New Macro Lens: Tokina AT-X M35 Pro Dx

Tokina has announced a new macro lens for Canon and Nikon crop sensors, the AT-X M35 PRO DX. Equivalent to a 52.5mm (35*1.5) focal length on Nikon DX and 56mm (35*1.6) on Canon APS-C, this lens is set to hit the market in late December, just around for Christmas. Its price will be around USD 600.

Some more specifics about the lens:

• Consists of 9 elements in 8 groups
• Maximum aperture of f/2.8; minimum aperture of f/22
• Closest focusing distance: 14 cm
• Maximum magnification is 1:1
• Weight: 340 grams

This is going to be one of the few macro lenses dedicated to the crop-sensor digital SLR camera. The small minimum focusing distance on this lens sounds advantageous in getting close to the subject, but the initial minimum price seems to be a bit higher than I would like it to be. Tokina's new lens will have to be impressive in image quality to steal away the sales from the dedicated Canon and Nikon macro lenses currently on the market.