200mm Komine vs 200mm Tokina?

[johanborg]

Hi, this is my first post here, but long time lurker! Mostly I hang out in some Pentax forums, but as I started using more and more old M42 and P/K lenses I spent more time here...

Anyway, I have the opportunity of getting either a Komine made (serial 28....) P/K mount Vivitar 200mm f3.5 or a Tokina (serial 37....) P/K TX mount Vivitar 200mm f3.5. The Tokina is quite a bit cheaper, but also a bit larger.

But more importantly... Do anyone know how they compare IQ wise?

I already have an old m42 komine 200mm in pretty bad cosmetic shape, that delivers quite good results, except for flare. Anyone know how either of these would compare to that older lens?

//Johan

[johanborg]

Thanks Relayer, very interesting! This makes me lean towards the Tokina, from this test it seems like a better performer.

//Johan

[aoleg]

I used to own both Komine and Tokina made 200/3.5 lenses. The Komine made lens is sharper with neutral bokeh. Tokina offers much smoother bokeh, but is less sharp than the Komine design. I sold both in favor of a Nikkor 200/4, which is significantly sharper and offers insane contrast and great, saturated colors (its bokeh is less smooth than Komine, but there is always something to give up).

[Big Dawg]

I own both and the TX is a little softer. I would not mind either when going on a shoot as both give good performance. Both will show some flair or fringing if conditions are right as they do not have the most modern coatings. Here are a few photos with both...

First the Komine.






Now the Tokina.....

[johanborg]

Thanks for your advice, the Komine was already sold, so my decision was made easy for me. Comparing the Tokina TX with my old m42 Komine, it seems maybe a tad less sharp, but I suspect better coatings, as I believe it is not as flare sensitive as the old Komine.

Samples (Tokina):