I'm going to be purchasing a wide angle zoom f/2.8 and was curious what you all thought was better? Also, does imported vs. usa make a huge difference?

thanks! - krystal

i would buy from your own country, warranty issues if you buy out of country.

i have the 17-55 f2.8 and i love it on m D200. i have not used the 17-35.

17-35 = less distortion, less C/A (Chromatic Aberation) and it'll work on future FX Nikon Bodies.

Plus, it's sharp as a tack!

i guess i should clarify on the imported vs. usa. nikon sells lenses made in the us and made overseas, they all are covered by the warranty (as far as i know), I'm just wondering if there is a quality issue with the us made ones vs. the imported ones.

i should also add that i am planning on upgrading to the d3 (currently shooting d200) however, i felt it was more important to have great glass first because that will make more of a difference and i don't have a fast wide angle so i really want a versatile one. i'm really interested in sharpness on these lenses too, so do tell! thanks!

I love my 17-55. I can't imagine it only going to 35. But, if technology turns to full frame like the D3, you won't be able to use the 17-55 to the camera's potential. But, then you have to think how many years you will get out of it now, before that happens!

Oh, if you are planning on moving to the D3, I would get the 17-35, and I would get a US version.

The imports are not covered by warranty in the US. I had the 17-35, liked it, but 17-55 is the sharpest lens I have ever owned, and that little extra 20mm range is huge.

17-55mm is on one of my d200's all day, it does a great job but is nothing like the 70-200 VR in contrast and sharpness. A prime lens still has it beat but the flexability is worth using. If your going to the d3 I would get the new 24-70 2.8 as that equalls the 17-55 dx range. If you need something now the 17-35 then. Any money spent on a DX lens then going to the D3 is a waste of money as the dx lenses crop to 5.4 mp on the D3.

+100

I think the lenses are all manufactured overseas, but the "Imported" lenses are "Grey Market" and not supported by their manufacturers in the U.S.
That said, I have purchased Nikon grey market lenses from Adorama and B & H Photo. They carry a warranty honored only by the store that sells them and the warranty was of equal time as the factory one.
While Adorama or B & H could drop off the face of the earth...not likely that they will not be around to honor their own warranty.

One factor that comes up is:
Is either the Adorama/B & H warranty OR the Nikon factory warranty (on US market goods) transferable?
You might have the lens for 5 years, you might want to sell it. If you try to sell it, it will go for more money if it has a warranty.