NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Hugh_3170 on September 20, 2022, 15:57:29

Title: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 20, 2022, 15:57:29
I noticed this newcomer tonight: 

https://www.dpreview.com/news/0279236790/nikon-announces-nikkor-z-17-28mm-f2-8-lens-for-z-mount-cameras

and here:

https://view.mcd.nikon.com/?qs=eff02a386fd0ac84fa2e504728bae1c7586bcca18e02f9631b112e8255f65661366456f69453d52a6482fcaabed2f0283bb9554f7fd94dd190cd19ddb0a76a404a69f0d603a13a1051897e2f40041b5b586fb9b32054ed73

It appears to be of Tamron origins, as was the 28-75mm Z lens.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: Birna Rørslett on September 20, 2022, 16:14:42
Hm. Quality isn't that impressive when evaluated from the MTF. Obviously considered as the short member of a pair of rebadged Tamrons, 17-28 & 28-75.

Since they both are f/2.8 designs, the weight is accordingly.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: Erik Lund on September 20, 2022, 20:57:02
Light weight travel set, actually impressive that they are so compact. Here also think of the 28-75mm f/2.8
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: Michael Erlewine on September 21, 2022, 01:13:12
I'm interested in the "S' Series.  I have the Z 50mm MC f/2.8, not an "S" lens and am not that impressed by it.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: Lucabeer on September 21, 2022, 15:07:49
It's a lens thought for those who absolutely want 2.8 for "prestige" (as if one ever shot landscapes at that aperture...) but who have limited budget. As a consequence, absolute quality comes second place...

The Z 14-30/4 S makes much more sense to me, as I never shoot it below f/8... And yet, so many people don't want it "because it's not 2.8", a purely psychological reason (and note that I come from the legendary AF-S 17-35/2.8, but I don't miss it).

Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on February 24, 2026, 23:37:23
I just ordered one of these to go with the Z7ii. I ordered a refurbished one at the Danish Nikon web.
I read enough reviews to trust it can make some nice pictures.
Many like it for astro photography which requires good corner performance, low CA etc. at 2.8.
I like the reasonable price, low weight and that it does not change length by zooming (internal zoom).
It can focus close and has nice bokeh according to reviews.
I wonder if this review can be thrusted or maybe they got a very nice sample?
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/nikon-z-17-28mm-f-2-8-lens-review-36284/performance (https://www.ephotozine.com/article/nikon-z-17-28mm-f-2-8-lens-review-36284/performance)
The CA is very low?
We will see when I get it.
It seems not many in here uses it?
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on February 25, 2026, 13:58:33
A specific review here for the Astro photographers:
https://petapixel.com/2023/05/19/nikon-z-17-28mm-f-2-8-nightscape-and-astrophotography-review/ (https://petapixel.com/2023/05/19/nikon-z-17-28mm-f-2-8-nightscape-and-astrophotography-review/)
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on February 26, 2026, 19:59:08
I received the lens tonight (fast shipment).
I put a 67mm protection filter on and attached the lens to the Z7ii and shot a handhold picture at ISO2000, 1/2.5s at f/2.8 at 17mm. Focus is at far distance.
VR works well. ISO performance OK and also lens seems to perform well.
It is a night picture with some hard light spots which I think the lens handles well.
The pictures is attached together with some 100% crops.
It is really nice that lens does not change length during zooming. I also like that lens is ready to shot and does not first need to be "unlocked" like the 24-70/4S (but of course not a big issue).
So far I am happy even that this was just a functional test of the lens.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: pluton on February 27, 2026, 04:49:42
Looks a bit better in the outer areas than my now-ancient AF-S 17-35/2.8D would look at 17mm and f/2.8.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on February 27, 2026, 09:21:25
Yes, I think it is a better lens than the old 17-35/2.8. I have it also but it has unstable AF and a bit clumsy and heavy with adapter.
I think the Z 17-28 is maybe a bit overlooked lens?
That it originates from a Tamron design should not "hurt" it?

To be more respectful for the lens I took an image this morning with more light and a better chance for less motion blur and ISO set to 64 at 18mm (intention was 17mm but that was my mistake) and f/2.8. Shutter speed 1/100 sec.
One of the 100% crops is the corner.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on March 07, 2026, 18:44:32
I was out with my Z7ii and the 17-28/2.8 for a walk in low light to try out the lens.
Either 17mm or 28mm was used to test the lens to the limits.
I attached an example of 17mm at 2.8 and 28mm at 2.8 both with a 100% crop to check sharpness.
Lens performed very well. IBIS also worked very good.
Handling is also very good. 
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on March 07, 2026, 19:07:08
Here is another type of image. Taken at 17mm at 2.8 at very close distance (flip screen very useful). The image has been cropped to give the image a bit of "esthetic" look.
Also a 100% crop is attached.
Background blurr can be qualified and also amount of LoCa.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on March 07, 2026, 20:13:32
Here an example of 28mm at 2.8 + 100% crop.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on March 07, 2026, 20:35:35
28mm at 3.5.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on March 07, 2026, 20:42:51
Same image just zoomed out to 17mm f/3.5.
Title: Re: New Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Post by: MEPER on March 07, 2026, 20:55:09
17mm at 2.8 where focus is at the tree. 100% crop around the focus point attached.