Welcome to my first blog post on my own website. I have written many articles for Fujifilm, Foto Zumstein and other Swiss outlets, but I have never had a space that reflects my own rhythm and voice. That changes today. :)

Introduction

My last Tokina lens was a classic from the golden Canon EF days, one of those reliable wide angle workhorses that could handle almost anything and that brings back many good memories. It was built like a tank and created a look that defined many of my early travel and landscape shots. When Tokina Switzerland reached out and offered me the chance to try their modern version for the Fujifilm X system, I happily agreed.

This is not a lab test or a technical breakdown. I do not shoot charts or measure sharpness in the corners. What follows is a hands on impression from real world use over several weeks. I took the lens on actual jobs and simply observed how it performs when you rely on it in daily shooting. The pictures are all from a recenty hike I did in the swiss mountains.

*Fujifilm X-E5 + Tokina ATX-M 11-18mm F2.8 / 11mm - F4.5 - 1/300s - ISO125*

First Impressions

The Tokina feels solid from the first moment you pick it up. It has just enough weight to feel premium without being heavy. At around 335 grams it hits that perfect balance between sturdy and compact. The design is clean and simple, with smooth and well damped zoom and focus rings that feel confident in the hand.

Mounted on the Fujifilm X-H2S, the setup feels balanced and ready for both video and photography. On the smaller X-E5, the combination becomes a lightweight and capable travel kit that fits into any bag or inlay while still delivering professional results.

If there is one thing I missed, it would be an aperture ring. I often adjust exposure intuitively while composing and I prefer to feel that tactile click on the lens instead of using a dial on the body. It took a bit of time to adjust to that difference.

Shooting Experience

I used the Tokina in many different situations. It came with me for real estate shoots, a wedding, and a trip to Seealpsee, one of the most stunning lakes in the Swiss Alps.

For real estate work, the 11 millimeter end provides that spacious perspective that makes interiors feel open and bright without pushing lines too far. Straight edges stay true, and even wide open the corners hold up nicely. In tighter rooms I occasionally missed my Fujifilm 8-16mm tho.

At the wedding, I mainly used it for establishing shots, interiors, and dynamic group moments. Autofocus in combination with my X-H2S was fast and accurate throughout the day. It performed so reliably, that I rarely had to think about it, which is exactly how it should be. The focusing motor is also nearly silent, which is important during the ceremony and quieter moments.

And then there was Seealpsee. After a hike along the cliffs of Ebenalp, we reached the lake just a little before the sun disappeared behind the tall mountains. The water was completely still, and a wide angle was perfect for capturing both the grand landscape and the peaceful mood. The Tokina delivered crisp detail, gentle contrast, and natural color that pairs beautifully with Fujifilm’s film simulations. Even when pointing straight into the sun, the lens handled flare with good control. But have a look for yourself.

Everyday Use

I found myself packing the Tokina even on days when I did not intend to use a ultra wide lens. It is compact and light enough to justify bringing along, and the zoom range covers most creative wide angle needs. Eleven millimeters gives you a dramatic sense of scale, sixteen millimeters feels cinematic, and eighteen millimeters remains wide without exaggeration. Compared to Fujifilm’s 10-24 millimeter lens, it lacks the extended reach, but you gain a noticeably brighter aperture and a more compact design.

The 11mm together with the selfie screen on the X-E5 is wide enough to easily frame yourself while keeping plenty of background in view for context.

Final Thoughts

The Tokina ATX M 11-18mm F2.8 feels like a thoughtful continuation of the brand’s wide angle legacy. It does not rely on flashy features or overly complex design. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters: dependable image quality, solid handling, and a look that feels natural.

If you are a Fujifilm shooter looking for a capable and bright ultra wide zoom without clearing the bank, the Tokina is a great option. You give up the aperture ring and weather sealing, but you gain a small setup, a faster aperture, and excellent value for money.

For me, this lens carries a real sense of nostalgia. It brings back memories of my Canon days with the legendary Tokina 11-16mm, a lens that shaped many of my early adventures and taught me how to see the world wide. I am excited to take this new version on future journeys and see if, years from now, it will evoke the same feeling when I look back at the images we created together.

Hands on: Tokina ATX M 11-18mm F2.8

Introduction

First Impressions

Shooting Experience

Everyday Use

Final Thoughts