Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
The Laowa 24mm f/14 probe lens is a highly specialized, manual-focus macro lens that offers a unique wide-angle perspective for extreme close-ups and creative video. Users consistently praise its build quality and the ability to capture shots impossible with other lenses, though they note it requires abundant light and a stable setup. It is a niche tool that rewards patience and skill, with many saying the challenge is part of the fun. Overall, it is a well-built, creative lens that delivers on its promise for those willing to work within its limitations.
Pros
- Unique wide-angle macro perspective
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Enables shots impossible with other lenses
- Waterproof front barrel
- Integrated LED light at tip
Cons
- Requires a lot of light
- Very slow aperture (f/14)
- Manual focus only
- Needs stable setup or tripod
- Niche use, not a daily lens
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
The Nikon 16-85mm VR is widely praised as an excellent all-around zoom for DX cameras, delivering sharp images across the focal range with effective VR. Users note it outperforms kit lenses like the 18-105mm and even rivals the pricier 17-55mm in sharpness, though it is heavy and somewhat slow (f/3.5-5.6). Build quality is solid with a metal barrel, and the 16mm wide end is a key advantage for landscapes. Some caution about vignetting with thick filters and barrel distortion at 16mm, but overall it is considered a worthy investment for enthusiasts.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness across focal range
- Effective VR II image stabilization
- Solid build with metal barrel
- Useful 16-85mm zoom range
- Great for landscapes and travel
Cons
- Heavy weight (3.1 lb with D90)
- Slow aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Expensive for an f/3.5-5.6 lens
- Barrel distortion at 16mm
- Vignetting with thick filters at 16mm
Scores
Specifications
| Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 24 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 27 | — |
| Groups | 19 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | One Extra Refractive Index Element | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/40 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/14 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.47 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | — | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 470 mm | 380 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
- Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Strong social proof (67th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.