Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Review

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Introduction

The good got better, the 17-35 AF-S f/2.8D IF ED is one of the sharpest AF zoom lenses ever built. Nikon certainly did their job well when they upgrade this lens from the AF 20-35mm f/2.8D. This is one of my favorite lenses, and its always in my bag. I`ve always been a sucker for wide angle lenses, the wider the better.

History

1993-2002 20-35 f/2.8D IF.The First pro grade wide angle AF zoom from Nikon with a constant f/2.8 aperture.

1999-xxxx 17-35 f/2.8D AF-S ED-IF. This replaced the old pro AF 20-35mm f/2.8. New optical formula, got changed from 14 elements in 11 groups, to 13-11 (2 ED) also the focus distance got changed from 0.5 m to 0.28 m. It also added a bit of weight from the ED elements from 585g from the 20-35 to 745 g of the 17-35

Specifications

Lens Construction: 13 Elements in 10 groups (2 ED)

Picture Angle: 104-62 degrees (35mm ), 79-44 degrees (Nikon DX format)

Filter Size: 77mm

Nikon Lens Hood: HB-23

Included Accessories: HB-23 Hood, CL-76 Case, 77mm lens cap, rear cap

Size and weight: 3.2 x 4.2 in (83x106mm), 26.3 oz (745 g).

Diaphragm: 9 bladed with circular blades

price from: $ 1,299.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Sharp. This lens is unbelievable sharp, even wide open.
• Contrast. Great contrast performance.
• Build. Nikons pro lenses is usually built like a tank, and this lens is no exception.
• AF-S. Focus is fast, and you also have the option to override the auto focus with the focus ring.
• IR. very good IR performance

Drawbacks

• Pricey. But heck you are really paying for quality here. IMO its worth the price, this is one of the sharpest zoom lenses out there.
• Heavy. built like a tank, weighs like a tank.
  

Verdict

For a working pro this is a must have lens. This lens handles everything you throw at it, good contrast, excellent sharpness, and it also controls flair and ghosting pretty good too(as much as possible for a wide angle lens).This is by far the sharpest wide angle zoom i`ve ever used. It pretty much outperforms the Nikkor primes. Why have 4 different primes when you can have a single zoom that performs better?

Alternatives

The Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G is the closest match for the lens reviewed here. Since most people use digital bodies these days, there is often a big debate on which of these 2 lenses to pick. If you can afford it then id say go for the 17-55 now, and then get a 17-35 when Nikon starts selling a FF(FX) body. Remember you can`t use a dx lens on a FF camera but u can use the 17-35 on both. With the new Nikon D3 you can still use the DX lenses.

Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX. From: $ 1199.95 USD

Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D AF ED-IF. From: $ 399.95 USD

Nikkor 20-35mm f/2.8 AF. Discontinued

Sample Pictures

Nikon D2H, 17-35mm AF-S @ 17mm 1/500 sec f/4

Crop @ 100%

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