Build Quality and Durability
The 17-35 is extremely well constructed both optically and the externally.
Its metal construction makes it very durable although due to the metal barrel it can become cold to handle in low temperatures - if this is the case however then the generous proportions of lens allow precise control even when wearing gloves.
The high build quality means that the lens is less likely to get internal dust egress which would degrade image quality and increase the risk of flare. After the years of use that mine's received there's only minimal dust penetration on the internal elements.
All numerals and markings (in white and orange paint) are engraved into the lens rather than being printed on, providing resistance against wear.
The rear zoom ring and front focus ring are nice and wide so there's plenty to get hold of - this is a great lens for manually focussing. The weighting of the zoom and focus ring movement is also nicely controlled with just the right amount of resistance for comfortable use. Following all the use that my lens has received I can't report any perceptible loosening of either, although I do have a small amount of play in the zoom ring (about 0.5mm rotation before it actually zooms) thankfully this isn't enough to hamper use.
For a period of approximately six months I did occasionally have high pitched grating sound when the lens focussed - I attributed this to a piece of sand penetrating under the focus ring - as of the last year this has stopped and I've not noticed any impact on usage.
As the front element is aspheric and therefore likely to be very expensive to replace if damaged I keep a UV filter on the front of the lens at all times and have not noticed any significant impact in image quality or flare resistance as a result of doing so. I would recommend not compromising on the quality of filter used though.
The filter thread is 77mm, the same as the rest of my lenses and its useful to have this consistency on the occasions that I use a ND graduated filter.
The 17-35 AF-S was one of the first lenses to be given the now standard flecked paint external finish. This was a departure from the rougher texture of lenses like the 28-70 AF-S and 80-200 AF-S. From my experience the 17-35 finish is far less susceptible to scratching and showing marks and consequently shows no signs of wear and tear (the only knocks being to the hood and front UV filter thread).
The weight of the lens at approximately 750g (26.5 oz) is considerable given its short overall length. Despite this the lens balances very nicely on a body such as the D200 and consequently hand holds very well. The weight also acts to stabilise movement during use. After a full day carrying this combination around however the fingers on my right hand will frequently be numb due to the weight of the lens and body combined (this always wears off after a couple of days).
The overall standard of construction is excellent and can't be faulted, it is unlikely that any other Nikkor exceeds the build of this lens.
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