Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
TTArtisan Tilt 35mm f/1.4 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
TTArtisan Tilt 35mm f/1.4 35mm
The TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 lens is widely praised for its excellent value, solid all-metal build, and unique character in image quality. Users love the compact size, fast aperture, and the fun of manual focus, though some note the lens cap is fiddly and the focus ring can be stiff. The tilt version adds creative versatility, making it a favorite for budget-conscious photographers seeking a retro feel.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Solid all-metal build quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Unique retro image character
Cons
- Fiddly screw-on lens cap
- Stiff focus ring on some units
- No electronic contacts
- Noticeable vignetting
- Susceptible to flare and haze
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | TTArtisan Tilt 35mm f/1.4 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 7 |
| Groups | — | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | multi-layer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.18 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 350 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
TTArtisan Tilt 35mm f/1.4 35mm
- Strong build (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong macro (66th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
TTArtisan Tilt 35mm f/1.4 35mm offers 2.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
