| Review

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Who are they kidding?, Saturday, 27 December 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		1.5
Sharpness		1.0
Build Quality		1.0
AF Speed		2.0
Value for Money		2.0

Canon offers similar lens with image stabilization for about 20% less.
By not offering image stabiliztion in-body, both Canon and Nikon extrorts permium each time you buy a lens. As far as this lens is concerned, for most users are better of with two fast primes and will be cheaper as well. Unfortunately, 50mm F1.4 is only Nikon prime that auto focuses on sub-D90 bodies. Current generation of Nikon bodies are best of the breed, but they don't lens selection Canon offers.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

What an upgrade, Monday, 15 December 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I bought this lens to mate with my new Nikon D300 and upon opening the box, I was stunned at that build quality, heft and it having a literally silent motor. Optically, you can tell the pictures are sharper and clearer but I have to disclose that I upgraded from using entry level Tamron lens worth about a tenth of this price. My goal was to end up with a professional level camera and optic that would leave no excuses other than user error for picture quality. Now the pressure is on me. I must warn that with the lens and a D300 body, you weigh in at just over 4 pounds. I invested in a neoprene strap to take the weight and have had no problems. The mm range is perfect for light landscape photography to general picture taking. I have no complaints and my extensive research showed that this is a top notch lens. I'm an advanced amateur photographer with about 30 years of amateur experience - upgraded from a D70s with a Tamron 28-105 (and other lenses) to this outfit. Very satisfied.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Fast and sharp, Friday, 28 November 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.5
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

Wedding photography is challenging, partly because of low-light situations, such as in a church when no flash is allowed or in a reception hall when the house lights are dimmed. For those situations this is my lens of choice.

And this lens also produces some very sharp images. If I am shooting portraits in the 17-55mm focal length range then this is the lens I grab. I also own a 50mm prime lens but I tend to gravitate toward this one.

Another bonus is the vibration reduction. I've hand held this lens for as long as 1/30 of a second without noticeable camera shake blurr.

If you are shooting Nikon with a DX sensor professionally or if you just want your images too look professional then this is the lens you need. If you need a lens for a D3 or the new D700, which use the FX format then this is the wrong lens.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Expensive but... excellent quality all around, Thursday, 23 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I bought this as an upgrade to my existing 18-55 lens. Not a professional photographer but I have been working photos since Photoshop version 2.5 and I know a good shot when I see it. My 18-55 really did a nice job considering the cost and size.

When I got the 17-55, first thing I did was try to setup something to compare both lenses. I did a hand-held shot of a grouping of fallen leaves with both lenses sans filters at same apertures and focal lengths. The shutter speed ended up being just slightly different due to either change of outdoor lighting or brightness of the lenses for proper exposure. When examined zoom out... the photos were very close in appearance which was surprising. However, when zoomed in... the differences became clear. The 17-55 produced more detail in some of the leaves mainly the veins of the leaves. If you were buying this lens alone for this reason... the price might not justify it. Further research shows the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II to just about out perform most of the other offerings from competitors in this zoom and price range which could explain why images were very close. So... why pay the price?

Ok, the other thing of note is the extra f/stop down to 2.8. At 55mm the 18-55 is at 5.6 with widest aperture setting while the 17-55 can still hold it at f/2.8. Even at this wide open setting... I was amazed how much detail it captures. I shoot a lot of landscapes and often would go for aperture settings of f/8 -16 to maintain detail and DOF on the slower lenses but... I have been surprised how much DOF I could get at even f/3.3-4 which has been nice on those evenings when sun is dipping low and I don't feel like getting the tripod out.

The lens is big... and it is a bit heavy... but everything about it says quality to me. It feels like a solid and well built lens in hand that can probably withstand a fair amount of abuse from traveling and the environment. I would probably prefer the zoom ring and focusing ring to have swapped places as the focus ring is in front and zoom in back but that is probably just my personal preference. I am throughly happy with the lens and its the most used lens I have at the moment on my D200. I look forward to getting more f/2.8 Nikkor lenses now.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Better than Leitz/Leica, Tuesday, 14 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

I have been a photographer for over 40 years, beginning in high school sports for the newspaper. I used a 50mm f2.0 Summicron lens, for years considered the sharpest lens available for 35mm photography. I switched to digital several years ago, with the Leica digilux. Then I got smarter and purchased a Nikon D80, with the 17-55mm as my basic lens. This is a masterpiece for me: sharper, less distortion, and better color than any of my old leitz lenses, including the 35f2 aspherical, 24f2.8, 50f2, 90f2.8, and the 135f4. My 11X14 prints show amazing detail. I estimate the resolution at better than 80 lines per mm (the point at which the human eye can no longer "see"additional detail).

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

high quality build!, Tuesday, 14 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.5
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

if you have a DX body, want a pro grade lens then this is it.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

Outstanding General Purpose Professional Grade Len, Thursday, 18 September 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

Having made the decision to move from film to digital, I purchased this lens along with the excellent 70-200 f2.8 VR for my D300 body. I prefer to use a flash as little as possible so the faster f2.8 lenses are a must for me.

This lens is much larger than similar kit lenses and it weighs considerably more. It actually provides a nice balance for the D300 with MB-D10 attached. The autofocus is very fast and precise and the images it produces are tack sharp. I use it as my everyday general purpose lens with outstanding results.

As others have stated, more expensive equipment doesn't necessarily mean you'll get better photos. The premium price reflects features and build quality. A $200 kit lens may very well provide comparable image quality at your backyard barbeque. But for those who need and will take advantage of the wider aperture in low light settings, this lens has few equals among standard zooms.

Bottom line: If you plan to take advantage of the wide aperture, this lens is an uncompromising must-have. It is an outstanding lens for those who need its capabilities. However, if most of your shots are outdoors in daylight, or you're used to using a flash inside, this lens might be more than you need. Save your money and get the excellent all purpose AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED or the less expensive AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR.

Note that this is a DX lens and is intended to be used specifically on the smaller DX sensor cameras (everything from D40 to D300). Anyone with a D700 or other full frame (FX) sensor should look at the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 f/2.8G ED. Of course anyone with an FX camera should already know that. But anyone considering upgrading to an FX camera in the near future might want to rethink purchasing this $1200 lens.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Outstanding General Purpose Professional Grade Len, Thursday, 18 September 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I purchased this lens along with the excellent 70-200 f2.8 VR for my D300 body. I prefer to use a flash as little as possible so the faster f2.8 lenses are a must for me. While there are other Nikon lenses in this zoom range for considerably less money, this one fits the needs of photographers requiring outstanding optics and the speed of a fixed aperture f2.8 lens. (Most kit lenses are variable aperture, meaning the aperture gets smaller as you zoom in.)

This lens is professional grade - built like a tank and relatively heavy. It is much larger than similar kit lenses and it weighs considerably more. The added weight actually provides a nice balance for the D300 with MB-D10 attached. The autofocus is very fast and precise and the images it produces are tack sharp. I use it as my everyday general purpose lens with outstanding results.

As others have stated, more expensive equipment doesn't necessarily mean you'll get better photos. The premium price reflects features and build quality. A $200 kit lens may very well provide comparable image quality at your backyard barbeque. But for those who need and will take advantage of the wider aperture in low light settings, this lens has few equals among standard zooms.

Bottom line: If you plan to take advantage of the wide aperture, this lens is an uncompromising must-have. It is an outstanding lens for those who need its capabilities. However, if most of your shots are outdoors in daylight, or you're used to using a flash inside, this lens might be more than you need. Save your money and get the excellent all purpose AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED or the less expensive AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR.

Note that this is a DX lens and is intended to be used specifically on the smaller DX sensor cameras (everything from D40 to D300). Anyone with a D700 or other full frame (FX) sensor should look at the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 f/2.8G ED. Of course anyone with an FX camera should already know that. But anyone considering upgrading to an FX camera in the near future might want to rethink purchasing this $1200 lens.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

Nikon 17-55 f2.8 ED-IF - A Superb Lens, Sunday, 17 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I initially owned the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens after purchasing my Nikon D300 body earlier this year. The 18-200 of course is a do-all mid-line lens and shouldn't be too critically compared to the professional line of Nikon glass. I used the 18-200 briefly as I became more familiar with my new D300 and found the images from the 18-200 were adequate, although not as crisp and sharp and high contrast as many of my Canon lenses had been before I migrated over to the Nikon side after 12+ years of using Canon gear. When I recently got a wedding shoot to do that required only available light and no flash for the entire 1 hour ceremony I now had the reason to consider purchasing the 17-55. Considering the Nikon 18-200 falls well short of a large enough aperture for low light photography and in reviews, is softer in resolution over-all anyway compared to the 17-55, this was my motivation to sell my 18-200 and pick up the Nikon 17-55 2.8 lens. (I've also added a 70-300mm Nikon VR to my bag to fill the telephoto void, I posted an excellent review on Amazon for this lens as well). The wedding was very recently shot, with most all images during the available light ceremony shot wide open at 2.8 due to the very low lighting in the church. Much to my relief, the images all turned out superbly and were very sharp, had excellent contrast and color saturation even wide open (I always shoot RAW for most important photo jobs). I was also absolutely delighted in the lens regarding how quick the focus was in the low light (basically instant with no hesitation as soon as the shutter release was pressed to take the photo. Many shots required a large shift in focus from far to very close-up and the 17-55 didn't fail me even once, frame to frame. In many cases I had to quickly raise the camera to my eye and fire off a burst with no lag time to spare for the focus to occur if I was to capture a perfect shot and not miss the opportunity. The lens never filed here even once. They say, you get what you pay for and considering the 17-55 goes for around the $1200 mark, you're getting the excellent optical quality that only a high end Nikon lens can give you. If you need to shoot in low light levels, or just simply want the very best images that your camera can give you, a high-end lens is the ONLY way to go. This lens will not dissapoint you once-so-ever.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

As Good as my Leica Summicron!!, Sunday, 03 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

I have recently switched from a Canon 1D Mark IIN to a Leica M8. Then, missing all of the features of modern SLRs I switched again to a Nikon D300. A very good move! An almost perfect camera!

First off, I love big, fast glass that is sharp, sharp, sharp. And this lens delivers. I did a lot of research before buying this lens and it is the only lens I saw that had 5 stars on Amazon. I care a lot about what my peers think. So I took the plunge. I had this weekend to play with it and the results are stunning. It is as clear as any lens I have ever used. Just as good as my Leica Summicron 50. And I thought that lens would never be topped.

Some Leicaphiles may dismiss that statement and think I just didn't know how to use it. Maybe... but the Nikon 17-55mm DX lens should not be dismissed.

If you like fast lenses and don't care about weight (by the way, my previous lens was a Canon 24-70mm L f2.8 you wanna talk about weight!) than this is the lens to get.

Do your research and I think you'll ultimately wind up back here placing this in your shopping cart.

The lens is built like a tank and looks beautiful. It focuses like lightning and again, is sharp, sharp, sharp. I am adding images taken with this lens to my website [...] soon.

GET IT!!

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

The best, Monday, 14 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		4.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is simply a splendid lens. On my D 200 it has produced miracles. Indeed color rendition is simply superb as is contrast. I thought initially it was going to be a bit expensive but my friendly camera store convinced me othewhise. It is a great allround lens that can be used for everything despite its size. The only problem is that at 17 mm and even before, the built-in flash on the D 200 will give a shadow of the lens on the bottom so yuo will probably be better off using a separate flash (that I have still not bought but that I now recommend all my friends to buy with these Nikons). I also never use the sun shade since the lens then simply becomes enormous. I had been using some older autofocus lenses on my D200 before but this has now become my standard lens.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

An amazing professional Nikon DX format lens, Thursday, 05 June 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is my favorite lens for weddings and full length portraits. It is built for professionals, and can produce fantastic results, (in the right hands). Images are tack sharp with great color and contrast. The fast fixed aperture is perfect for low light photography at all zoom lengths. Great for those times when you can't use a flash.

Before making your purchase consider that any of the the affordable "kit" lenses, (with a nearly identical zoom range), may fit your budget better. For example, the Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II is really a terrific lens. If you have any doubt, get the less expensive kit lens, and try to outgrow its usefulness by becoming a better photographer.

Like all photographic tools, the more expensive "professional" models won't make you a better photographer. This lens just allows you a greater range of flexibility in certain situations where the kit lens will fall a tad short. Every lens in the right hands can produce "professional" results, but this one will make the professionals life just a little easier. If you are truly ready for a lens like this, the Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED won't disappoint.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

No substitute for fast glass!, Monday, 26 May 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		4.0

I read many of the reviews, and I was on the fence regarding this lens. I tried a sample in a local camera shop, and felt the 'roughness' in the zoom ring that another reviewer mentioned. Having no way to try before I buy on Amazon, I crossed my fingers, bit the bullet, and placed my order. I've used it over the weekend at a local zoo (National Zoo, Washington D.C.) and...wow. No way is this going back to Amazon. I know that the kit 18-55mm lens is tack sharp and a fraction of the cost, but let me tell you there is no substitute for fast glass. The depth of field and fast autofocus this provides is astounding. I uploaded an image of an iguana to this review, but it really doesn't do the lens justice. The best compliment I've received with a photo from this lens is "Did you really take that?" They think I stole it from Nat'l Geo! If you can swing it, buy this lens. Forget the naysayers, put your faith in fast glass.

'Nuff said.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Nikon 17-55mm f2.8, Thursday, 22 May 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		4.5
Sharpness		4.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

An amazing lens! Images are sharp. Wide angle encompasses most of your scene while the telephoto gets you pretty close. It would be nice if Nikon made this lens with VR, but for the most part, it gets the job done. The price is a little steep for most people, but the quality is by far worth the price. The f2.8 will give you a wide enough aperture to photograph under lower lighting with a decent shutter speed (under most circumstances) and without a flash.

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

5 of 11 people found the following review helpful

Zoom feels like you're grinding meat, Sunday, 04 May 2008


Overall rating (weighted)		1.5
Sharpness		2.0
Build Quality		1.0
AF Speed		2.0
Value for Money		1.0

[ Read the epilogue at the end of this review ]

I really wanted to believe. I read the reviews and I was extremely optimistic. I wanted to try & buy the lens locally but it wasn't available so I didn't get an opportunity to feel the lens.

I got the lens (wow, it's big and heavy) and eagerly put it on my D300. When I tried zooming, instead of that nice, smooth silky ball-bearing feel, the zooming felt like cheap, rough plastic-on-plastic.

My wife tried it out and she yelped "Oh My God, that's rough".

What's worse it that the zoom ring is right next to the body and even with my small hands, my hand kept bumping up against the built-in flash. Why did Nikon switch the order of the rings? The rings on the Nikon 18-200 VR lens are in the "correct" order.

Unfortunately, I just sold my $1200 Canon lens (with IS) since I wasn't using the Rebel XTi anymore. Now, that was an incredibly smooth lens. I really miss that lens.

I tried a number of lens and the quality of the photographs didn't impress me. I didn't see a significant improvement over my lesser lenses.

The lens does focus quickly and quietly, but it's too painful to zoom so I'm sending it back.

When Nikon comes out with an IS lens with smooth zooming action (and without zoom creep like on the 18-200mm lens), I'll try again.

Try before you buy! It's going to cost me about $50 to ship back the lens and filter.

---------- MAY 9, 08 UPDATE ---------

I called Nikon tech support and told them how difficult it was to turn the zoom ring. He asked me where I got it from and if it was used. I told him I bought it directly from Amazon and it wasn't used. He asked me if it had the gold ring on the edge of the lens; it does.

Tech support said that the zoom should be silky smooth and I probably had a defective lens. I called Amazon and they sent me a replacement which I received within just a few days. Good service. Thank you Amazon.

Today, I received the replacement lens with great anticipation. I turned the zoom ring and it was so difficult to turn that I practically needed a wrench. In all honesty, I don't think a young child or someone with hand problems could turn the zoom. I wish I had a way of measuring the amount of resistance so that I could give a non-subjective figure.

Again, I called Nikon. They said that they've never heard of this problem before and I should send them the lens for repairs. Of course, if the lens is gone for 30 days, then I have to eat the cost of the lens since I won't be able to return it to Amazon. I told Nikon support, thank you, but no thank you. As an aside, Nikon recommends buying from Amazon.

I've been using Nikon products for over 35 years. One of my first cameras was a Nikon FTN so I think I'm qualified to judge a good product from one that's a stinker.

Since I'm not a quitter, I'm going to return both lenses to Amazon and see if I can find one locally and try it out in person and pay the premium. If not, then I'll wait until Nikon releases a newer lens.

----------- EPILOGUE -------------

I called around and finally found a dealer who had a loaner in stock. I drove out and tried the lens out.

The zoom ring was INFINITELY easier to turn than the two bad lenses that I received. There was a bit of resistance at either end of the spectrum but not a deal breaker.

In the end, I decided not to buy the lens because of the size and location of the zoom ring. It's very narrow and right next to the body. The zoom ring is not in a "natural" location. Check out the Tamrom equivalent (in basic specifications, not quality). You'll notice that the zoom ring is very wide and not next to the body. I didn't buy the Tamron because I believe in the maxim of "you get what you pay for".

I came home and bought a Nikon 85mm f1.4 lens through Amazon instead (obviously not the same thing, but I wanted a lens). I'll wait until Nikon releases a better zoom lens; with a wider zoom ring in the correct location and hopefully with IS (vibration reduction).

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

Was this review helpful to you? yes

Report this review

Most Popular...