Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

Nikon
88 Overall Score
vs
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)

fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)

fanshang
46 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

88 out of 100 low confidence 8 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 7
👍 Build quality 5
👍 Vibration reduction 5
👎 Weight 4
🤔 Value for money 4
👍 Focal range 4

fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)

78 out of 100 medium confidence 12 reviews

This Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 lens is widely praised for its outstanding sharpness, compact size, and remarkable value for money. Users consistently highlight the excellent optical performance, especially on higher-megapixel sensors, and appreciate its lightweight design for travel and street photography. The main drawbacks are the audible autofocus noise, which can be heard from a few feet away, and autofocus speed that lags behind native Fuji glass. Overall, it's considered a fantastic budget prime that delivers professional-quality images despite a few minor compromises.

Pros
  • outstanding sharpness
  • compact and lightweight design
  • excellent value for money
  • great bokeh quality
  • good for low light
Cons
  • audible autofocus noise
  • autofocus speed lags behind native glass
  • minimum focus distance of 55cm
  • plastic/resin build may feel cheap
  • minimal controls
👍 Sharpness 5
👍 Value for money 6
👍 Size and weight 7
👎 Autofocus noise 2
🤔 Autofocus speed 3
🤔 Build quality 2

Scores

Budget
Nikon
87
fanshang
48
Portrait
Nikon
80
fanshang
51
Macro
Nikon
73
fanshang
41
Street
Nikon
72
fanshang
64
Video Cinema
Nikon
71
fanshang
48
Travel
Nikon
68
fanshang
45
Landscape
Nikon
65
fanshang
40
Professional
Nikon
62
fanshang
48
Wildlife Sports
Nikon
61
fanshang
49

Specifications

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mmfanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
Optics
Typezoomprime
Focal Length Min16 mm56 mm
Focal Length Max85 mm56 mm
Elements—11
Groups—9
Aspherical Elements3★—
ED Elements24★
CoatingSuper Integrated Coating—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/3.5f/16
Min Aperture3.5-5.6f/1.7
Constant✗—
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountNikon FFujifilm X
FormatAPS-CAPS-C
Weight0.48 kg0.17 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm52 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAF-SSTM★
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops4 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance380 mm★550 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 (90th percentile)90th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile

fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)

  • Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Below average macro (30th percentile)
  • Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

Pricing

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

No current pricing available

fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)

Verdict

★ Winner: Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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