Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm
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 EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm
This kit lens is a decent entry-level option for beginners learning DSLR photography, offering good image quality and image stabilization at a low price. However, many users report that the autofocus is slow and unreliable in low light, and the build quality feels cheap and prone to breaking after several months. While it serves well as a starter lens, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or better-built lens as skills improve.
Pros
- Good image quality for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile focal range for everyday use
- Great starter lens for beginners
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus in low light
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Autofocus motor noise in video
- Soft image quality at telephoto end
- Limited maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 55mm)
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | standard |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | — | 11 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | optimized lens coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | 22-38★ |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Micromotor-type AF motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 55 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.34x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (21st percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
