Customer Reviews for Nikon Inc. AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
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Nikon Inc. AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
This high-performance, wide-angle zoom is designed exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX-format, is fast and versatile for travel and portrait work
Average Customer Rating:
(74 Reviews) 74
Rating Snapshot 74 reviews
5 stars
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4 stars
9
3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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69 out of 74(93%)customers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Review 1 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Nice professional lens - excellent quality
PostedApril 23, 2013
JRDPHOTOG
Location Clifton Park, NY, USA
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Professional photographer
I use this lens on a D300 and D600 Nikon. I find the lens an excellent choice for my type of photography being photojournalistic, commercial and event. The straight 2.8 holds true and works well under available light photography to include the times when flash is needed. The weight is no problem, I find that a heavier lens balances the camera for hand held usage and slower speeds. Shooting at f2.8 gives me continuous sharp images. BTW, the attached images are cropped, shot with the D600...in my opinion, this lens and the D600 is an excellent combination.
Share:
0points
Review 2 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Versatile and Fast
PostedSeptember 8, 2012
JStJE
Location Massapequa, NY
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I've used my Nikkor 17-55 lens during the past five years for everything from shooting portraits and sports scenes to photographing the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I don't mind the extra weight because the photos I get with it are stunning -- time and time again, particularly in low light situations. I used it first on my D80 and now use it exclusively on my D90. With a lens this good I don't feel the need to upgrade my camera -- I don't think I could ever get any better shots. Bottom line -- this is Nikon's best DX format lens and well worth the few extra ounces of weight.
Share:
0points
Review 3 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Excellent Close Encounter Walk Around Lens
PostedMarch 17, 2012
Brian (icumove)
Location Redmond, WA, USA
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 6-12 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I got this lens over 6 months ago and have been extremely happy with it. I can see why everyone has been telling me that Nikon has the best “glass” on the market. Because this is a DX lens (I imagine replaced by the 24-70mm for FX) it works great on those lower priced bodies.
This is the way to go for a great wide angle perspective. I love it for walking around in close environments. I have been able to get all the shots I need, even at night.
My product recommendations
D7000
(1,419)Share:
+17points
Review 4 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Worth every penny if not more.
PostedJanuary 9, 2012
Zac
Location San Fran
Age 18-24
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Professional photographer
I've always been uptight about the quality of my photos. No noise, nice color, everything. But I've also never wanted to save more than 600 dollars for a lens. People would tell me that the lenses over 1000 weren't REALLY worth it. That's not the case. I finally buckled down and saved enough to get one of these bad boys. It's also why I'm sticking with the high end DX cameras for awhile longer. Don't bother buying a prime, a wide angle, or another standard zoom. I have 12 lenses and the only time I use them is when my brother uses it.
Pros:
2.8 aperture through the entire focal range for fast shutter speed and freezing motion
extremely study build
smooth turning focus and zoom ring (best i've seen)
autofocus is faster than even my speed demon 35mm 1.8 (less zoom the lens has the faster the focusing usually is)
2.8 aperture through the entire focal range for fast shutter speed and freezing motion
extremely study build
smooth turning focus and zoom ring (best i've seen)
autofocus is faster than even my speed demon 35mm 1.8 (less zoom the lens has the faster the focusing usually is)
Cons:
Extremely heavy. My D90, Battery grip, and the lens feels about 15 pounds (a complete guess, but it's heavy)
Cost, even being worth the price, it still took me awhile to save enough for it.
Extremely heavy. My D90, Battery grip, and the lens feels about 15 pounds (a complete guess, but it's heavy)
Cost, even being worth the price, it still took me awhile to save enough for it.
Share:
+23points
Review 5 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Finest lens currently made by Nikon
PostedNovember 16, 2011
Birdgal
Location Roseville, CA USA
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I put myself on several waiting lists before finally securing this fine lens. I already owned the Nikkor 24-120 f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S VR lens, and I loved the VR. So, it took me awhile to switch over....however, the color and sharpness of the 17-55mm surpasses all of the Nikkor lenses that I own (and I own quite a few!).
The only downsides to this lens is lack of VR (not a big deal with the newer cameras) and the fact that it is a DX lens. This lens is the main reason I have not gone to a FF camera.
Share:
+8points
Review 6 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Super love the lens
PostedNovember 6, 2011
Nikonian
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
It's fast, sharp, silent. Been using this lens for about 2+years now and the most used of my 6 Nikon lenses.
Share:
+4points
Review 7 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Outstanding Lens
PostedNovember 1, 2011
Tommy
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
The lens is great for portrait and in low light condition. I'm using it on DX camera bodies, D90 & D7000. I also have the 24-70mm f2.8, an the quality pictures that I have taken so far equal to the 24-70mm, but built for DX body.
Super sharp! I would recommend this lens for DX users out there, look no further. This will be my all around lens. I used to use prime lens (35mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4), now this lens will be on my camera and use the primes for backup in my bag.
Share:
+11points
Review 8 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
A Masterpiece
PostedOctober 22, 2011
ROFL
Location Singapore
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
An excellent lens in performance. Worth in every dollar spent on this lens. Sharp in focussing, shades and tone well balanced. Low light photography at its best.
Share:
+2points
Review 9 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Don't think. Buy.
PostedOctober 13, 2011
Hiwayman
Location Marin County, CA
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Semi-professional photographer
I have had this lens for about 3 weeks now. I am using it excusively on a Nikon D7000. Prior to acquiring this lens I was using Nikon's "kit" 18-105 zoom, which is actually a pretty good lens, and under the right circumstances can take tack sharp photos. I originally was looking for a good prime lens, but during my research, this lens kept popping up. At first I was quite put off by the price, but I kept reading reviews that gave stellar ratings. I am a traveler who often finds himself in extremely humid, or extremely hot and dry (jungles or deserts) conditions that have a single common thread. They're all very dirty. I needed a lens that was tough (this one is built like a tank) and that had seals (this one does), and would allow me to take as few flash photos as possible (this one is rated at F2.8 across its zoom range...need I say more?). This lens is known as the "photo journalist's lens". It has earned that name by being versatile and tough.
As soon as the lens arrived, I started taking photos and checking them with my editing software. My first photo was of the cat I share a house with. I zoomed in with the editing software. Every single hair was clearly visible. OK. So far, so good. I went into the back yard and took a few shots of flowers. Flowers, especially deep red roses, can be very challenging. The colors were excellent, and the edges of the petals extremely well-defined with no CA that I could see. Bokeh was great, and very natural looking, too. Depth of field is easily controlled as the lens is zoomed because of the Fstop does not change because of the zoom, as in some other zoom lenses.
A few days later I found myself at a car/motorcycle show. Lot's of shiny paint and bright chrome. Shots taken there were incredibly crisp, with no discernible ghosting or comma (ok, ok, I did avoid shooting right into lights, but the chrome could have caused problems). I posted some of the shots to a social media site which usually cuts the resoluton of photos, and my photographer friends there immediateliy commented on how sharp the pictures were.
Though the lense does not have VR, it really doesn't need it. VR is a mechanism that allows you to take pictures at much lower shutter speeds or smaller F-stops than you normally could. Since this lens is already an F2.8 lens across its zoom range, there's not much VR could do for you.
Like any lens made by anyone, this lens has its sweet spots. Like any lens made by anyone, this lens also has some areas where the pictures might not come out as well as hoped. A good photographer will learn the lens and use it in its sweet spots, which are very wide.
Some have complained that this lens is heavy. Well, compared to some of the plastic lenses in production, it IS heavy. However, quality equipment is made with quality materials. Brass and steel, and good glass has weight. On my D7000 this lens is well-balanced. Add a battery grip and it's even better. I have carried the camera/lens set up all day with no problem, but for those complaining about weight, adjust your neck strap, or purchase a harness.
The lens focuses internally so nothing moves when you focus. The zoom does move the front element in and out perhaps 3/4 of an inch, but the lens hood is connected to the body of the lens, so it does not move with the zoom, as on some lenses. This is an added design plus, but it makes for an extremely large and deep lens hood. Many photographers leave their lens hood on to protect the lens against bumps. On some lenses the hood is connected to the front bezel. A bump on a lens like that, even with a lens hood, can damage the internal mechanisms. On a lens like this one, where the hood is connected to the body, damage is much less likely.
Of course I don't need to suggest putting a clear or UV filter on the lens to protect the front element from dirt and scratches. A filter is much cheaper to replace than a front element. The filter threads, by the way, are plastic. This is not just a cost-saving design element, but actually pretty smart on Nikon's part. Bump metal filter threads too hard and then dent, making getting the filter off almost impossible. Bump plastic filter threads and they will often spring back, but can also be worked with a little to get the filter off.
I only have one small complaint. The focus and zoom rings are a bit narrow for me, and placed in such a way that they don't fall easily under the fingers. and one ring is very close to the camera body when the lens is mounted. The zoom ring is pretty stiff, but I believe that's on purpose, as the elements in the zoom mecahnism are quite heavy, and would cause zoom creep if the zoom mechanism was less stiff. Not a huge deal, but takes some getting used to.
The one statement I can make about this lens is that I have four Nikkor lenses, but of the four, this lens rarely comes off my camera body. It's a versatile and robust lens for most photographic situations. It does not suffer fools, however. You will need to spend time learning its quirks, but doing so will be time well-spent, and you will find yourself really falling in love with this thing.
Don't think. Buy. You won't be sorry.
Share:
+29points
Review 10 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Average performance
PostedSeptember 22, 2011
acollard
Location san francisco
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Traded up to this lens from nikkor 18-200 dx on the basis of third party reviews promising razor sharp resolution, at the expense of more weight and less range.
My conclusion: unless my particular unit needs calibration of some kind, it is not significantly sharper than the lens it replaced , at half the price.
Quality justifies the pricetag, and weight is not unreasonable.
Share:
-6points
Review 11 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
PostedAugust 4, 2011
Miguel
Location Bayamon, PR
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Professional photographer
Ones you put this lens in a camera you will not want to change!
Share:
-7points
Review 12 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
my every-day lens
PostedJune 9, 2011
ctb
Location Albuquerque NM
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I've used over ten Nikkor lenses, this is the one I always have on my D7000 and F5. It is solid in performance, provides excellent sharpness and no distortion.
Share:
-2points
Review 13 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Suberb wide angle zoom
PostedApril 20, 2011
Nikon Jayhawk
Location Phoenix, AZ
Age Over 65
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
For nature, portraits, and travel photography the 17-55 zoom provides moderate wide angle capture and zooms to an 82mm tele on my D300....high resolution and excellent color rendition The f2.8 maximum apature gives me great available light advantages. Overall, it is the best wide angle zoom I have ever used.
Share:
+5points
Review 14 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
My standard lens
PostedApril 20, 2011
NikonAmateur
Location Cape Cod, MA
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience More than a year
We originally purchased this lens in 2007 to use for a trip to Italy believing it would work well for shots in the cities. It did this very well. Since then it has become our standard lens on the camera. While not as fast as our 50mm f/1.4, it has proven so versatile that the drop to f/2.8 is an excellent trade-off for us. The resulting photos are sharp and the lens weight and size balances well with our D200 body. This is an excellent lens for DX cameras.
Share:
+5points
Review 15 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Professional Workhorse
PostedApril 20, 2011
Mader Katz
Location Los Angeles, Ca
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than 10 years
Role Professional photographer
Pros: super sharp, good range for DX (35mm equivalent to 25.5-82.5mm), pro build, fast silent focus, close minimum focus distance, rubber seal against dust and moisture, nice hood lock & no exposed extending barrel (hood is fixed with outer barrel, hiding the inner barrel which extends a little).
Cons: no VR, stiff zoom ring, mild light fallof (at 2.8) & distortion at 17mm. Rubber grips for zoom and focus loosen after couple of years.
Share:
+15points
Review 16 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Solid, professional, not for everybody
PostedApril 17, 2011
lpalardy
Location Montréal
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Occasional user, memory keeper
Excellent quality, when taking picture close to 17mm or 55mm the focus is not clear all the time and need to check the focus.
If D300 used by point and shoot person, with the 17-55mm, most often you get not perfectly sharp image.
Strong Robust, construction, Feel good quality. Heavy to bring on a Ski slope...
IF the 16-85mm has been available when I bought the lense, I would probably go for that one as a walkaround lense.
If D300 used by point and shoot person, with the 17-55mm, most often you get not perfectly sharp image.
Strong Robust, construction, Feel good quality. Heavy to bring on a Ski slope...
IF the 16-85mm has been available when I bought the lense, I would probably go for that one as a walkaround lense.
Louis
Share:
-9points
Review 17 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Great all around DX lens
PostedApril 16, 2011
RC
Location Calgary, canada
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Portrait
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
fast zoom with fast focus. Bokeh isn't as creamy as some of the longer lenses but will do portrait just fine. Excellent contrast even @ F/2.8.
Construction is typical nikon pro lenses - like a tank. Zoom and focus rings are both buttery smooth.
Had this lens on D50, D70 and D300, all produce excellent colour and sharpness. But on the D300, with a SB800, the rig does get bit heavy to carry around for the day.
Construction is typical nikon pro lenses - like a tank. Zoom and focus rings are both buttery smooth.
Had this lens on D50, D70 and D300, all produce excellent colour and sharpness. But on the D300, with a SB800, the rig does get bit heavy to carry around for the day.
Share:
+3points
Review 18 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
It's a "do all" lens.
PostedApril 15, 2011
technician
Location Pittsburgh, Pa
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
I bought this lens for mostly doing weddings and have not been disappointed in the least. I take 75% of my shots with it and the rest with my 80-200 2,8 lens. I shoot with a D200 and the combination is a real joy to work with. All I need now is a 50mm 1.4 and I'll be all set. I also enjoy taking landscapes and the close-ups are exceptional. The 17-55 is a great lens to have and recommend it for anyone who can afford it.
Share:
+3points
Review 19 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
Bokeh is the best
PostedApril 15, 2011
Digital Skunk
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
I picked up this lens from my local shop along with a Nikon D7000 to use for architecture shots and portraiture. It's got the best bokeh I've seen in a DX lens.
I stopped shooting still when my clients hired me for more video work, and now that I have been picking up more still work I picked a camera that could do fantastic stills and a little bit of video on the side. The 17-55 keeps it's bokeh on the video settings and gives great image quality for video with completely washed out backgrounds when set at anything lower than f4.
Share:
+4points
Review 20 for AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Overall rating
VERY GOOD
PostedApril 15, 2011
ezio
Location QATAR - DOHA / ITALY - ROME
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
A complete zoom lens to use for panorama.
Very good quality wide angle
Very good quality wide angle
Share:
+4points