1. Nikon designed and built the AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17–35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens for use on film and FX and DX cameras. On a digital body with 1.5x magnification, the focal length is 25.5mm to 52.5mm.
2. Many experts and reviewers rate the Nikkor 17–35mm f/2.8D as the best wide-angle lens Nikon has ever introduced. Some even say this Nikon wide angle lens is better than a prime lens, delivering superior sharpness in the corners of an image at 18mm and f/2.8 compared to the 18mm f/2.8D Nikkor prime.
3. Photojournalists will find the 17–35mm f/2.8D to be an excellent professional news tool. It has enough wide-angle to capture newsworthy images in a crowd and a rugged build quality to withstand years of abuse from that and other crowds. News photographers will also like the exceptional speed of this lens and its autofocus system. It doesn’t need to hunt for focus and the front element doesn’t turn when the AF motor is operating. Whenever conditions warrant it, manual focus can be selected with a simple twist of the focus ring, superseding AF. In addition, manual focus doesn’t require additional power to operate fully. Plus, the lens maintains its 4.2-inch (106mm) length when zooming or focusing. It’s less likely to be bumped during those wild scrambles for the news shots that make editors very happy.
4. Architectural photographers will also quickly recognize the value of the Nikon 17–35mm. Details are rendered with excellent accuracy and dimensionality. Third-party tests reveal that the f/5.6 aperture delivers the sharpest images. Equally important to this group of pros is falloff and distortion. The Nikkor 17–35mm f/2.8D rates very high in both categories. Falloff is virtually invisible, even at the widest aperture; and at f/5.6, it disappears entirely throughout the focal-length range. Although some barrel distortion occurs at 17mm, this is not unusual for most zoom lenses. Move to 35mm, however, and any lines at the border of a composition are dead straight.
5. Serious travel photographers will want the Nikkor 17–35mm f/2.8D along for the ride. Its compact dimensions take less space in luggage or a camera bag; and its fast optics and quiet AF motor allows pros, with assignments around the world, to step directly into the action and capture great images.
6. All these photographers and many others will be recording sharp, colorful digital photos with rich details because of the optical engineering in this Nikon lens. With just 13 elements in 10 groups, the optics of the Nikkor 17–35mm f/2.8D may seem sparse. What is important is that three of the elements are aspherical, which means they are manufactured with an asymmetrical curve. Typically, all the aspherical elements in many lenses are made of plastic; however, two of the three in this lens are glass.
Another 2 of the 13 elements are ED, or low-dispersion, glass. These are important to creating clear, precise images of news event or shooting architecture with intricate details that must be visible and sharp. ED glass causes the various wavelengths of light entering the lens to gather at the same point. This helps to diminish chromatic aberrations to a minimum, even when the lens is wide open.
7. The Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17–35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens is available from B&H Photo Video for only $1,579.00, online at bhphotovideo.com.
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