bernard_frank Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Is the Nikon 17-55 DX on a digital Nikon really that much better than the "film" 17-35 because of its digital optimisation? What exactly does this optimisation do, besides, of course, narrowing the field of view to the smaller "APS" sensor? Since I shoot both film and digital, I'm really wondering if the 20 mm of added focal lenght are really worth the trade- off of not being able to use the lens on a film body. Your opinion, please. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marv_stasak___southfield__ Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 I have a 17-35 and use it both for film and digital. I think it's just great! I doubt if there is a sharper zoom lens in that size range available anywhere. True, on digital it's equivalent to a 26-53mm, but I can live with that for my style of shooting. At this point, I don't want any lenses I can't use both ways. It makes things a lot simpler for me and gives me more flexibility, and that's what I want when I'm shooting a wedding or some other event when things are moving fast and I don't have time to start ditzing around trying to figure out whether what I'm grabbing is a dx lens or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 The 17-35/2.8 is generally regarded as equal to slightly better than the 17-55/2.8 DX where the ranges overlap. However, that mere 20mm is significant in that it eliminates many of the lens changes for covering weddings and events. I have the 17-35, which covers about 2/3rds of a typical event shoot, and must be swapped with a 28-70/2.8 for the balance. Most people with an high-quality DSLR don't bother with 35mm film, so unless you are holding out for a FF Nikon, I'd go with the 17-55. For me, I have what I have, and it's not worth trading out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka_nissila Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 The 17-35 is digital optimized as well. It was made for the D1 and replaced the 20-35 which was developed for film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erik_loza Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Never used the 17-55mm, but the 17-35mm is my #2 favorite lens on the DSLR. You will not be disappointed with it. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad_w Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 I usually shoot the 17-35, but the other day borrowed my editor's 17-55. I was surprised how nice the extra reach was. Not a huge difference, but kinda nice. Also, the handling of the 17-55 was really nice too, somehow smoother than the 17-35. (Could be theat my 17-35 is almost 10 trys old, too though.) I'm not a pixel peeper by any strech, but quality is plenty good enough from both lenses. Still, I'm not upgrading my personal gear, not worth the extra cash IMO. The handwriting is on the wall for APS sensors, but it'll take Nikon a while to get there if history is any indication. -Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
efusco Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 I sold my very much loved 17-35 for the 17-55. That added range really makes it a much more versatile lens (25.5-52.5 vs 25.5-82.5) and range. Paired with my 80-200 it leaves only a small gap uncovered in the range. I'd say that for candid work the 17-55 is my primary lens 90% of the time. With the 17-35 there were frequent issues of being able to zoom in adequately across a room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernard_frank Posted March 28, 2006 Author Share Posted March 28, 2006 Thank you all for your comments. Brad, you remind me that I almost vowed not to buy any G or DX lens because 1) I shoot film with AF and with older MF as well as digital and 2) mostly because I have a feeling Nikon will come up with a full frame sensor sooner rather than later. So, I think I'll stick with the 17-35 for now. When I find one at a good price, that is. The one I had in mind just got sold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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