Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Lens

A first-rate professional quality lens and is widely held to be one of the best if not the best wide angle professional zoom lens for 35mm SLRs and Digital SLRs compatible with the Nikon lens system and the standard zoom lens for photojournalism and travel photography, perfect for use with either film or digital SLR cameras.

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED is an ultra-wideangle zoom lens that offers a range of professional-level features for overall superior performance. [g index]

Used with Nikon's Professional D Series Digital SLR's, the image reproduction ratio will be identical to that of a Nikon 35mm SLR, but for the 23.7mm x 15.6mm CCD, the lens' effective coverage will be equivalent to using a 25.5mm to 52.5mm zoom on 35mm (135) film format

The lens hood that's included is pretty much useless and is so physically large that's it's hard to fit into a camera bag. A gorgeous hard case is also included, which I will probably never use. It would be better if Nikon just reduced the price by $50-100 and omitted this impractical part of the lens.

Feb 04, 2011

• Two types of aspherical lens — moulded-glass (two elements) and hybrid — minimize distortion at the periphery

• Constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 at all focal lengths.

• D- Distance. Denoted after the  f-number. It signifies the lens has the capacity to use Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering on camera bodies where it is supported.

• ED- (Extra-low Dispersion) -Two
a necessary element of the Nikon telephoto lens Nikon engineered Extra-low Dispersion optical glass to facilitate the manufacture of lenses that provide superior color correction and sharpness

• IF- Internal Focusing
The ability to have a lens focus while it's size remains unchanged. Nikon’s IF engineering allows that to happen. All internal optical travel is contained within the inside of the non-extension lens container.

 • SIC - Nikon Super Integrated Coating
Nikon uses an elite multilayer lens coating to augment the operation of its lens elements which also helps diminish ghosting and flare to minute levels.

• RD- Rounded Diaphragm
Soft-focus images of point light resources create accepted polygonal shapes that mirror the form of the cavity produced by the diaphragm blades.

 • M/A mode
AF-S Nikon lenses include the exclusive Nikon M/A focus function, that permits switching from auto to manual focus virtually without time lag - even while the AF servo is in operation regardless of the AF mode in play.

• SWM- Silent Wave Motor
Nikon AF-S engineering is yet one more rationale why professional photographers like Nikon telephoto optical lenses.

• No power is required for manual focusing which is smooth, fluid and easy

• Dedicated lens hood effectively minimizes stray light

• Dust- and water drop-resistant design

• Front & Rear Caps
• HB-23 Lens Hood
• Case
• 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)