Playing With Lenses: Part 2: the RMC Tokina 80-200 1:4 (model SZ820)

Friday 15 September 2017

Part 2: the RMC Tokina 80-200 1:4 (model SZ820)

Cost: 18.99$ (average market price $43.79)

I actually reviewed this lens model before. But I unknowingly bought the lens a second time (and actually a 3rd time with a different lens mount). So for a more complete review, please read the earlier review.

There is however a difference, as small as it is. The first lens I reviewed has a small red marking on the front, that could mean "TL" or simple a roman "II". The real meaning is being discussed online, and it could actually mean nothing, but some believe that the lens with the marking is a newer version with slightly improved performance, or sign of a higher quality release. We might never know...

So, in this test I might have taken the earlier version, or lower quality version. It does look and feel absolutely the same, made from metal and with a good solid feel to it. Smooth one-touch focus and zoom design without any focus or zoom creep when used in a downwards angle. Aperture ring works great, with full stops.

Image quality was again great for an older zoom of this wide of a range. I thought it was a little less in quality than the first lens I reviewed, but maybe I just got a little more critical know I hand many more old lenses going trough my hands.

This time, I used a plain adapter, so what you see is the real quality of the lens. Still a great lens to add to your collection at an awesome price. And easy to find!

RMC, or Rainbow Multi Coated, stands for a multiple of chemical coatings for lens surfaces with minimum light loss. The result is a dramatic improvement in both color fidelity and brightness and the elimination of flare and ghost images.

Lens Specification:
Focal Length: 80-200mm
Maximum Aperture: F4
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: PK
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 190cm
Maximum Magnification: unknown
Filter Size: 55mm
Weight: 575g
Length: 131mm
Production: unknown
Serial Number: 82211158

More information on: Tokino Co., Ltd

Samples: