Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 vs. Canon EF 17-40mm F4

[Marsu42]

the 77mm 17-40L can even be fitted with 82mm filters with a stop-up adapter since the Canon lens caps I own are designed to take 1 step larger filters (67->77 & 77->82).

Really?

I can really say it for the 17-40L (I currently use it with a 82mm clear filter) and the 70-300L (even takes 82mm on top of a 67 mm filter). But when using a step-up you cannot remove the hood anymore and, screw on the filter from the front...

[R1-7D]

Definitely good information. I didn't know this either.

the 77mm 17-40L can even be fitted with 82mm filters with a stop-up adapter since the Canon lens caps I own are designed to take 1 step larger filters (67->77 & 77->82).

Really?

I can really say it for the 17-40L (I currently use it with a 82mm clear filter) and the 70-300L (even takes 82mm on top of a 67 mm filter). But when using a step-up you cannot remove the hood anymore and, screw on the filter from the front...

[Marsu42]

Here's some sample shots.

Btw: These are very strong flares - it's great if you like them, but if that happens whenever having lights in the scene would be a big problem for me since I often shoot nighttime tripod. I don't know about the 16-35L, but I can say that this wouldn't happen with the 17-40L.

[John Thomas]

I have the Tokina.  Fast & sharp.  Really sharp.  Big & heavy too and will flare just a bit if the light source catches from the side.  Highly recommended for landscapes and really shines on low light interiors.  Don't underestimate the weight, on a 5D3 it's quite a neckfull.

+1

Also the distortions are much less than Canon's 17-40 & Canon 16-35L. OTOH, Tokina flares more. Oh well... you cannot have everything. But in my experience, I stick mostly with Tokina these days. Better image quality overall. (Sharper & less distortions, as I said)

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Tokina is the one third party lens that I'd buy.  They are well built and reliable.  However, I got a 20% off deal on a new Canon 16-35mmL last year, and bought it.
 
I find that ultra wide lenses are not my thing though, so I may sell it for a 24-70mm MK II instead, I still have my old Tokina 17mm f/3.5 Prime for the few times I need really wide shots, and I also have a 15mm FE which also seldom gets used.

[R1-7D]

UWA lenses are definitely a specialty item. I don't see myself using this Tokina for much other than landscapes. It is a really fun lens, however.

[shunsai]

I bought the Tokina 16-28mm about a month ago and I love it!
I'm no expert on UWA photography, but I'm having fun trying to get the hang of it.
My first impressions have been that it's very sharp, good color, low distortion, and affordable. A fantastic lens!

There were instances where I had some flare when the light source was directly in the picture, but it didn't strike me as a major issue or big detractor from the overall quality of this lens.

Here are a couple I took recently.

[R1-7D]

Nice shots! Glad you're enjoying your lens. I am enjoying mine more and more now.

I bought the Tokina 16-28mm about a month ago and I love it!
I'm no expert on UWA photography, but I'm having fun trying to get the hang of it.
My first impressions have been that it's very sharp, good color, low distortion, and affordable. A fantastic lens!

There were instances where I had some flare when the light source was directly in the picture, but it didn't strike me as a major issue or big detractor from the overall quality of this lens.

Here are a couple I took recently.