Tokina 50-135mm Mark II T2.9 Cinema PL

Tokina 50-135mm Mark II T2.9 Cinema PL – Compact parfocal telephoto with T2.9 iris and 3.3 ft close-focus

The Tokina Cinema 50-135mm T2.9 MK II delivers a versatile telephoto zoom range in a compact design. It covers mid to long range shots and supports tight close-ups thanks to a 3.3 foot close-focus capability. As an update to the original 50-135mm T3, this MK II version improves mechanical and handling features while retaining the optical traits filmmakers expect.

Key features at a glance

• Parfocal design to retain focus while zooming.
• Dramatically reduced breathing and image shift for stable framing.
• De-clicked, 9-bladed curved iris for attractive bokeh and precise exposure control.
• 3.3 foot close-focus capability for tight close-ups from a comfortable distance.
• All-new metal mechanical housing with industry standard 0.8 MOD cinema gears.
• 300 degree focus throw for fine focus adjustments.
• Updated T2.9 iris and 95mm front diameter for common cinema accessories.

Optical characteristics

Tokina retained optical design elements from its established cinema series to ensure consistent rendering. Specifically, the 50-135mm T2.9 MK II maintains a parfocal design, which keeps subject focus steady while changing focal length. In addition, the lens exhibits limited focus breathing and low distortion, both of which help preserve framing and image integrity during pull-focus and zoom moves.

Mechanical design and handling

Mechanically, the MK II moves to a durable metal housing and includes industry-standard 0.8 MOD cinema gears. Consequently, it integrates easily with follow-focus systems and common cinema rigs. The long, 300 degree focus throw gives you precise manual focus control. Furthermore, the lens features a 95mm front diameter to accommodate widely used cinema accessories.

Compatibility and system matching

The 50-135mm T2.9 MK II is designed to match the mechanical and optical properties of the Tokina Cinema 11-20mm T2.9 zoom. This makes it a consistent choice when combining lenses across a production. Also, the series offers interchangeable mounts, allowing you to select the mount that fits your camera system.

Typical uses

• Mid to long range shots where a compact telephoto is needed.
• Tight close-ups while keeping physical distance from the subject thanks to the 3.3 ft close-focus.
• Cinema productions that require parfocal performance and limited focus breathing for smooth focus pulls.
• Workflows that benefit from standardized mechanical compatibility with Tokina wide-angle cinema lenses.

FAQ

Question: Is the Tokina 50-135mm Mark II truly parfocal?
Answer: Yes. The lens is parfocal, meaning it is designed to retain focus while you change focal length, which helps maintain sharpness during zooms.

Question: Which mounts are available for this lens?
Answer: The 50-135mm T2.9 MK II offers interchangeable mounts and is compatible with PL, EF, Sony E, MFT, and Nikon F mounts, allowing integration with a range of camera systems.

Question: How does this lens handle focus breathing and image shift?
Answer: Tokina engineered the lens for dramatically reduced breathing and image shift. As a result, you get more stable framing during focus pulls and zooms compared with lenses that have more breathing or shift.

Question: Can I use this lens for close-up work?
Answer: Yes. The lens has a 3.3 foot close-focus capability that enables tight close-ups while keeping a comfortable distance from your subject.

Question: What mechanical improvements does the MK II have over the original model?
Answer: The MK II features an all-new metal mechanical housing, 0.8 MOD cinema gears, a 300 degree focus throw, an updated T2.9 iris, and a 95mm front diameter. These updates improve durability, handling, and accessory compatibility.