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° [35mm/FX] 79-44° [Nikon DX format] Minimum focus distance: 0.28m / 1ft Filter Size: 77mm Lens Hood: HB-23 Included accessories:77mm Front lens cap Rear lens cap LF-1 HB-23 Hood CL-76 Case Size: Approx.
3.2 x 4.2 in [83x106mm]
weight: 26.3 oz [745 g] Diaphragm: 9 rounded blades Price from: $1,599.95 USD*
Positives
- Sharp. This lens is unbelievable sharp, even wide open.
- Contrast. Great contrast.
- Build quality. 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.
- No DOF/IR markings. 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?
Price from: $1,599.95 USD*
Alternatives
Purchasing items through these links helps me adding more content to this website. The links takes you to B&H's website, which is my recommended store to get equipment from. I've used B&H personally since 2005, and I get all my equipment from them these days[including the lenses used for these reviews]. Thanks for your support, Fredrik.
Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF Price From $569.95 USD
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Price: $1,259.95 USD
Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED-IF Price From: $1,749.95 USD
Or if you are on the Dx format:
Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124AF Pro DX. $399.95 USD
Tokina AF 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX. $599.95 USD
Tokina AF 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 AT-X 107 DX. $579.95 USD
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF DX. Price From: $1,349.95 USD
Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX Price From: $789.95 USD
Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Price From: $989.95 USD
*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from March 6, 2010
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.