Verdict
Pros
- Good build quality, Sonic Wave Motor, fast f/2.8 aperture
Cons
- Slower Sonic Wave Motor than comparable Canon lens
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £999
Nikon’s 17-55mm DX lens is designed for Nikon DX (APS-C) sized sensors. With a fast continuous aperture of f/2.8, the lens is among the biggest, heaviest and the most expensive in this category. So what’s in there to warrant such bulk and cost? For a start there’s the Sonic Wave Motor, which like Canon’s USM, provides fast, quiet focusing. A fast aperture demands large optics, and the front element reflects this power.
Within the 10 groups of 14 elements are aspheric lenses and three Extra low Dispersion optics, to reduce chromatic aberration and increase resolution and contrast. The DX marking also gives away the focal length shift, in this case a 1.5x magnification, lifting the lens to a 25.5-82.5mm equivalent. Another reason for the optic’s weight is the solid metal construction; this lens has a tacitly solid feel, instilling confidence that it can tackle extreme conditions. At the widest length the front element extracts about half an inch from the outer barrel, though focusing is internal, leaving room for filters and, with no rotation, it can be used with polarisers. The focus and zoom grips are secure, with just enough resistance to stop them feeling loose, but not enough to feel tight. The SWM is effective, but on the D80 – used in this test – is noticeably slower than that of the Canon equivalent.
Image Quality
The Nikon optic maintains high resolution throughout the aperture range at 17mm, matching the Canon 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM lens, but fails to match it at 55mm. However, it’s a consistent performer, and its centre to corner fall-off is well controlled. In terms of chromatic aberration it displays slight fringing, but this is rarely visible except in extreme contrast conditions, and is more obvious in corner areas. In the lab, this lens displayed one of the best CA test results.
Sample images
Verdict
It may cost a lot, but the amount of features – such as the high build, SWM and fast f/2.8 aperture – definitely puts this lens in a professional category. The high optical performance is also a bonus, and Nikon owners will be proud to own such a great lens.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
-
Value 9
-
Design 9
-
Image Quality 9
-
Features 10
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.