Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sony FE SEL2870 28-70mm
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 SEL2870 28-70mm
The Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens is widely praised as an excellent value for money, offering surprisingly sharp images, silent autofocus, and a compact, lightweight build. Many users find it more than adequate for everyday photography, especially when stopped down, though it struggles in low light and exhibits softness at the wide end. A recurring complaint is significant flare and washed-out colors in bright conditions, and some feel it doesn't fully exploit the camera's sensor. Overall, it's seen as a great starter or travel lens, but not a replacement for higher-end optics.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Surprisingly sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight design
- Silent and fast autofocus
- Dust and moisture resistant
Cons
- Soft corners at 28mm wide end
- Significant flare in bright light
- Washed-out colors in sunlight
- Slow aperture limits low-light use
- Not sharp enough for high-res sensors
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sony FE SEL2870 28-70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Multi-Layered Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | 22-36★ |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.29 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Linear Autofocus Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.19x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Sony FE SEL2870 28-70mm
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong versatility (77th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sony FE SEL2870 28-70mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
