Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
What Buyers Say
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
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens is a notable upgrade from the kit 18-55mm, offering a constant fast aperture, silent autofocus, and superior image quality. Users praise its sharpness, bokeh, and build, though they note it is heavier and bulkier. A few refurbished units had minor scratches or early malfunction, but overall the lens is highly recommended for Sony Alpha APS-C cameras.
Pros
- Constant F2.8 aperture
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Pleasing bokeh
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Some units have early malfunctions
- Not compatible with full-frame cameras
- Moderate flare issue
- Limited zoom range to 50mm
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.11 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 41 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 250 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.215x★ |
Pros & Cons
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
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.