Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm
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
Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm
The Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE is widely praised as an affordable, sharp, and lightweight prime lens that delivers excellent image quality for its price. Users love its compact size and fast autofocus, though a few report compatibility issues with certain Sony cameras and note that the autofocus can be slightly slower than premium lenses. Some also wish for weather sealing and a bundled lens station, but overall it is considered a fantastic value for Sony full-frame shooters.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Compact and lightweight design
- Great value for money
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Pleasant bokeh
Cons
- No weather sealing
- Autofocus slightly slower than premium lenses
- Compatibility issues with some Sony cameras
- Lens station not included
- Some sample variation (decentering)
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 10 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.21 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | linear STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 290 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:5.88★ |
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
Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong macro (71st percentile)
- Strong optical (70th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
