Soligor (Tokina) 400/6.3, the biggest of the T4's

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

I've just received the latest installment in the old Tokina Auto-T4 range, the biggest lens made for the T4 mount, a 400/6.3. This is a Soligor, and apparently the same lens was also sold by Vivitar. This is a somewhat uncommon lens, as this is the first one I've seen in three months.

My Tokina T4 (and related) collection is missing just three lenses at this point - the 250/4, 105/2.8, and 135/3.5

Its a fairly light lens for its size, as befits something that has a resemblance to the fabled "wundertute". This is not however a "wundertute", as it is a telephoto and not merely a long lens. It is shorter than my Spiratone or Komura. It is also an auto-diaphragm lens, but that is of course a moot point on a DSLR. It also has an excellent built-in lens hood.

I have to say though that it is a disappointment. It lacks the sharpness of my Spiratone and Komura and Soligor-Tamron 350 or of its Sears-Tokina 300mm cousin, and there was a lot of color fringing in the hazy sunshine. Its minimum focus distance is greater than my other 400's also, at 25ft/8m, so the "bird" shot was not worthwhile.

There were a lot of boats in the water, being Friday afternoon, and aircraft, etc., so theres a fair bit of attempts at moving object shooting in this set.

crop -

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

hm... I can not say this lens impresses me much, I'm afraid.

Richard_D · Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 2378 Location: Faversham Kent UK

Sadly I agree - it's not terrible but not up to the non-tele's you've shown.