Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 6mm
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
AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 6mm
This manual fisheye lens delivers a distinctive circular image with strong distortion that many users love for creative shots like skateboarding videos and travel photos. Build quality is praised as solid for the price, but compatibility issues on Canon mirrorless and full-frame cameras are a notable drawback. Focusing is tricky due to the manual-only design and narrow depth of field at wide apertures. Overall, it's a fun, affordable lens for those who understand its limitations.
Pros
- Solid build quality for the price
- Fun creative fisheye effect
- Compact and portable
- Good value for money
- Sharp image in center
Cons
- Manual focus only, tricky to use
- Compatibility issues with Canon mirrorless
- Small image circle on full-frame cameras
- No autofocus
- Cannot use lens filters
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 6mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 6 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 6 mm |
| Elements | — | 6 |
| Groups | — | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.27 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 200 mm★ |
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
AstrHori 6.5mm F2.0 6mm
- Strong bokeh (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong aperture (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong build (71st percentile)
- Below average optical (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average af (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 20 specs.
