Name: Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED
Brand: Nikon

Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED

Overall score

7.6

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

wide-angle zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Nikon F

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

77 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

8.3

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

17 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

35 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

2.1x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

104 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

62 °

Focus & Controls

7.8

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

SWM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

7.9

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

8.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED better than the average camera lens?

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Has focus distance scale
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has internal zoom
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
Maintains length during zooming.
What it is: A zoom design that changes focal length without extending the outer barrel.
When it matters: When balance on a gimbal or tripod matters and you do not want the lens length to change while zooming.
Importance: LOW
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
1 more aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.3 vs 2
10.8% better value for money
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.14 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.14 vs 7.346).8.14 vs 7.35
2.52x cheaper
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is cheaper than the average camera lens (£210 vs £530).
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is cheaper than the average camera lens (£210 vs £530).£210 vs £530
1 more aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
Has focus distance scale
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has internal zoom
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.

Why is Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED worse than the average camera lens?

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284.6 g heavier
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is heavier than the average camera lens (810 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
Older release date
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 1999
14 mm longer lens
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is longer than the average camera lens (106 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
5.5 mm wider lens barrel
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is wider than the average camera lens (82.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
0.1 % higher optical distortion
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.4% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
0.2 EV more vignetting
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.4 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
0.1 T-stop higher transmission value
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (3.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
284.6 g heavier
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is heavier than the average camera lens (810 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is heavier than the average camera lens (810 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.810 g vs 525.4 g
Older release date
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 1999
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED was released earlier than the average camera lens.1999 vs 2016
14 mm longer lens
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is longer than the average camera lens (106 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is longer than the average camera lens (106 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.106 mm vs 92 mm
0.1 % higher optical distortion
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.4% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.4% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.0.4 % vs 0.3 %
0.2 EV more vignetting
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.4 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.4 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.1.400 EV vs 1.2 EV
5.5 mm wider lens barrel
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is wider than the average camera lens (82.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED is wider than the average camera lens (82.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.82.5 mm vs 77 mm
0.1 T-stop higher transmission value
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (3.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (3.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.3.2 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop
3.6% lower user score
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.81 vs 8.091).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.81 vs 8.091).7.81 vs 8.09

Expert reviews

nikonians.org

25/01/2002

Summary of the review

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

The Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D ED IF is lauded as a professional-grade, ultra-wide-angle zoom that delivers prime-like image quality with exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast. Key advantages include its advanced optical design with ED and aspherical elements, fast and quiet Internal Focusing (SWM), and a constant f/2.8 aperture, making it highly versatile for both film and high-demand digital sensors. Conversely, the review identifies the lens's premium price and substantial physical weight as significant drawbacks. However, the analysis notes these cons are justified, as the versatile zoom effectively replaces five separate wide-angle prime lenses.

photozone.de

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED (FX) - Review / Test Report

The Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED is a professional-grade "gold ring" wide-angle zoom lens evaluated on the FX-format Nikon D3x camera. Originally launched as part of a high-end fast-zoom trio featuring early ultrasonic autofocus technology, it remains the only lens of its generation still sold new. Retailing for approximately 1,600 EUR or 1,750 USD, the lens bridges the gap between younger alternatives like the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 and the AF-S 16-35mm f/4 VR by combining a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture with a design that accommodates standard screw-on filters. The main advantages (pros) of this lens include its superb, professional-grade metal build quality, ultra-smooth control rings, and a fixed physical length during zooming and internal focusing. Its 77mm non-rotating front element makes using polarizing filters seamless, and the silent-wave drive delivers very fast, near-silent autofocus. It is also noticeably shorter and more compact than its modern alternatives. On the downside (cons), the lens offers the narrowest maximum picture angle among the three compared lenses, starting at 17mm instead of 14mm or 16mm. Additionally, it lacks modern optical image stabilization, features a...

fotozones.com

18/11/2019

Summary of the review

17-35mm f/2.8 AFS-Nikkor ED-IF - Zoom Lenses - Fotozones

The Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 AFS-Nikkor ED-IF is an exceptionally high-quality wide-angle zoom lens developed with a focus on digital bodies like the D1, featuring a complex optical formula that includes aspherical and ED elements, a unique inward-bulging front center, and a 77mm filter size. The reviewer notes that the lens balances beautifully on modern bodies and delivers supreme sharpness, contrast, and color saturation across its entire focal range. It is highly praised for outstanding flare and ghosting control that outperforms most prime lenses, exceptionally low field curvature making it ideal for flat or 3D subjects, and minimal chromatic aberration (color fringing) compared to older alternatives. Additionally, it offers incredibly fast autofocus action, lacks a rotating front element, handles infrared shooting flawlessly with zero hot-spots, and proves physically durable against wear and tear. However, the lens does exhibit a few performance and age-related drawbacks. There is moderate vignetting in the frame corners when shot wide open at f/2.8 and 17mm, along with some barrel distortion at the wider focal lengths and mild pincushion distortion at 35mm. While it performs exceptionally on...

throughthefmount.com

14/01/2012

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 review - Through the F Mount

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 is a professional-grade wide-angle zoom lens introduced in 1999 as Nikon's first non-telephoto lens featuring a Silent Wave autofocus motor. The reviewer notes its stellar, pro-built durability that handles heavy use, excellent overall contrast, high sharpness, and a nice bokeh quality. Additional benefits include a sturdy, clicking bayonet lens hood, a close minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters, and a physical aperture ring that allows compatibility with older camera bodies. It delivers strong performance when shooting directly into the sun and functions remarkably well for infrared photography. Despite these strengths, the reviewer outlines a few minor drawbacks for users looking at fine details. The lens exhibits soft image corners when shooting in the 17-19mm focal range, even when stopped down. Furthermore, it occasionally produces a strange "wavy sharpness pattern" where clarity unevenly fluctuates across distinct parts of the frame. When compared to bulky alternatives like the 14-24mm f/2.8, the 17-35mm stands out as a highly versatile standard choice due to its standard 77mm filter thread, which easily accommodates protective and creative filters.

backcountry-expeditions.com

20/06/2023

Summary of the review

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED (1999-2021)

The Backcountry Expeditions review highlights the AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED as a professionally built, robust, and durable ultra-wide lens, praised for its premium metal construction compared to modern alternatives. Acquired used for 453,-€, the lens is lauded for its highly practical focal length range and exceptional tactile quality, overcoming the reviewer's initial hesitation regarding its age. Despite its high cost relative to its age, with an original price of 1.900,-€, the reviewer finds the lens to be an excellent investment, ultimately regretting not adding it to their kit sooner. The author strongly favors this model over newer alternatives due to its superior physical durability, confirming no regrets in the purchase.

digicamclub.de

24/08/2020

Summary of the review

Nikon AFS-Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8D ED - An Insider's Secret for Wide-Angle

The Nikon AFS-Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8D ED is a wide-angle zoom lens introduced in 1999 that remains a compelling choice for modern photographers adapting it to full-frame mirrorless systems like the Sony A7R II. Built primarily out of metal, this 750-gram lens features a physical aperture ring and a smooth manual focus ring with pleasant resistance. Its optical design consists of 13 elements in 10 groups, incorporating three aspherical lenses and two ED glass elements. It features a constant physical length during zooming, accepts standard 77mm front filters without added vignetting, and allows users to focus as close as 28cm across the entire focal range. The review highlights several pros, including good-to-excellent center sharpness, contrast, and resolution even when shot wide open at f/2.8. The lens handles shooting directly into the sun well, controls distortion admirably (except at 17mm), and produces surprisingly fantastic bokeh for a wide-angle lens. The reviewer notes 24mm as the optical "sweet spot". On the cons side, the lens shows expected performance degradation in the far corners, more pronounced distortion at the 17mm focal length, and faces...

dxomark.fr

Juin 1999

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Overview and Test Results on DxOMark

in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside You sent: 1 tab and said: 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED - DXOMARK 2 paragraphs summary of this review in english language, be very specific, mention pros and cons inside

radojuva.com

24/07/2015

Summary of the review

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

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8D IF as a rugged, professional-grade wide-angle zoom with fast SWM autofocus, M/A override, and excellent, high-contrast performance on full-frame cameras. However, the lens is prone to soft corners at 17mm when wide open at f/2.8, requiring stopping down to f/5.6–f/8 for peak performance, and possesses a delicate early SWM motor prone to failure. Additionally, the lens can suffer from flare and ghosting under strong backlighting.

digitalcamaralens.com

06/12/2025

Summary of the review

NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D ED - Test - Review (FX Format)

The DigitalCamaraLens review evaluates the Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 D ED, an ultra-wide angle zoom lens tested on a full-frame Nikon D600 as an update to a 2007 DX-format test. Even though the lens was nearing the end of its commercial lifecycle and stock was depleting at the time of the 2013 review, it remained a relevant option in the second-hand market. Physically, the lens features a robust metallic chassis combined with a plastic exterior, weighing 745 grams and spanning 106mm in length. It is built with an internal zoom design where the double-inverting telescopic element shifts internally, ensuring the overall length does not change dramatically, while utilizing a common 77mm filter size. The review highlights several specific pros and cons regarding its construction and handling. On the positive side (pros), the lens boasts high-quality internal focusing via a front group that prevents the filter thread from rotating, a smooth 90-degree zoom ring rotation, and secure internal adjustments that eliminate the need for a zoom extension lock. On the negative side (cons), the reviewer notes a small mechanical snag or...

radojuva.com

24/07/2015

Summary of the review

Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 17-35 mm 1: 2.8D SWM IF AsféricoGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8D as a professional-grade, robust wide-angle zoom with a fast f/2.8 aperture, exceptional build quality, and excellent center sharpness. It is praised for its internal focus, low distortion, and fast, accurate autofocus with manual override. Conversely, the review highlights significant, common failures of the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that can result in loud, squeaky, or broken autofocus. Additional drawbacks include noticeable corner softness on high-resolution sensors, heavy vignetting, high weight, and the lack of modern vibration reduction.

radojuva.com

24/07/2015

Summary of the review

Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8D SWM IF ED Review (nikonistas.com) | 02 January 2009 | Nikkor 17-35 mm f/2.8 D ED-IF AF-S - Optics - Nikonistas.com

The Nikon ED AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8D IF is a robust, professional-grade wide-angle lens with an all-metal construction, featuring a fast f/2.8 aperture, internal focusing, and excellent center sharpness. It offers versatile performance for both film and digital cameras via its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and produces good contrast, although it lacks modern vibration reduction. However, the lens suffers from notable edge softness and heavy vignetting at wider apertures, generally requiring stopping down to f/8 for optimal corner-to-corner results. It is also plagued by a high risk of failure for its older SWM autofocus motor, which can be expensive to repair.

rcefoto.com

No Date

Summary of the review

Used Nikon AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D ED - RCE Foto

The Nikon AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 D ED is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens designed for both full-frame (FF) and APS-C format cameras, making it a highly flexible option for photographers who operate both body types. Manufactured since 2001, this lens provides a wide angle of field ranging from 103.7 to 63.5 degrees depending on the focal length used, alongside a close minimum focusing distance of just under 30 centimeters. Its high-quality Japanese build and premium materials ensure exceptional durability and resistance over long-term use. On the performance side, the lens delivers outstanding image sharpness and excellent color reproduction, making it a reliable tool for expanding a photographer's gear kit, even if it requires a relatively high initial financial investment. In terms of downsides, users should be aware that the lens exhibits slight optical distortions and noticeable softness along the edges of the frame, particularly when shooting at its maximum focal length. Additionally, it lacks modern optical image stabilization. A more significant mechanical concern highlighted by some buyers is the risk of the internal ultrasonic Silent Wave Motor (AF) breaking down...

Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED Review | 54 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED

Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED better than the average camera lens?

Why is Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED?

What customers dislike about Nikon AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 17 35mm F 2 8D IF ED?

Expert reviews

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