Would you buy the Nikkor 17-35 for D700 today?

[Webmonkey]

Hi guys!


Just wanted to get your opinion on whatever the 17-35 2.8 nikkor is still a gem on FX or maybe if it is better to look for something else. I see some reviews on photozone.de that seems like it has soft edges and some samples pics from other places seem to say that there is much distortion when looking et trees and buildings...

I have the opertunity to buy one 2nd hand, but I am not sure if it would be a good choice for the D700 (will buy in summer)

Other options could be the cheaper 18-35 2nd hand or a new Tamron 28-75 or Sigma 24-70.

[XaiLo]

If the 24 or 28-70mm Nikkors are not on the list then the 17-35 2.8 is a great option. I'd choose it over the 18-35 2nd hand or a new Tamron 28-75 or Sigma 24-70.

[Webmonkey]

Anyone know something about sample variations in the 17-35????:confused::confused::confused:

[erichlund]

The 17-35 was, and possibly still is, considered one of Nikon's best landscape lenses. It is not really intended as an all-rounder like the 24-70.

[Rooz]

The 17-35 was, and possibly still is, considered one of Nikon's best landscape lenses. It is not really intended as an all-rounder like the 24-70.
x2..................

[MartynJC (UK)]

I purchased a 17-35mm for my D700. It really comes into it's own on a FX sensor. There is distortion at wide angles but I think this goes with the territory - it is not a miracle lens. It is built to full pro. level finish you'd expect from a Nikkor f2.8 lens. Here is a recent wide angle shot from my garden, shot into the sun at day-break - not technically great - more a test shot really.

http://designmjc.com/d700/garden_01.jpg
(the tree in the middle does bend to the right - it's not distortion!

I am sure there are better examples from this lens - but it needs to be treated as a wide-angle zoom (if you know what I mean).

Maybe Nikon will bring out a new edition - who knows? But I would grap the 17-35 f2.8 Nikkor over a Sigma or Tamron etc - but it's a personal choice dependent partly on budget I would guess.

Good Luck

[leek]

Personally, I'm happy with the 14-24/2.8 and 24-70/2.8.

I have not personally tried the 17-35/2.8, but for landscapes and indoor wide shots, I think the 14-24/2.8 is worth it.

Distortion is virtually nonexistent on the 14-24/2.8. It sounds like it's a little higher on the 17-35/2.8.

If you can try a 14-24/2.8 and 17-35/2.8 at a local camera store, do so. I think your concerns will be addressed.

[eddie_dane]

I bought the 17-35 brand new when I got my D700 and love it. I don't think the 14-24 are really the same animal and I also wouldn't compare the range to the Tamron 28-75 (which I have) or the nikkor 24-70.

If you are worried about distortion, it really rocks for architecture at around 24-28mm. If I could get one at a bargain, I would snatch it up.

[Webmonkey]

Hi guys,



Thanks for the replies.


I do not have to cash to buy it or any other high end Nikkor new, but an opertunity to buy it 2nd hand.

it is just that the new Sigma 24-70 HSM is also out.

I was thinking of this linie up when I get my D700_

Sigma 12-24
Sigma 24-70

or
Sigma 12-24
Nikkor 17-35
Tamron 28-75


Often when I see sample shots with the 17-35 they have really soft corners and trees and buildings are bending over in the sides of the pictures :confused::confused:

[herc182]

Hi guys,



Thanks for the replies.


I do not have to cash to buy it or any other high end Nikkor new, but an opertunity to buy it 2nd hand.

it is just that the new Sigma 24-70 HSM is also out.

I was thinking of this linie up when I get my D700_

Sigma 12-24
Sigma 24-70

or
Sigma 12-24
Nikkor 17-35
Tamron 28-75


Often when I see sample shots with the 17-35 they have really soft corners and trees and buildings are bending over in the sides of the pictures :confused::confused:

would you need the 17-35mm in the second list of kit? Dont think you would (i wouldnt pay the extra for focal lengths you have elsewhere.

However, it is superior to both lenses I would suspect

[Webmonkey]

I currently for my D70s use the 18-70 kit lens mostly for travel photography, and its effective focal lenght of about 28mm on the wide end seem to be lmiting me. I always find myself with the back against the wall and could use a few steps more backwards to get a building into full view.

for this reason I am intested in the Sigma 24-70 as an everyday lens. However, I shoot like 90% of my shoots wider than 35 or 50mm, so here the 17-35 becomes interesting.

I was thinking that if I am going to spend a lot of money on a lens, even 2nds hand - it will have to be for the focal lenght I use the most e.g I rarely use my 70-300mm at all. So I will never buy high end for this range.

Thanks guys

[XaiLo]

D700 3rd party glass? Not that all 3rd party glass is bad... but I'm just saying, the camera is only going to capture as good as the lens can see.

[erichlund]

Well, I wouldn't kick a Zeiss 18mm out of bed for eating crackers...;)

[Screenclutter]

Here is a review:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_zoom_01.html#AFS17-35ED

[XaiLo]

Well, I wouldn't kick a Zeiss 18mm out of bed for eating crackers...;)

I see no Zeiss 18mm in your sig, but I do see the et em Nikkor 17-55mm :p

There's some very good third party lenses but in relation to the OP's posts I just got to thinking, what doesn't fit :confused:

[erichlund]

I haven't been buying much lately that's not on the essential budget. The 17-55 is a nice lens, but it's DX and there's a D700 somewhere in my future. Thom Hogan uses the 18mm as his preferred wide angle for landscapes. It is an outstanding piece of glass. Of course, you have to put up with manual focus, but that's just fine with a landscape lens.