld wildlife results, close-focus flexibility and strong price-to-performance ratio. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight during extended handheld use, occasional low-light autofocus hesitation, and concerns about the extending barrel in dusty or rainy environments.
“fantastic”
“soft beautiful bokeh”
“magnificently soft”
