Tokina 50-135mm Mark II T2.9 Cinema For MFT

Tokina 50-135mm Mark II T2.9 Cinema for MFT – Compact Parfocal Telephoto with T2.9 Iris

This Tokina Cinema 50-135mm T2.9 MK II delivers a versatile telephoto zoom in a compact package. It covers mid to long range shots with ease while offering cinema-style control and mechanics designed for professional workflows.

What this lens offers

• Parfocal zoom design that keeps subjects in focus while you zoom.
• Significantly reduced breathing and image shift for smoother focus pulls.
• De-clicked, 9-bladed curved iris that delivers pleasing bokeh and precise exposure control.
• Close-focus capability down to 3.3 feet, enabling tight close-ups from a comfortable working distance.
• Compact telephoto form factor suitable for run-and-gun or rigged cinema setups.

Mechanical updates and build

Tokina updated the original 50-135mm T3 into this MK II version with a new metal mechanical housing. The lens features industry-standard 0.8 MOD cinema gears for smooth compatibility with follow focus systems. You also get a long, 300 degree focus throw for precise manual focusing. The front of the lens uses a 95mm diameter to support common cinema accessories.

Optical design and system matching

The 50-135mm T2.9 MK II is designed to match the mechanical and optical properties of Tokina’s Cinema 11-20mm T2.9 zoom. Consequently, it retains the parfocal characteristic, exhibits limited focus breathing, and maintains low distortion. Tokina engineered the optical formula and mechanics to work well within a matched lens set for consistent performance across focal ranges.

Mounts and versatility

The lens supports an interchangeable mount system. Available mounts include PL, EF, Sony E, MFT, and Nikon F, allowing you to use the lens on a wide range of cinema and mirrorless camera bodies when fitted with the corresponding mount.

Technical specifications

Use cases

• Capture mid to long range coverage for interviews, narrative scenes, and events.
• Integrate into matched lens kits alongside Tokina’s 11-20mm T2.9 for consistent image characteristics across a production.
• Work with follow focuses and matte boxes using the 0.8 MOD gears and 95mm front diameter.

Frequently asked questions

Question: Is this lens parfocal and suitable for zooming during a take?
Answer: Yes. The Tokina 50-135mm T2.9 MK II is parfocal, which means it retains focus while you zoom, making it suitable for zooms during a take and for complex focus pulls.

Question: What mounts are available, and can I use it on my mirrorless camera?
Answer: The lens supports interchangeable mounts: PL, EF, Sony E, MFT, and Nikon F. With the appropriate mount, you can fit it to many mirrorless and cinema camera systems including MFT bodies.

Question: How does the lens handle focus breathing and image shift?
Answer: Tokina engineered the lens to have dramatically reduced breathing and image shift. You will notice more stable framing and smoother focus transitions compared to lenses with more pronounced breathing.

Question: What mechanical features support cinema workflows?
Answer: The MK II adds a metal mechanical housing, industry standard 0.8 MOD cinema gears, a 300 degree focus throw, and a 95mm front diameter to support follow focus systems, matte boxes, and other cinema accessories.