Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8 AF-S: is it worth the risk?

[fdonadio]

Hello, fellows!


I am in the process of replacing the set of lenses I use with my Nikon cameras with AF-S versions. The reason: I've added a Nikon mirrorless digital camera (Z6 II) to my analog ones (F2AS, FM2, F3 and F4) and, I want to be able to use auto-focus with the digital AND keep compatibility with the analog cameras.

The 80-200mm was already replaced with an AF-S version. Now I want to replace the 35-70mm AIs and the 20-35mm AF-D with their AF-S counterparts. In the case of the 20-35mm, the replacement would be the 17-35mm.

But... through my searches on the web — including here on Photrio — I see the 17-35mm f/2.8 AF-S has a very prone-to-failure AF motor. You start getting squeaking noises from it and, eventually, the motor fails altogether. There are very cheap specimens of this lens in the market with defective motors.

Now the questions is:

1. Is it worth the risk buying a working one, only to maybe have it fail on you?

2. Does this problem affect only certain [earlier] batches (the problem was fixed at some point)?

3. Does anyone have a good specimen in the EU that they would be willing to sell me?

Thanks for the answers and have a great weekend!

 

[George Mann]

All AF-S lenses are prone to motor failure. I solved this issue by purchasing an early optically exceptional Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 that has no motor.

 

[Paul Howell]

All AF-S lenses are prone to motor failure. I solved this issue by purchasing an early optically exceptional Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 that has no motor.

So, with your Tamrons, will they AF on a mirror-less body? What about G lens are they more rugged?

 

[Chan Tran]

All AF-S lenses are prone to motor failure. I solved this issue by purchasing an early optically exceptional Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 that has no motor.

The OP has the Z6II and it can't focus a lens without motor. That's why the OP wanted to upgrade to AF-S.

 

[fdonadio]

All AF-S lenses are prone to motor failure. I solved this issue by purchasing an early optically exceptional Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 that has no motor.

I didn’t know this was an issue with all AF-S lenses. Well, then I think I should just take the plunge.

 

[fdonadio]

The OP has the Z6II and it can't focus a lens without motor. That's why the OP wanted to upgrade to AF-S.

Exactly!

 

[fdonadio]

So, with your Tamrons, will they AF on a mirror-less body? What about G lens are they more rugged?

G lenses are out of question for me, as they are not compatible with the analog, mechanical bodies.

 

[Chan Tran]

The OP need lenses that are AF-S but not G lenses and Nikon doesn't make many of these.

 

[George Mann]

So, with your Tamrons, will they AF on a mirror-less body?

They make versions with a motor.

What about G lens are they more rugged?

All lenses with built-in motors will eventually fail.

 

[Paul Howell]

Might be true, I have 12 to 15 gear driven Minolta A mount lens, none have failed, buy only 2 motor driven lens for my Sigma SA and SD mount have both failed. My Sony and Minolta SSM G are still doing well.

 

[neilt3]

Just a thought for the op , do all the lenses your looking at have aperture rings ?
If not you'll have no aperture control on some of your cameras , and limited options on the F4 .
I only have a handful of Nikon gear , so aren't familiar with the lenses your interested in .