What's this? This is based almost entirely on the lens¿s image quality, based on tests of sharpness (modulation transfer function), geometric distortion, reflexes within the lens (flare), veiling glare index, vignetting, and macro performance. Ease of use was also considered.
The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is part of the interchangeable & SLR lens
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, interchangeable & SLR lenses
models like the 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Image quality:
Image quality is based on tests of sharpness (modulation transfer function), geometric distortion, reflexes within the lens (flare), veiling glare index, vignetting, and macro performance.
Image stabilization:
An image stabilizer compensates for handheld camera shake. Optical (in the lens) and mechanical (in the camera body) image stabilizers are the best types to use, although some cameras include simulated stabilization, which is considered a less effective type than the others.
Modulation transfer function:
This is a measure of lens performance and shows how well a lens reproduces object detail in the image it produces.
About This Brand
Nikon is also a world leader in cameras and lenses. The company currently sells about dozens of auto-focus lenses and several manual focus lenses under the Nikkor brand. It splits its lenses between a standard F-Mount category and a smaller DX format class designed specifically for its small size sensor DX-format digital SLRs but can be used on full-size sensor bodies using the camera’s sensor crop settings. Nikkor auto-focus and manual-focus lenses cover a variety of focal lengths and price points and are divided into seven main categories: zoom, micro (aka macro), fisheye, wide angle, normal, telephoto, and PC, which is Nikon's tilt-shift category.
Kit bodies The SLR camera bodies that are sold with specific lenses.
Kit bodies
Nikon D7000
Zoom ratio The zoom ratio is expressed by a value such as 2x or 3x, and describes the relationship between the longest and shortest focal lengths. For example, a 3x optical zoom with a minimum focal length of 18mm would have a maximum focal length of 54mm.
Zoom ratio
3X
Bayonet This describes which SLR or SLRs a particular lens is compatible with. It's also referred to as a lens mount.
Bayonet
Nikon
Weight (oz.) Weight of the lens (without case, pouch or filters).
User has 11 Months of experience with this product
5.0
excellent iq and build - deserving of the gold ring
05/05/2008
Strength
sturdy, weathersealed build, constant 2.8, popular focal range
Weakness
weight and size (tradeoff for the strengths), price, flare and distortion in certain situations
this is a great lens for any nikon dslr (except for the d3). it is especially good for low-light work and social shots where space can be tight, given its focal range. it's decently sharp wide open at 2.8, but peaks around f4-5.6. at f8-11, it loses its edge over the lesser priced consumer models, but the reason why you pay the premium for a lens like this is to use the wider aperture. the benefit of the larger aperture applies also to other areas beyond the image quality- it allows the af sensor to receive more light leading to less hunting and the viewfinder image is much brighter than its variable aperture cousins. i noticed this difference between the 17-55 and the 18-70 i have, which makes it hard to switch back unless i need to save on the weight. the only big thing i would take it down a 1/2 star for is price-value. canon also makes a 17-55 with image stabalization for ~$200 less, but it isn't an L (so not a metal, weathersealed build). this lens would do quite nicely with vr (especially with the 18-55 kit getting it), especially if it maintained the build - i would even pay an even slightly higher premium to get this lens with the same iq. the other minor issues i have is there are times i wish the lens reached a little longer (55 is a bit short for a headshot, but the bokeh is there thanks to the aperture), there is some nasty lens flare (the big, intimidating hood helps most of the time though), and there is a decent amount of barrel distortion at 17mm (but can be fixed in post). overall, a very finely built lens and has practically lived on my primary camera since the day i bought it.
Nice and pro looking, fast and quiet focus performance, Sharped, best for landscape
Weakness
price and DX format
I just bought this lens, it's perfect with my D200 DSLR. test few pics in park, the pictures was very sharp and color was very nice. I think this lens will be my workhorse.
THIS ARE MY FIRST PRO LENSES FROM NIKON AND I HAVE TO SAY THEY ARE GREAT. SHARP FROM F/2.8, HSM IS SILENT AND REALLY FAST. THEY DON'T WEIGHT TOO MUCH, ALL METAL, ZOOM AND FOCUS RING ARE HIGH QUALITY. I RECOMMEND THEM.