Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
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
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS lens is widely praised as a versatile, sharp all-around zoom for full-frame E-mount cameras, ideal for travel and everyday use. Users love the focal range, image quality, and stabilization, though some note it's heavy and pricey for an f/4 lens. A few report focus issues or a squeaky zoom ring, but overall it's considered a top choice for a do-it-all lens.
Pros
- Versatile focal range
- Sharp image quality
- Effective OSS stabilization
- Great for travel
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Heavy weight
- Expensive for f/4
- Intermittent focus issues
- Squeaky zoom ring
- No sunstars
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 105 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano AR and Fluorine Coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.66 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 380 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.31x★ |
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
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 2.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
