Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
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 Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC DN Art lens is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional image quality, fast constant aperture, and compact internal zoom design. Users highlight its sharpness, lightweight build, and excellent autofocus performance, especially on crop-sensor mirrorless cameras like the Canon R7 and Fujifilm bodies. A few questions about compatibility with specific cameras and features like weather sealing and aperture ring are noted, but the overall sentiment is extremely positive.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast constant f/1.8 aperture
- Compact internal zoom design
- Lightweight build
- Sharp and bright photos
Cons
- No weather sealing mentioned
- No manual aperture ring on some mounts
- Compatibility questions with full-frame cameras
- Expensive for some buyers
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 40 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 280 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:4.8★ |
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 Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong aperture (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
