Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 XF 56mm
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
Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 XF 56mm
The Viltrox lenses reviewed here consistently impress users with their sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent value for money. Many reviewers highlight the lightweight and compact design, making them ideal for travel and events. Common criticisms include the lack of a click stop on the aperture ring and occasional autofocus issues in video mode, but overall sentiment is highly positive.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Smooth bokeh
Cons
- No click stop on aperture ring
- Autofocus issues in video mode
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Vignetting at wide apertures
- Color quantization in images
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 XF 56mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 56 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 56 mm |
| Elements | — | 10 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | HD Nano multilayer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.29 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 600 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:10★ |
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
Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 XF 56mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
