> Which of these two lenses would be the better choice? I am a > photojournalist at a daily paper and shoot lots of sports. The > Pentax f4 is selling at KEH for about $150 (Exc Plus), and the > AT-X at KEH for about $200 (bargain cond).
Both lenses are good lenses (assuming that the KEH "bargain" lens is in good shape (and KEH is usually quite conservative in ratings). I used to have the Tokina, and I still have the Pentax. Both are quite good optically. Both are reasonably rugged. Both are one-touch zooms. The biggest difference, I think, is the one-stop speed advantage for the Tokina. However, that does make the Tokina both bulkier and heavier. The Pentax gives you a greater zoom range (and a 3:1 zoom range ~is~ significantly more generous than a 2.5:1 range). The Pentax has a built-in sliding hood, while the Tokina (as I remember it) has a clip-on hood (that is easily knocked off). The Tokina has a built-in rotating tripod bracket. Earlier Tokina versions of this lens will not have the A electrical contacts or aperture setting like the Pentax does, while later versions will have 'em (if this important to you). Well, that's my thoughts for now. Fred - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
