Tokine 16-28 T3 Cine zoom VS. Sigma 18-35...??

[Kris Tait]

I'm on the fence between the Tokina 16-28 T3 cine zoom and the Sigma 18-35 f1.8, and even after pixel peeping the shit out of these two I still don't have a clear victor. They each have equal perks and pitfalls. Both amazing lenses. While the Sigma obviously is faster with more range, the Tokina I can pick up for only 800 USD more than the Sigma (1200 compared to original 4000 USD..!), and ofcourse has all that a cine lens entails, including better coating, less breathing etc, including being full frame. Amazingly they both weigh virtually the same, and both work fine on the epic mounted on a small Ronin M. I have 24 hours left before one of them goes back on the shelf.
Based on your experience which one would YOU keep in your kit?

Cheers
Kris

 

[Kevin DeOliveira]

Man, that's a tough call. The full frame coverage will be a better long term move (sensors aren't getting any smaller), but the extra speed of the sigma on super35 is very helpful.

I ended up getting the 18-35mm, and I love it. As my father used to say

"if you're so torn on a decision that you really can't make up your mind, both have major upsides. You probably won't lose with either".

 

[Kristin Stewart]

Sorry for the double post, but I'm looking for a reliable answer on this ;-)

Is the Sigma 18-35 covering the sensor of the Scarlet-W at 5K full-frame without vignetting at 18mm wide open ? No issues at all with this combo ?

Thanks,

Kristin

 

[jordan levy]

i had the same thoughts until i played with a friends sigma and was blown away, also faster, smaller, longer range.
now if you can find the tokina cine 50-135 for that cheap then go for it!

 

[Brandon Shafto]

and ofcourse has all that a cine lens entails, including better coating, less breathing etc, including being full frame.

You said it right there, Kris.
There's your answer.

"if you're so torn on a decision that you really can't make up your mind, both have major upsides. You probably won't lose with either".

Excellent advice, Kevin.

I've worked with both and came close to the same conclusion as you, Kris. In the end, those exact same examples you list were what made me decide on the Tonkina.
I love it. Will never look back.

 

[Levi Arnold]

I like both lenses but the Sigma is what I go with because it's faster and a smaller footprint. I do 95% of my shooting in natural light and interior so T3 is just a bit slow. But the cinema features that the Tokina has are definitely worth the slower speed if you light a lot of your shots. Both are great lenses for sure.

Plus the Tokina has a more "wow" impact on clients

 

[Jiri Vrozina]

Tokina cinema 16-28 is full frame and parfocal. It is no brainer for upcoming cameras with larger sensors.