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THE LAST CONSTANT-APERTURE f/2.8 wide-angle Nikon zoom for pros that we tested (the full-frame 17–35mm f/2.8G; May 2004) was quite sharp, but surprisingly prone to distortion for a $1,400 lens. With this newer 17–55mm digital-only f/2.8 zoom (a 25.5–85.5mm equivalent), Nikon has tackled those distortion problems, producing what may be the single best all-around lens for its growing catalog of DSLRs. It’s probably the sharpest, certainly the fastest, and surely the most optically pure Nikon DX zoom to date. At $1,250 (street), it’s also by far the most expensive.
HANDS ON: The pro caliber of this solid, metal-barrelled tool is emphatically expressed in its well-machined surfaces, incomparable balance, and satisfying heft. Its surface is subtly stippled in a sleek and attractive matte black that contrasts boldly with its bright gold markings and large subject-distance scales (feet in yellow, meters in white). About 3⁄4-inches wide and rubber-clad, the focus and zoom rings are ribbed for better finger traction, and feature a silent, well-damped, fluid turning action. One exception: a slight stiffening of the zoom collar between 45 and 55mm. Focusing action is extremely rapid and, thanks to Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor, virtually soundless.
IN THE LAB: SQF data were excellent at all tested focal lengths, indicating a lens of superior sharpness. More impressive: DxO Analyzer tests of its ability to control distortion: At 17mm, the lens produced only slight barrel distortion (0.35%), and at 35mm and 55mm, we found even less evidence of pincushioning (0.22% and 0.18%, respectively). This is an unusually fine performance for a wide-angle optic. In contrast, Nikon’s comparable full frame pro lens, the 17–35mm f/2.8G mentioned above, showed considerable distortion in our tests at both tele (2.5% barrel) and wide (2.28% pincushion) ends, and visible pincushioning (1.3%) at 28mm.
Another flattering 17–55mm stat: Light falloff was gone by f/4 at all tested focal lengths, also an above-average performance. (Most wide-angle zooms show vignetting at f/4, even f/6.3, especially at their widest zoom settings.) Finally, for a nonmacro lens, the 17–55mm delivers a very satisfying 1:4.1 maximum magnification ratio (at 55mm), with a tight 14.2-inch close-focusing distance for all focal lengths.
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