Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 23mm
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 AF 23mm f/1.8 23mm
The TTArtisan AF 23mm F1.8 lens receives mostly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, solid metal build, and impressive low-light performance at a budget price. However, several users report inconsistent autofocus accuracy, especially with moving subjects, and one unit failed within two months. Overall, it is seen as a great value lens that punches above its weight class.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness for the price
- Solid metal construction
- Impressive low-light performance
- Great value for money
- USB-C port for firmware updates
Cons
- Inconsistent autofocus accuracy
- Autofocus sluggish with moving subjects
- Unit failed within 60 days
- Slightly muted colors
- Not on par with other TTArtisan releases
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 23mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | — | 11 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.21 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 300 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 AF 23mm f/1.8 23mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong macro (71st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 20 specs.
