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

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Introduction

January 2007

The good got better, the Nikon 17-35 AF-S f/2.8D ED-IF 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.

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: $1,629.95 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Sharp. This lens is unbelievable sharp, even wide open.
• Contrast. Great contrast.
• 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.
• DOF/IR. No Depth Of Field or Infrared compensation scale.

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?

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Price from: $1,629.95 USD

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.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF DX. Price From: $1,199.95 USD

Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED-IF Price From: $1,799.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 21, 2009.

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.

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

Crop @ 100%