Nikon Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Lens

If you're looking at this review, you probably have a good idea of what kind of lens the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 is. Before the DX format came out (Nikon digital sensors are smaller than "traditional" film format), the mid-range zoom of choice for professionals and advanced amateurs would have been the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8, a.k.a. "The Beast." But with the advent of digital SLRs, the 28-70mm focal range was not wide enough so Nikon developed the 17-55mm f/2.8. On a digital SLR, the effective focal range of this lens is very close to 28-70mm, exactly what Nikon intended.

As with all of Nikon's pro grade lenses, the 17-55mm f/2.8 is big, heavy, and built like a tank. This lens means business, and it's built to take heavy everyday use.

Simply put, this is a very flexible lens that is sharp, gives great color rendition, and will allow you to play in low light when consumer grade lenses are packed and ready to go home. Constant f/2.8 across the entire focal range allows you to keep shooting and will give fabulous bokeh (how the lens renders out of focus background). The zoom and focus rings are well-damped and have a nice response. When you want to go auto-focus, the lens snaps to focus in an instant. No complaints there at all. All in all, a very satisfying performer.

So what are the downsides? If you're used to consumer grade lenses, be warned that this is lens is bigger and heavier than what you've grown accustomed to. It is about 1.5 pounds and about 4.5 inches long. Doesn't sound like much but you'll feel the difference if this is the first pro-grade lens you've ever used. (On a sidenote: buy an Op/Tech neoprene strap and your camera/lens will feel much lighter!)

Price is another downside. Is it worth the $1100 used / $1300 new price? Only you can decide that but if you're a Nikon shooter, there is no better mid-range zoom out there. There are alternatives, though. Tamron has a 17-50 f/2.8, Tokina is close to releasing a 16-50 f/2.8, and Sigma has an 18-50 f/2.8. All of these are under $500 new and are very close to the Nikon's performance. Is the Nikon optically better than all these lenses? Arguably yes. Is the Nikon over twice better? I would say no, but you do have to pay more for incremental quality.

In the end, it's up to you if this lens is worth it. This lens performs like a champ (as it should for this price). I would highly recommend it; just be sure to check out the third party lenses too.

The original package includes a soft lens case, front and rear caps, and a petal shaped hood. The filter size for this lens is 77mm. Enjoy and happy shooting!

Great lens...................................................................................................................

Hi again,
I will briefly tell you why you should buy this lens !!!
You know when you read about lenses or compare them on the web sites it is almost impossible to decide what to get. i have been through and trust me I know the marketing tactics. But this lens is different !!!

Pros ;
*** No VR... Yes it has no Vr and that is great. Not that I am not a VR fan but there's a lot of things they don't tell you about (V)ibration (R)eduction or Canon's (I)mage (S)tabilization. They do kill your sharpness on lenses that are not tele. Yessss you need VR on some telephotos and some people that does not have a steady hand needs some VR. Look at all the pro series lenses 400mm 500mm 600mm used in sports do not need VR. Did you wonder why? B/c they are already fast enough. Before you can shake the camera the photo is taken :) yes lenses are that fast and 17-55mm Nikkor is one of them !!! VERY FAST LENS EVEN ON LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS...
*** Tough built !!! Very well built and a little bit balanced weight to it which makes it steadier when shooting. If you hold the lens alone ou might think it is heavy but it is very well balanced once you put it on D200 body (I bet it will be great with same series of cameras)
*** Motor is very quiet !!! Internal focus works great and fast !!!
*** Very compatible with digital Nikon SLRs.
*** This lens' residual value is great !!! It holds its value b/c its premium built and quality. And there is not many out there !!! I don't know why Nikon is very conservative on making more of these.
*** Price is well worth it. You realize you bought a great lens right after you see the results on your computer.
*** It does have the extreme pro look !!! yesss it looks like you are the papparazzi tailing some celebrity when you put this lens on :)) Everybody thought I am from some newspaper each time I shot an event in public :) it gives that feeling and look for all !!!

Now cons;
None :) Suprised? I really have not encountered a single problem with speed, light, quality of the photos, sharpness, compatibility, toughness, balance issues with this lens.

EXCELLENT BUY !!! WELL WORTH THE PRICE !!! DO NOT HESITATE TO BUY !!!

ps: make sure you protect your investment with a neutral UV filter. I always kept one on from day one. you never know what you gonna face on field trips of daily life. protect that precious Nikkor glass !!!

This lens is sharp, fast, and versatile. This is why it is a staple of so many wedding photographers.

Anyone complaining that this lens is heavy - needs to buy some real glass - or hit the gym. I shoot with lenses a lot heavier than this most of the time. This thing feels like there is no lens on the camera at all. I have used mine on a D200 and D300. It is worth every penny. For indoor work, portraits, landscapes, wide-angle without distortion, and general use - it is a real gem to have in your bag.

I highly recommend this lens to anyone ... you cannot go wrong buying Nikon pro glass.

Excellent lens, will use on a Nikon D300. Sharp...very sharp. No chromatic abberation, barrel ditortion, and yes, it was a good decision.

The 17-55dx is designed for Nikons Digital "DX" bodies with the smaller "Cropped" sensors. As of this writing this includes all of the "D" series cameras in the 40, 50, 60,70, 80, 100, 200, 300 and Professional D1 and D2 series. It will also work with Full Frame cameras such as the D3 but only in the "Cropped" mode. This lens does not cover the full sensor of the D3 or 35mm film.

It is by every account a professional lens. As you would expect for a Professional f2.8 product it is big, heavy and built like a tank. I have experience with Professional and Semi Pro Lenses.

Sharpness:

I can tell you that moving up to this calibre of lens affords the user a level of sharpness you will not find with less expensive products. Most lenses have to be shot within their sweetspot. This is usually two to three stops above their maximum aperture. (If a lens has a maximum aperture of f2.8 it should be shot at F5.6 or f8. The 17-55 can be shot at f2.8 with spectacular results. It is "Very Sharp" in the center at most apatures up to f11/f16. This lens is "Sharp" all the way into its corners. As an example I would say that having used the 18-200vr Nikkor for a number of years, the 17-55 gives results that are another level beyond prosumer lenses. When inspecting my images on the rear LCD of a D300 or on my Monitor, the 17-55 looks sharper across the image then my 18-200 did when sharpened via Photoshop. This is truely a superb results. This lens is a perfect mate to the spectacular 70-200vr!

Color and Contrast:

As with most pro lenses from Nikon the 17-55dx provides superb contrast and that famous Nikon color. (Many aftermarket lenses suffer from a tint or hue to their color, the 17-55 is IMHO neutral)

Size and Weight:

This lens is larger and heavier than a consumer lens as one would expect. It balances very well on Nikon pro bodies along with the Semi Pro D300 with the optional MB-D10 grip. To compensate I use a Optech strap that makes this camera lens combo feel very lite.

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=23&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=or the extra weight I suggest a neck strap from Optech.

Build:

First of all this is a "G" lens, it does not have an aperture ring so it is best suited for digital and modern film cameras including the F5 and F6. As mentioned above the build is very solid. The focus and zoom rings are very smooth, a joy to use. This lens exudes quality. The lens hood is of Nikons newer twist click design with a small release button on the side. I feel it is a must for outdoor work when shooting subject where the sun is in or close to the field of view. The lens is sealed for dust and moisture.

Overall Feelings:

I can kick myself for not buying this lens years ago. It is a real must for event photographers and advanced amatures. When I look at the images from this lens I see a real difference in sharpness, images "POP". The lens has very good "Bokeh" and IMHO is a must from weddings to general family events. I almost bought the just released Nikon 24-70 full frame lens. But on DX cameras the 24mm wide end is just not wide enough.

I highly recommend this lens.

I have been a "Nikonian" since the late 70's - but using the best sometimes comes at a price one is not able to afford at certain times; so, at these times one is compelled to settle for less than the best - which is the scenario that I found myself in.

I have been using (very good) off brand lenses and lower priced Nikon lenses in recent years, but decided to upgrade when the opportunity arose.

This lens (IMHO) is one of the best lens that Nikon has produced.
I have used it with both the D200 and the D300, and with both cameras it has performed outstandingly.

The auto-focus is quick, accurate and quiet. Contrast and color fidelity are way above average and for being such a (physically) large lens (f2.8 aperture!) is is not TOO heavy.

From the cosmetic appearance and construction, to the functioning of this lens,it is a great addition to my "arsenal", and I would definitely recommend it!

Mike Shorrock

Prompt service. Good price. Lens delivered in excellent, new condition. Highly recommended. I would definately buy again given the opportunity.