Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon L RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
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
Canon L RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
This lens delivers exceptional image quality and versatility, praised for sharp autofocus and stabilization. Users note it's slightly heavy but well-built, ideal for travel and various photography styles. Some complaints about promo tripod quality and warranty start date policy exist. Overall, it is highly recommended for mirrorless Canon R series cameras.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and clarity
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Versatile for multiple photography styles
- Good lens stabilization
- Ideal travel companion with light kit
Cons
- Heavy weight adds noticeable front-end heft
- Promotional tripod broke before use
- Warranty start date policy penalizes early buyers
- Control rings tight initially
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon L RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | — | 18 |
| Groups | — | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.81 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Nano USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 210 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.21x★ |
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
Canon L RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon L RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 1 of 22 specs.
