Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
7Artisans Lite Series 50mm f/1.8 AF 50mm
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
7Artisans Lite Series 50mm f/1.8 AF 50mm
The 7artisans 50mm f/1.8 lens receives generally positive feedback for its build quality, sharpness, and value for money, especially for portrait photography. However, several users report issues with noisy autofocus, stiff control rings, and the AF/MF switch, while a few note softness at certain apertures and compatibility quirks. Overall, it is seen as a good budget option with some compromises.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Good build quality
- Sharp image quality
- Smooth bokeh
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Noisy autofocus
- Stiff control rings
- AF/MF switch issues
- Soft at some apertures
- Not sharp at any aperture
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | 7Artisans Lite Series 50mm f/1.8 AF 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 11 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | multilayer coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.42 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 500 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
7Artisans Lite Series 50mm f/1.8 AF 50mm
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong optical (70th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
