The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF and the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF weighs 755g, which means it is 219g (22%) lighter than the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II which has a weight of 974g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF and the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has a focal range of 17-55mm and
3.2X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
25.5-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has a focal range of 24-70mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 36 - 105mm.