Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL vs Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF
Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL vs Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF
When comparing Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF and Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL is the winner with a weight of 2680 g compared to the 2760 g that Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF weighs.
Winner: Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL
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
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL features a Arri PL Mount while the Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF features a Canon EF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
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
Both lenses share the same aperture of 1.5 — this means that you may buy both Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL and Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF in this regard; they''re the same.
Winner: Tied
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
Both Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF and Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL feature the same minimum focus distance of 45 cm.
Winner: Tied
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 18mm T1.5 PL or Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF 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
Both Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL and Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF have 9 aperture blades, which means they should both have a similar bokeh shape and roundness.
Winner: Tied
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 18mm T1.5 PL and Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF:
| Tokina Vista 18mm T1.5 PL | Tokina Vista Prime 18mm T.15 EF | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Tokina | Tokina |
| Weight | 2680 g | 2760 g |
| Lens Mount | Arri PL Mount | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 18 mm | 18 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 45 cm | 45 cm |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 1.5 - 22 | 1.5 - 22 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 114 mm | 114 mm |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |