Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic LUMIX S S-R70300 70-300mm
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S-R70300 70-300mm
This Panasonic 70-300mm lens receives mostly positive feedback for its sharpness, build quality, and value for money, especially for sports and wildlife photography. However, several users note that 300mm may be insufficient for distant wildlife, autofocus can struggle in low light, and the lens is heavy and unbalanced on a tripod without a collar. Overall, it's seen as a great starter telephoto zoom for non-professionals.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Good build quality and weather sealing
- Great value for money
- Versatile for sports and wildlife
- Snappy autofocus in good light
Cons
- 300mm insufficient for distant wildlife
- Autofocus struggles in low light
- Heavy and unbalanced on tripod without collar
- No tripod collar included
- Macro performance only okay
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R70300 70-300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | L-Mount |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.45 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Linear AF Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5.5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 540 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.5x★ |
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S-R70300 70-300mm
- Strong stabilization (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong optical (74th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
