We recently tested the Tokina 25-75mm T2.9 cinema zoom lens (EF) for Super 35 (S35) sensors on our RED Komodo digital cinema camera using the standard Canon RF-EF adapter. 

This is a good lens overall and works well with the camera. The build is solid and the ergonomics are professional. Optically, it is sound with good edge to edge sharpness and no significant ghosting or falloff. The most unique thing about this lens is it’s very generous 36mm image circle which far exceeds the size of the Komodo’s 6K S35 sensor (30.5mm image circle). This is the headliner for this lens because it allows the Komodo to use the best portion of the optics.

We also tested the DZO Film Pictor 20-55mm zoom lens and found the Tokina to be superior. Our copy of the Pictor suffered from significant softness and color fringing around the edges, whereas the Tokina does not.

The Tokina is heavy when compared to a 24-70mm f/2.8 stills zoom, but relatively light and compact versus most cinema zooms. It’s just light enough to use without a support in some applications, but heavy enough to require support if used with a focus wheel.

We like to test lens parfocality using both a Siemens star chart and a real star (or planet) in the night sky which we call our “infinity point of light” test. We found our copy of the Tokina 25-75mm T2.9 cinema zoom to be parfocal out of the box with no need to add or remove shims.

With the 1.33 Komodo S35 crop factor, this lens produces a 33-100mm full-frame equivalent field of view. 

Thanks to Tokina Cinema USA and Omega Broadcast & Cinema in Austin, Texas for providing the lens to us for evaluation. 

About: Martin Lisius is a producer, director and cinematographer for Texas-based Prairie Pictures, Inc. and is the founder of StormStock, a footage collection featuring premium weather and climate content utilized for high-end TV and movie productions worldwide.