Canon 7-63mm T2.6 vs Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL
Canon 7-63mm T2.6 vs Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL
When comparing Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL and Canon 7-63mm T2.6, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Canon 7-63mm T2.6 is the winner with a weight of 1980 g compared to the 2680 g that Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL weighs.
Winner: Canon 7-63mm T2.6
Regarding weight: The weight of a lens is something you need to consider, since you have to carry it around on the camera as long as you're shooting. It adds to the total weight of your camera and it's important to keep the weight low if you get tired in your arms when taking photographs or filming.
2. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Arri PL Mount. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
3. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.5 compared to the 2.6 aperture of Canon 7-63mm T2.6. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
4. Focus Distance Comparison
Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL features a minimum focus distance of 45 cm while Canon 7-63mm T2.6 has a minimum focus distance of 60 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL might be a better choice.
Winner: Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL
Regarding minimum focus distance: The minimum focus distance of a lens is the smallest distance from the lens to the subject you want to be in focus; subjects closer than the lens' minimum focus distance will not be in focus. Whether or not this is important to you is up for you to decide, but some want to take close photos and videos and in those cases it's important to have a lens with a low minimum focus distance.
5. Lens Type Comparison
The Canon 7-63mm T2.6 is a Zoom lens while the Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL is a Prime lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Canon 7-63mm T2.6 and Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL:
| Canon 7-63mm T2.6 | Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Canon | Tokina |
| Weight | 1980 g | 2680 g |
| Lens Mount | Arri PL Mount | Arri PL Mount |
| Focal Length | 7 - 63 mm | 18 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2.6 | 1.5 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 60 cm | 45 cm |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 2.6 - 22 | 1.5 - 22 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 95 mm | 114 mm |
| Aperture Blades | Missing | 9 |