Review: 17-55 vs 18-70 vs 28-70 (pics)

[Onyx]

Some may be interested in this comparo. The usual pixel peeping warning applies: these tests are no where near scientific nor do I claim them to be. They are presented for interests' sake.

All shots taken with identical camera settings in RAW and straight converted with Capture 4.2.1. with only change being standardised WB (high colour fluoro - 6500K). Full size images presented, no USM applied, only saved at PS CS JPEG lvl 8. ISO 400 used.

DX Lenses: 17-55 vs 18-70 - physical size differences

Shot with 35/2 at f/2 (handheld after coffee consumption).

AF-S Lenses: 28-70 vs 18-70 - physical size differences


Wide-end distortion (the bottom edge of brown desk is meant to be straight):

17-55 at 17mm, wide aperture f/2.8.
Full size (3008x2000)

18-70 at 18mm, wide aperture f/3.5.
Full size (3008x2000)

28-70 at 28mm, wide aperture f/2.8 (standing well further back than the other two)
Full size (3008x2000)


Long end - supposed test for sharpness. Images taken with camera on support, at f/8. 1/13 and 1/15 shutter speed differences IMHO negligible. Focus using centre point, double-tapped half shutter depress before release for each photo.

I estimated 55mm on the 18-70. Exif reported 52mm so I wasn't far off. What surprised me was that to this equal angle of view, the 17-55 needed to be set at 45mm. So -

17-55 at 45mm
Full size (3008x2000)

18-70 at 52mm
Full size (3008x2000)

50mm at f/8 (incommensurable with the other two, as this is right in the sweet centre of this lens' zoom range - and taken much later than the two above attempting to equalise field of view)
Full size (3008x2000)

As I said, nothing scientific. Feel free to pixel peep at the full size images. No need to point out my testing methodology flaws, I already know... believe me.

Edit: added 28-70 into the mix after initial 17-55 versus 18-70 play session.

[Killakoala]

Interesting comparison.

Thanks for taking the time to make me want to get a 17-55DX.

[kipper]

Glad I read that last line Onyx. Was about to say you either have the images not with the correct title or your methologies are wrong

Was looking at the first lot of pictures and going "hang on the 17-55 at widest angle has less visable area than the 18-70 at widest angle"

[Onyx]

Glad I read that last line Onyx. Was about to say you either have the images not with the correct title or your methologies are wrong

Was looking at the first lot of pictures and going "hang on the 17-55 at widest angle has less visable area than the 18-70 at widest angle"

Kipper, the wide angle shots were meant to test for distortion (because reportedly the 18-70 is terrible at 18mm) so I matched the angle of view of the two lenses.

The tele end was meant to test for sharpness at the same focal length, so the I dialed in f/8 and tried to match the angle of view of the two lenses. I know I failed miserably when it comes to direct A to B comparisons... it was not my intention.

[MCWB]

Holy crap, the 17-55 is just much sharper isn't it! Impressive stuff. It's been on my 'lust list' for a while, but I wonder about its price. I mean for that sort of money, you can get some pretty decent primes: 20 2.8, 50 1.4 and maybe 85 1.8 or something? Or maybe 24 2.8, 50 1.8 and 85 1.4? Does that make it unconpetitively priced? What do you reckon guys?

Either way it's still a pretty nice hunk of glass though, thanks Onyx!

[Onyx]

Edit: contents of this post added to initial post.

[ElRonno]

Hi Onyx,

Thanks for the test!

The "quick" conclusion renders the 17-55 sharper than the 18-70 in the calender test, but closer examination doesn't make it so easy.

First check the upper bit of the calender: black text on white background. The 17-55 seems a lot sharper.
Now take the lower bit: gold text on black background. The opposite conclusion here! 18-70 shows more sharpness and contrast and less noise.

I think it's just a matter of focus here!

So don't jump to conclusions MCWB

[Glen]

Welcome Elronno, nice to have another dutchman here Two have joined in a week

[Grev]

Actually I'm more interested in the 35mm f2 now...

I still like my kit lens nonetheless. Although I've been using my 35-70 f3.3-4.5 and not my 18-70 lately...