Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma Sports 740101 150-600mm
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
Sigma Sports 740101 150-600mm
The Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens is praised for its excellent image quality, effective image stabilization, and solid build. However, its significant weight and bulk are common criticisms, making it less ideal for casual hikes or extended handheld use. Many users recommend pairing it with a tripod or monopod and the Sigma USB dock for fine-tuning autofocus.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Effective image stabilization
- Solid build quality
- Good value for money
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
- Tripod collar not removable
- Fabric lens cap is inconvenient
- Metal hood adds weight
- Zoom ring is stiff
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma Sports 740101 150-600mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 150 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 600 mm |
| Elements | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | — |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 2.86 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 105 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Hyper Sonic Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | — |
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
Sigma Sports 740101 150-600mm
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Strong aperture (71st percentile)
- Below average build (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average macro (12th percentile)12th %ile
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 20 specs.