Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF vs Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF vs Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
When comparing Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM and Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is the winner with a weight of 765 g compared to the 2760 g that Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF weighs.
Winner: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
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 Canon EF. 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 Prime 18mm T.15 EF has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 1.5 compared to the 2.8 aperture of Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF
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 Prime 18mm T.15 EF features a minimum focus distance of 45 cm while Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM has a minimum focus distance of 145 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF might be a better choice.
Winner: Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF
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
Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF or Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
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.
6. Aperture Blade Comparison
Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF has 9 aperture blades, which makes it possible to have smoother bokeh than with the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM that has 8 aperture blades.
Winner: Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF
Regarding aperture blades: The number of aperture blades makes a difference because the bokeh is smoother the more aperture blades the lens has. Of course, this does not mean the lens is better in other regards, but it can be an interesting aspect when deciding of a lens.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF and Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM:
| Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF | Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Tokina | Canon |
| Year | Missing | 1996 |
| Weight | 2760 g | 765 g |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 18 mm | 200 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.5 | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | Missing | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 45 cm | 145 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.5 - 22 | 2.8 - 32 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 72 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 114 mm | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 8 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 7 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 9 |
| Image Stabilization | Missing | No |
| Autofocus | Missing | Yes |
| Macro | Missing | No |
| Weather Seal | Missing | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |