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Nikon News Release
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Jul. 22. 2003

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED New wideangle to medium telephoto 3.2x zoom lens designed exclusively to cover the most-needed focal range for Nikon digital SLRs

TOKYO -- Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of a new high quality 3.2x zoom lens for digital photography, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED.

Developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format digital SLR cameras, this lightweight, compact zoom lens is an excellent match for the new Nikon D2H digital SLR camera.

The 17-55mm range exceeds 3x zoom to broaden wide angle to medium telephoto photographic possibilities, and the lens maintains fast f/2.8 aperture throughout to make it practical and easy to use. When mounted on any of the Nikon D2H, D1-series or D100 digital SLR cameras, the picture angle is the equivalent to 25.5 to 82.5mm on a 35mm [135] format camera.

The range and image quality makes this the lens professionals and advanced enthusiasts will use most with Nikon DX Format digital SLR cameras for shooting portraits and close-ups, as well as nature studies. It also complements the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED lens in Nikon's expanding DX Nikkor lens lineup.

Nikon established yet stricter evaluation standards for the new lens, and it achieves greater picture resolution as a result. The newly developed optical system employed includes three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration and three aspherical lenses that minimize distortion.

Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet autofocus. And the nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening provides a rich, natural look to out-of-focus elements.

With its useful wide range and high quality performance, this compact, lightweight lens will help win a warm place for the Nikon DX format in the hearts of Digital SLR users.

Note: This lens is not compatible with 35mm [135] format or IX240 format film cameras.


Focal length and Picture angle
When Nikkor lenses originally designed for the 35mm [135] format are used on the Nikon DX Format, photographers believe that the lens' focal length is increased by a factor of 1.5. For example, a 17-55mm lens would become a 25.5-82.5mm lens. Technically, that is not correct. In fact, there is no change of focal length as you switch the lens from one format to the other. The actual change is that the picture angle of the lens is narrowed on the digital format because the digital format is smaller in relation to the lens' image circle projected on the sensor. Focal length and reproduction ratio remain constant for the comparable viewed portions of the image. It is the picture angle that changes.
This new DX Nikkor lens' true focal length is 17-55mm with a picture angle that will vary from 79° at 17mm to 28°50' at 55mm.
The combination of reduced picture angle and a smaller image circle enabled the creation of this compact, lightweight DX Nikkor lens that covers a range from wide-angle to portrait and medium telephoto shots.

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AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED Major Features

  • Lightweight, compact design comparable in size to a dedicated wide-angle lens
  • Extremely useful range, with a 35mm [135] equivalent of 25.5-82.5mm
  • Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration, providing higher resolution and superior contrast
  • Three aspherical lens elements minimize distortion, especially at the periphery, for superior optical performance
  • Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) delivers quiet, swift autofocus with superior accuracy
  • The rounded, 9-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
  • All elements are made of environment-friendly glass
  • [M/Anmode allows rapid switching between AF and MF operation
  • Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance
  • G-type Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring, so operation is easy and virtually mistake-free because the aperture does not have to be set to minimum
  • Lens mount fitted with rubber ring that is resistant to dust and drops of water
  • New bayonet-type Lens Hood HB-31 (supplied) greatly reduces stray light
  • Soft Lens Case CL-1120 supplied


AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED Specifications

Focal length 17-55mm (picture angle is equivalent to 25.5-82.5mm on a 35mm [135] format camera)
Maximum aperture f/2.8
Lens construction 14 elements in 10 groups (includes three ED glass and three aspherical lens elements)
Picture angle 79° ~ 28°50'
Focus distance0.36m (14.2 in.) to infinity
Max. reproduction ratio  1/5 (0.2)
Aperture f/2.8 to f/22
Attachment size 77mm diameter
Dimensions Approx. 85.5mm dia. x 110.5mm (3.4 in. dia. x 4.4 in.)
Weight Approx. 755g (26.6 oz.)


Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. Jul. 2003


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