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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G

The 24-70mm f/2.8E VR is the stronger lens: it adds vibration reduction, an electromagnetic aperture, fluorine-coated elements and a newer optical formula, and it covers full-frame. The 17-55mm f/2.8G is a DX-only lens built for APS-C bodies, with no stabilization and an older screw-driven design, but it is smaller, lighter and a well-regarded workhorse for crop-sensor shooters. Buy the 24-70mm if you shoot FX or want VR; buy the 17-55mm if you shoot DX and want the classic fast standard zoom without the bulk.

  • Choose the 24-70mm f/2.8E VR if you shoot a full-frame Nikon and want stabilization, weather sealing and a modern optical design in one fast standard zoom.
  • Choose the 17-55mm f/2.8G if you shoot a DX body and want a fast, sharp standard zoom that stays lighter and smaller than the FX lens.

Prices

  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: $1,395.00 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium (last seen Nov 3)
  • Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G: $824.95 at Newegg (checked today)
  • Difference: the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G is $570.05 cheaper than the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR at the latest prices (Nov 3 and Nov 11)
Nikon
AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

4.6(201 ratings)
$1,395.00at Willoughby's Photo EmporiumChecked Nov 3
See all prices and details
Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
Pros
  • Vibration reduction helps in dim light and at slow shutter speeds
  • Sharp across the zoom range with pleasing bokeh
  • Fluorine coatings on front and rear elements resist dust and moisture
  • Electromagnetic aperture gives stable exposure during continuous shooting
  • Solid build with weather sealing
Cons
  • Heavy at roughly 37.7 oz, front-heavy on smaller bodies
  • 82mm filters are larger and pricier
  • Zoom ring and size draw complaints from travel shooters
  • Some owners find it soft wide open at 70mm
Nikon
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G

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

$824.95at NeweggChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Fast constant f/2.8 across the range
  • Lighter and more compact than the FX lens
  • Well-regarded sharpness on DX bodies
  • Internal focusing keeps the barrel length fixed
  • Takes common 77mm filters
Cons
  • No image stabilization
  • DX only, so it vignettes heavily on FX bodies
  • Older optical formula and coatings
  • Focus speed trails newer SWM designs

What separates them

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G
Sensor formatFull-frame FX, works on FX and DX bodiesAPS-C DX only, gives 25.5-82.5mm equivalent on DX
Image stabilizationVR, rated to about four stopsNone
WeightAbout 37.7 oz, heavy for a standard zoomNoticeably lighter and smaller
Aperture mechanismElectromagnetic diaphragm for steadier exposure in burstsMechanical diaphragm
Optical design20 elements in 16 groups, including aspherical ED, Nano Crystal and fluorine coatings14 elements in 10 groups with ED glass, older coating set
AutofocusSilent Wave Motor with instant manual overrideSilent Wave Motor, internal focusing
Close focusAbout 1.25 ft, 0.27x magnificationAbout 1.2 ft, 0.2x magnification
Filter thread82mm77mm

Price history

$1,446.95$824.95
Nov 4Nov 11
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: lowest $1,395.00 on Nov 4 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium; $1,446.95 on Nov 11.
  • Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G: lowest $824.95 on Nov 11 at Newegg.

Prices at every store

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

  • Red Finch RentalNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $35.00Checked 11 h ago
    Visit Red Finch Rental
  • KIMSTORENew

    In stockPriced in PHP (₱87,879.00)Return policy

    $1,397.03Checked 11 h ago
    Visit KIMSTORE
  • Willoughby's Photo EmporiumNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,395.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,446.95Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 34 stores and price history →

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $824.95Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecNikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G
MountNikon F—
Maximum Aperturef/2.8—
Image StabilizingYes—
Ultrasonic MotorYes—
Specialty TypeWide Angle—
AsphericalYes—
Zoom Focal Length24-70 mm—
ColorBlack—
TypeZoom—
Aperture (max)ƒ/2.8—
ConstructionZoom—
Focusing Distance (min) (ft)1.247—
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G
Magnification Ratio (1:x) (x)0.27—
Elements/Groups20/16—
Lens MountNikon—
Diameter (")3.5—
Aperture (min)ƒ/22—
Weight (oz)37.743—
Type of LensStandard—
Release Year2015—
Focal Length (min) (mm)24.0—
Filter Diameter (")

What reviewers say

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

  • 4.6 / 5201 ratings

Reviewers call it a versatile, reliable performer for weddings, portraits and travel, with sharp output and pleasing bokeh. One notes it is not ideal in low light.

What people mention
  • SharpnessPraisedReviewers describe the lens as sharp across its zoom range.
  • BokehPraisedThe f/2.8 aperture gives bokeh reviewers call beautiful.
  • VersatilityPraisedOwners use it for weddings, portraits, branding sessions and travel.
  • Low lightCriticisedOne reviewer says it is not ideal in low light.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G

Owners and reviewers rate it as one of the sharpest, best-built DX zooms Nikon made, with fast and quiet autofocus. Most criticism centers on its weight, size and lack of VR, and many say it is hard to justify new against lighter modern alternatives.

What people mention
  • SharpnessPraisedOwners call it very sharp even wide open, with strong contrast.
  • AutofocusPraisedThe Silent Wave Motor is described as fast, quiet and accurate.
  • WeightCriticisedMany find it heavy and bulky, especially on smaller DX bodies.
  • StabilizationCriticisedReviewers note the lack of VR and the need for faster shutter speeds in low light.

Questions and answers

Which is better for wedding and event photography?
The 24-70mm f/2.8E VR on a full-frame body gives a wider working range, stabilization for dim receptions and better flare control. The 17-55mm f/2.8G is a capable DX alternative if you shoot crop-sensor and want a lighter kit.
Does the 17-55mm work on a full-frame Nikon?
It is a DX lens. On FX bodies it either forces a crop mode or vignettes heavily, so it is not a practical FX lens. The 24-70mm works on both FX and DX bodies.
Which one is sharper?
The 24-70mm has the newer design with an aspherical ED element and updated coatings, and reviewers rate it highly for sharpness. The 17-55mm is sharp on DX but its older formula trails at the edges wide open.
Is the 24-70mm worth stepping up to from the 17-55mm?
Only if you are moving to full-frame or need stabilization. On a DX body the 17-55mm covers a similar angle of view and is easier to carry.
Which lasts longer?
Both are pro-grade lenses with metal mounts and sealed barrels. The 24-70mm adds fluorine coatings and weather sealing, which helps in rain and dust, but its VR unit is one more part that can fail with age.
Can I use the 24-70mm on a DX body?
Yes. It mounts and works, giving a 36-105mm equivalent field of view, but it is large and heavy for a crop-sensor body.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best standard zoom lenses for Nikon F mount
3.228
—
Auto FocusYes—
Focal Length (max) (mm)70.0—
Image StabilizationYes—
Length (")6.1—
Equivalent focal length—25.5-82.5mm