The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF 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, 22% (219g) lighter than the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II's weight of 974g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF 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 Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
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.
On the other hand, the 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.