Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.