Nikon 17-55mm F2.8G\AF-S DX IF-ED lens

Nikon Digital SLRs multiply the focal length of the lens by 1.5 compared to film, so, in old 35mm terms, this lens is equivalent to 24-82, which is by far the most useful range for general work.

This lens is aimed fair and square at the premium professional market. The 2.8 constant maximum aperture is fast enough for most light conditions, and makes for excellent differential focus. The controls are smooth, and the overall impression is one of sturdy workhorse reliability.

In designing this lens exclusively for digital, Nikon have accepted that we now require far greater sharpness across the entire picture than we did previously. However, this sharpness comes at a price -- this lens is not suitable for 35mm film photography, and anyone still using a DSLR with, say, an F5 or F6 will need to get the more expensive and less optimised 17-35 if they want to use it on both cameras.

The filter size is 77mm, which is identical to the 80-200 AF-D, which is (in my opinion) the ideal partner to this lens. 77mm makes for expensive filters, though, especially since any depth at all is likely to cause vignetting on the shorter focal lengths. We use Lee 105 mm filters, but even then there is a limit to the number of filters you can put on before vignetting occurs.

This is by no means a small or unobtrusive lens. Price aside, it is not really suited to anything but professionals and the most committed of amateur enthusiasts.

Alternatives which are worth considering are the Nikon 18-55 mm f3.5-f5.6, which is smaller and lighter, and much cheaper. People who use the 18-55 argue that there is no discernible quality difference. However, anybody who shoots in low available light or who needs differential focus will regret the extra 2 stops of light that the 18-55 loses in its middle range.

Sigma and Tamron also make equivalents for this range and specification, both substantially cheaper than the Nikon. I've always been very pleased with Sigma lenses, and many free-lance photographers prefer them because of price. However, if I was only going to own one Nikon lens, and fill out the rest of my kit with Sigma, I would choose this one.

If you are considering this lens, you probably also want to know what G ED-IF AF-S DX stands for.

G - G type lens without on lens aperture settings. Since the DSLRs require the on-lens aperture rings to be switched off, G is neither an advantage nor a disadvantage

ED - Extra Low Dispersion. Previously ED was the mark of Nikon premium glass. However, almost all new Nikon zooms now have varying combinations of ED elements. This particular lens is in fact a premium zoom, something which you can see by looking at the lens and noting that the lens name is picked out in gold paint.

IF - Internal Focussing. The lens doesn't spin round when you focus, thereby preserving your careful filter positionings, especially when using polarisers and grads.

AF - Autofocus. This lens would still function on a manual focus camera, though, and of course on a D SLR's manual focus setting.

S - Silentwave. A more economical auto-focus motor which is marginally less noisy than its predecessors. I've never really noticed the noise on other lenses, but it certainly speeds up auto-focus and saves battery life.

DX - Digital Exclusive. This lens does not have the coverage at its full aperture to respond properly on 35mm. This wouldn't stop you trying, of course, but that isn't what the lens is for.

My recommendation: if you make your living from photography, and you use Nikon, get this lens. If you don't, at least try it in a shop before you order it -- you may regret carrying it around for half a day.