The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX and the Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 97mm. The Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX with a length of 90mm, is 7mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 84mm.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM weighs 500g, 12% (70g) lighter than the Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX's weight of 570g.
Filter Threads
Both the Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX and the Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX is also available in the Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX has a focal range of 12-24mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
18-36mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM has a focal range of 17-40mm and 2.4X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27.2 - 64mm.