The big question, which of these 2 lenses is best. This is posted in IMHO category so read and judge accordingly. I have been using my 17-55 AF-S since its introduction being my workhorse lens for a long time. I have had the chance to use the Canon version several times. I have not taken personal pictures with the Canon 17-55 it but have very good friends who own this lens and the picture quality is amazing. In my Honest opinion they are both very good lenses optically speaking. A lot has been said and even rumors of Nikon launching a new version of the 17-55 with VR incorporated to the lens. I’d say this is not going to happen.
To me the Nikon 17-55 lens have a lead in overall construction and design. One of the things I have noticed is how the Canon 17-55 EF-S extends while zooming whereas the Nikon does it too but it happen under its hood. The Canon’s hood moves along with the lens barrel making the lens grow in size. The Canon has the subjective advantage of image stabilization or IS, something the Nikon lens lacks. I say subective advantage because although I would welcome the feature if included on the Nikon, I don’t really miss it at all at this focal length. Check the night pictures I took with my 17-55 and D90 without a tripod at all. Yes, I had to pump my ISO, but the pictures turned out good ”noise” and all. Again, I would welcome VR on the Nikon but I don’t miss it at all either. I’m willing to trade VR or IS on the lens for the extra rubber seals I get on the Nikon something the Canon lacks, and trust me, I have used my 17-55 on extreme humid conditions. Click here for a humble sample.
Everything boils down to image quality and yes, I can openly say that the Canon 17-55 delivers excellent IQ. As a Nikon user I prefer the ”brick” feel of the Nikon plus the benefit of weather seals which go like bread and butter with the sealed D200, D300 & D2 series.
The price factor
Strongly debated in forums laying the Canon as a cheaper alternative. NOT TRUE at least in the USA market.
Nikon 17-55 AF-S @ B&H Photo is $1,129.00 for the USA warranty version. What do you get with the Nikon lens? Well, besides the lens the hood comes included with 5 years warranty honored by Nikon USA.
Canon 17-55 EF-S F/2.8 @ B&H Photo is $969.95 for the USA version with an occasional $70 rebate. IF you don’t buy during the rebate promotion from Canon add:
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Canon EW-83J Lens Hood for $53.95
Canon LP1219 Soft Case for $34.95 (very cheesy on the Nikon but at least is included and is better than nothing).
Nikon’s come with a 5 years warranty so add a 5 years protection plan to your Canon from SAGEMAX.
SAGEMAX PROTECTION PLAN $215.00 for 5 years at B&H Photo.
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Total on the Canon 17-55 EF-S comes to: $1,279.00. Now, there might be another plans that can cost up to $100 bringing the Canon lens to $1,179 give or take. That still makes the Canon around $50 more expensive than the Nikon. The one pictured above broke its IS system little over a 1 year after being purchased. Luckily my friend had invested on extra warranty.
If I were a Canon shooter, I’d be shooting with this lens as well. The focal length makes a lot of sense for those of us used to the 28-xx in our film days.
( and unable to share my experience with this wonderful camera in the English forum. I did however uploaded some sample pictures with the new Nikon. I’m very pleased with it. It has EXPEED processor but don’t have over expectations. The camera for its class (compact point and shoot) produces nice photos being its forte from ISO 64 to ISO 400. The Nikon P6000 is a keeper and I WOULD recommend it to a friend. It is not perfect you know, but its been long since Nikon put together something so nice in a Point and Shoot package.
