Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
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
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
The Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar is a lens with legendary character, offering beautiful rendering and sharpness when stopped down, but it comes with a notable focus shift issue that requires compensation. Users praise its build quality, compact size, and value compared to Leica alternatives, though the focus shift and expensive hood are common complaints. It's a lens that demands patience but rewards with stunning portraits and a classic glow.
Pros
- Beautiful rendering wide open
- Very sharp when stopped down
- Solid build quality
- Compact size
- Great value for money
Cons
- Noticeable focus shift
- Expensive lens hood
- Focus shift requires compensation
- Not compatible with Contax IIIa
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 6 |
| Groups | — | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | T* |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 16★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | ARRI PL |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 1.22 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 460 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.0520833333★ |
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
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
- Below average build (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.