Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
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
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and reliable everyday zoom, with many users calling it their go-to lens for travel, portraits, and general photography. Image stabilization and autofocus are consistently highlighted as excellent, though some note it's not the sharpest L lens and a few report issues like barrel wobble, dust ingress, or soft focus. Mixed experiences with retailer service and repair costs also temper overall enthusiasm.
Pros
- Versatile zoom range
- Sharp image quality
- Effective image stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Good build quality
Cons
- Barrel wobble and rattle
- Not the sharpest L lens
- Soft focus at wide angles
- Dust ingress under glass
- Plastic build quality
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 105 mm |
| Elements | — | 18 |
| Groups | — | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.70 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.24x★ |
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
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
No current pricing available
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
