Pentax HD Pentax-D FA Macro 20320 100mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA Macro 20320 100mm
This Pentax D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 lens receives outstanding reviews for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and compact weather-resistant build. Users appreciate the improved autofocus with focus limiting on newer camera bodies, as well as its versatility for macro, portrait, and copy work. A few mention the autofocus is somewhat noisy, but overall it is considered an excellent upgrade over older macro lenses.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Compact and lightweight
- Weather-resistant build
- Improved autofocus with focus limiting
Cons
- Autofocus can be noisy
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
Scores
Specifications
| Pentax HD Pentax-D FA Macro 20320 100mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 100 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 100 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 10 | — |
| Groups | 8 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | HD coating, Pentax SP (Super Protect) coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.35 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 49 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 130 mm★ | 380 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:1★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Pentax HD Pentax-D FA Macro 20320 100mm
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong build (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
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
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
