Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens | 
| Brand: Nikon
List Price: $1,659.00
Buy New: $1,119.99
You Save: $539.01 (32%)
New (16) Used (3) from $995.00
Rating:  47 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Optical Zoom: 3.2
Maximum Focal Length: 55
Minimum Focal Length: 17
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 10.8 x 4.9 x 4.7
MPN: 2147
Model: 2147
UPC: 018208021475
EAN: 0018208021475
ASIN: B000144I2Q
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Constant f2.8 3.2x zoom lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format, optimized for Nikon digital SLRs | | • | Dust and waterproof rubber sealing mount | | • | High optical performance by aspherical lenses and ED glass elements | | • | Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation | | • | M/A mode for quick switching between autofocus and manual operation |
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Product Description
Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.PRODUCT FEATURES:The world's first constant f/2.8 3.2x zoom lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format;3.2x zoom covers from a wide angle of 79? to a narrow angle of 28? 50' (equivalent to 25.5mm to 85.5mm for 35mm format) and is ideal for architecture, landscape, groups shots and portraits;DX design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics that are optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors;Nikon DX design produces a smaller image circle (the size of the image that is projected by the lens on to the sensor) enabling smaller lens diameter, lighter weight and optimal image quality from center-to edge-to-corner on the image;3 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration and provide higher resolution and superior contrast;3 Aspherical lens elements for minimized distortion;Lightweight and compact design: similar to 17-35mm f/2.8 lens;Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation;[M/A] and [M] modes allow rapid switching between AF and MF operation;Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance;Nikon D-type design provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes;Rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural;G Type DX Nikkor is designed exclusively for use with Nikon Digital SLR models;Fully Compatible with D1, D1X, D1H, D2H and D100.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 42 more reviews...
Why this lens. . . . January 23, 2007
Deborah S. Hall (Rochester, New York United States)
117 out of 120 found this review helpful
Reviewers below have already described how great this lens is -- I add my voice to the choir but wanted to write here about the decision process that led to 17-55. As others have also said, choosing the camera is relatively easy but choosing the lens (or lenses) is mind boggling. I spent the better part of two weeks researching online and going to photo stores. The 17-55 was barely in my peripheral vision when I started. Of course the first thing I considered was the 18-200VR. All the reviewers like it -- Rockwell was practically orgasmic -- and softly bashed the 17-55 as a heavy, expensive and overkill for most. I looked at many options and kept coming back to the 18-200 as the best all round but something wouldn't let me pull the trigger. And it's this: I like natural light. Many of my photos are references for painting, and I do a lot of portraits and some landscape. Getting the best color, in natural light is my highest priority. In amongst the 18-200 reviews there were a few hints about it being a bit dark at the 200 end (even with VR allowing slower shutter) and about "creep" of the lens when held vertically. I liked the possibility of a one-lens for all situations but began to wonder if I would get my use out of the 200 end without flash or tripod. Came to the 17-55 and dismissed it several times until finally tried it in a photo store. In retrospect, the reviewers suggest focusing on your priorities and for me the 17-55 made the most sense. I admit that I am partial to the simple feel of the lens -- phrases like "built like a tank" carry a lot of weight with me. I'm careful but do use the stuff. I also got an 85 1.8 for portraits so for the two lenses spent double the price of the 18-200VR -- not what I had planned on. But this selection focused the dollars to the heartland priorities and perhaps eventually I will bracket these with a 12-24 (third party) and a longer Tamron. The value of SLR, it seems to me, is to choose the options that match your needs.
A great lens for Nikon digital SLRs December 28, 2005
Ben (Pittsburgh)
73 out of 75 found this review helpful
This is a great lens for photojournalism, weddings and general photography. I've not had the opportunity to shoot landscapes with mine yet but I expect it to excel in that aspect as well. Wide open, the lens is very sharp - When opening images in Adobe photoshop, there is often no need for sharpening.
The lens balances well on my Nikon D70, and is very comfortable to use - the zoom and focus rings are adquately sized and have a nice consistent resistance throughout their respective ranges. Additionally, the lens focuses very close (about a foot from the subject), allowing a lot of creative flexibility.
I purchased this lens as an upgrade to the D70 kit lens (18-70 f/3.5-4.5) and can honestly say it was worth it. I shot a low light wedding (my first) with this lens and an 85 1.8 and found the 17-55 indispensible. The fast 2.8 aperture is great for low light while the 17mm end (appears similar to a 27mm on film) allows for a much wider angle than comparable 28-7x lenses. I've heard of sample variation, but have had no problems with mine. Highly recommended.
One of the best Nikkor lenses ever built...but Pros and Cons December 3, 2006
RonAnnArbor (Ann Arbor, MI United States)
56 out of 57 found this review helpful
I have been using Nikon cameras for 30 years, and their digital SLR's for the past 5 or so...this is far and away one of the best Nikon lenses I have ever used - amazingly well built, excellent image quality, fast focusing, wonderful glass. The downside is primarily the price -- it's as expensive as a full camera, and the weight -- this is a two pound lens. If your budget can accomodate this lens, get it, you will be thrilled. If your budget can not, get the Tamron 17-50 which has similar image quality, weighs less than a pound, and sells for 1/3 the price of this lens. But wow...once you try this lens, you will kick yourself for getting anything lesser....Warning: filter size is 77, so most of your existing filters probably won't work, and do your self a favor and get yourself an UV filter/lens protector out of the box before you put your fingers on your 1300.00 lens.
It helps me take better photos more than any camera body could February 13, 2007
TWE Symonds (Bogor, West Java)
30 out of 32 found this review helpful
I bought my 17-55 last month with my D200 - I had intended to get a 18-200 but they were out of stock in Indonesia. I had previously had a F3 and also a F90X and more recently also a D70 all of which were stolen. I used prime lenses with the F3 and lightweight zooms with the F90X.
At first I was shocked by the weight and considered trading it straight back in ... but my wife pointed out that the photos it took were simply stunning ... and compared to my 18-70 on my old D70 the results are wonderful - with superb definition amazing colours and contrast. It's fast too which means that the viewfinder is bright - this really helps composition in low light - and it's sharp all the way to 2.8. Remember kit lens are only really sharp from f8..
It helps me take better photos more than any camera body could. I love the lens now and would trade it for nothing else.
Now there are reviews out there implying this is a very expensive lens offering no real improvement over the excellent Nikon kit lens costing far less. As far as I can see they are unsupported by tests and should be read with extreme caution.
The 17-55 a piece of beautiful engineering and is a joy to handle and on reflection not so heavy . But the real beauty is inside where Nikon have done something almost magical........
They don't get any better. December 20, 2006
Paul T. Stewart (Hendersonville, TN USA)
29 out of 31 found this review helpful
I've had this lens since Nov of 2006. At first the weight and feel let you know this is not any kit lens. The dampening of the zoom ring is perfect, not too tight not too loose, again you feel the quality.
Then you put it on a D200 and you squeeze the shutter button to activate the auto focus. You start to wonder if it even responded because you didn't hear anything, so you start putting it to the test by quickly jumping between objects near and far. Soon you realize that the AF truly is silent and faster than anything you've used before.
Then you bring the pictures into PhotoShop and like another reviewer here stated, you realize the image doesn't need any USM (sharpening). It came right out of the camera razor sharp.
Then you try it in low light conditions and realize how fast it is. Then you get creative with the aperture wide open and it delivers beautiful creamy blurred backgrounds while your subjects are in perfect detail.
I could go on and on, but as the folks in California would say...it's all good.
If you can afford it, don't worry about the cost. IMHO it is worth every penny. Best lens I own. Of course I just ordered the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 ED IF AF-S VR zoom. It's due here this Friday, I have heard nothing but excellent reports on that lens too. This one may have to take second place when the 70-200 gets here.
Paul
Hendersonville, TN
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