Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Viltrox Air AF 25mm f/1.7 Air E 25mm
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
Viltrox Air AF 25mm f/1.7 Air E 25mm
The Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 lens for Fuji X mount is widely praised for its sharpness, fast and quiet autofocus, and excellent build quality relative to its budget price. Users note it resolves 40MP sensors well and produces beautiful bokeh, though some wish it had an aperture ring with click stops and mention it is heavier than comparable lenses. A few isolated issues include receiving the wrong hood and one copy lacking sharpness compared to the Viltrox 35mm Air lens.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Great build quality for the price
- Beautiful bokeh
- Resolves 40MP sensors well
Cons
- No aperture ring with click stops
- Heavier than comparable lenses
- Sharpness drops in corners
- Some copies less sharp than Viltrox 35mm Air
- Wrong hood received in one case
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Viltrox Air AF 25mm f/1.7 Air E 25mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 25 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 25 mm |
| Elements | — | 12 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | HD Multilayer Nano Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.7 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.17 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.11x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Viltrox Air AF 25mm f/1.7 Air E 25mm
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong optical (74th percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.