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I have the latter (28-70mm 2. which I've been very impressed in terms of performance and results but am wondering how it compares with the 17-55. I like the idea of the shorter focal length of the 17-55. But the 28-70 continues to sell for about $200 more so I'm wondering if there's a catch with the 17-55. Is there no advantage of the DX format over full size lenses in DSLR's? Are folks hedging bets that Nikon will eventually fall into full size sensor DSLR camp?

Hi RICPIC,

Welcome to the forum. Unfortunatly I cannot comment on the 2 lenses as I have niether. There are some of each here floating around and Im sure youll get a response.

I personally are betting that Nikon go full frame and as such I have not purchsed any DX lenses other than the Kit lens that came with me D70.

Look forward to seeing some of you r pics..


MATT

RICPIC wrote:I have the latter (28-70mm 2. which I've been very impressed in terms of performance and results but am wondering how it compares with the 17-55. I like the idea of the shorter focal length of the 17-55. But the 28-70 continues to sell for about $200 more so I'm wondering if there's a catch with the 17-55. Is there no advantage of the DX format over full size lenses in DSLR's? Are folks hedging bets that Nikon will eventually fall into full size sensor DSLR camp?

You'll find there are always debates about these 2 lenses. You are correct -the 17-55 DX is designed to reduce the image circle and thereby maximise the digital sensors in Nikon cameras. The 28-70 throws an image over the 35 mm (36mmX24mm) format.

I have the 17-55 DX lens, and chose it over the other one because:
- it is smaller and lighter
- it has a 35mm equivalency of 24-80 or therabouts, which is in keeping with the majority of my photography. The other lens would be 40-105 in round terms, a bit longer than I need mostly

There are no problems over the capabilities of the 28-70, it's one of Nikon's best, while there have been grouches over some aspects of the 17-55 DX, mainly consistent build quality.

I probably haven't helped you much. I'd get the one that suits you best both in terms of its physical size and your type of photography.

Hi RICPIC and welcome. Just to confuse you a little more and throw up a third option have a look at this thread:

http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=11236

I think the price diff is mainly reflecting the perceived uncertainty of the DX format longevity. IMO DX is here to stay, anyone waiting or holding out for "full frame" from Nikon will die forever waiting. <- you can quote me on that and rub it in my face in 10 year's time... (Maybe we should hold off buying F mount lenses too, in case Nikon changes the lense mount in future.)

The 17-55DX is the 28-70 of the digital age. With the crop factor, it's equivalent in range to the latter on film, but both are gold ringed Nikkors so they're both pro quality glass with constant f/2.8 apertures.

thanks for that.

the main reason i'm looking at the 17-55 is because the zoom range is more useable. the 42-105mm equivalent range of the 28-70 on a nikon sensor is a bit nowheresville. but this i already knew and there doesn't seem to be any secret wisdom about DX lenses. i guess it's just that when using film format lenses on nikon DSLR's you don't use all the glass and if Nikon don't go to a full size sensor (which they will resist to the death) you never will.

RICPIC wrote:i guess it's just that when using film format lenses on nikon DSLR's you don't use all the glass and if Nikon don't go to a full size sensor (which they will resist to the death) you never will.

Depend on each type of photography you want to do, most of the non DX glasses as the 28-70/2.8 still useable & perfectly on DSLR, I don't see why it's not suitable, I have & use them as the zoom: 17-35, 28-70, 70-200 and prime: 20/2.8, 24/2.8, 28/1.4, 35/2.8, 50/1.4, 85/1.4, 105/2 DC and more......

I tried a 17-55Dx once and ditched it! I didn't like it much and get used with my 17-35 + the range I have above.

The only two DX lenses which I have in my bag is 12-24Dx + 10.5 FE, that's! coz I could not find one same range with non DX.

Nikon full frame is not far away, just save up and ready when it launched.