> I think Tokina lenses are at the top of the class. My only three > non-pentax lenses are Tokina � 100-300ATX/f4, 90/2.5ATX macro and > a 24mm.
My own non-Pentax lenses tend to be either Tokina AT-X or Vivitar Series 1, and (when the choices are essentially identical, as with the AT-X 90/2.5 Macro with 1:1 Macro Extender or the VS1 90/2.5 Macro with 1:1 Macro Adapter) I tend to prefer the AT-X versions. Perhaps the biggest advantage I have seen with AT-X lenses (as compared to VS1 lenses) is that the lenses focus the "right way" (i.e., the "Pentax way"). This is an important characteristic for use with manual focus bodies (if one is used to manually focusing Pentax glass), but it is also useful when using a manual focus lens on an autofocus body with "focus confirmation" (since the "front-focus" and "back-focus" indicators will then point the "correct" way). Still, it is difficult not to appreciate certain VS1 lenses that Tokina never made (and, in fact, Pentax never made), such as the 90-180/4.5 Flat Field Zoom, the 450/4.5 Aspheric Mirror, and the 600/8 Solid Cat, even if they focus the "wrong" way... <g> Fred
