photozone tests Nikkor 17-55

Klaus has just posted his review of the Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 G IF-ED DX, the closest competitor to the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.

Comments

Distortion and vignetting are very similar between these two lenses - about average for this focal length range.

At 17-35mm, resolution is also similar, with the Canon better in the corners wide open, but the Nikon better in the corners stopped down.

At 55mm, the Canon is slightly better in the corners at all apertures.

The Canon has less chromatic aberration than the Nikon.

My Conclusion (just based on Klaus' numbers, of course)

They are practically identical in image quality. If you are really picky, the Canon has less chromatic aberration, while the Nikkor is more prime-like in its sharpness throughout the frame.

The feature set and ergonomics (and, of course, what camera you own) are the biggest differentiators.

Advantage Canon: stabilization, cheaper, lighter
Advantage Nikon: better build quality

Given the better corner performance stopped down and the weather sealing, I'd say the Nikon is the better choice for landscapes, especially since you'd use a tripod and low ISO settings, which would negate Canon's IS and lower noise capabilities.

For everything else, I'd take the Canon.

More Thoughts

According to Klaus, the Canon exceeds the sensor resolution in the center even wide open at most focal lengths, while the Nikon only approaches its sensor resolution through a smaller portion of its range. In absolute numbers, their resolution is very similar. BUT, since the Canon exceeds its sensor resolution, we don't know if we've seen all the resolution it has to offer.

As an aside, Klaus recently estimated that the Canon 10D has a resolution of around 1750 lw/ph. This has the same sensor as my Digital Rebel. If this is true, it means the image produced by the EF-S 17-55mm will be very nearly as sharp as possible on my camera at all apertures, focal lengths, and throughout the frame. In particular, only at apertures wider than f/5.6 will the extreme corners drop below the resolution limit of my camera. At 35mm, even the extreme corners would exceed the limits of my camera, even with the lens wide open.