Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 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
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm
The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is widely praised for its exceptional value, delivering sharp images and beautiful bokeh at a very low price. Users love its lightweight, compact design and fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light and portrait photography. Common criticisms include noisy and sometimes slow autofocus, a plastic build that feels cheap, and softness at the edges when wide open. Overall, it's considered a must-have budget prime lens for Canon shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Beautiful bokeh
- Lightweight and compact
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light
Cons
- Noisy autofocus
- Slow autofocus at times
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Soft edges at f/1.8
- No image stabilization
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 6 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 0 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.16 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 350 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.21x★ |
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
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 50mm
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
