July 22nd, 2003

Nikon Announces

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

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 and M modes allow 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

Nikon press release:

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 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 ~ 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.

Specifications