Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic LUMIX G H-H025K 25mm
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 G H-H025K 25mm
The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 is widely praised as an excellent value prime lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its sharpness, fast aperture for low-light and bokeh, lightweight build, and compatibility with both Panasonic and Olympus bodies. A few isolated complaints mention missing accessories or cosmetic defects from specific sellers, but the overwhelming sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast f/1.7 aperture for low light
- Excellent bokeh
- Lightweight and compact
- Good value for money
Cons
- Plastic build quality
- No physical manual focus switch
- Slightly bulky for a prime
- Missing accessories from some sellers
- Cosmetic defects from some sellers
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Panasonic LUMIX G H-H025K 25mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 25 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 25 mm |
| Elements | — | 8 |
| Groups | — | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.7 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.7 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.13 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 25 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.14x★ |
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
Panasonic LUMIX G H-H025K 25mm
- Strong aperture (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic LUMIX G H-H025K 25mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm wins 4 specs while Panasonic LUMIX G H-H025K 25mm wins 5.
