Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di III VC AF020N700 28-300mm
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
Tamron Di III VC AF020N700 28-300mm
The Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD VC lens receives mixed feedback from users. Some praise its versatility, lightweight design, and value for money, especially for travel and casual photography. However, several users report significant issues with autofocus reliability, image sharpness, and lens creep, with some experiencing failures after a short period. The lens seems to work well for some but has notable quality control and compatibility concerns.
Pros
- Versatile zoom range
- Lightweight and portable
- Good value for money
- Vibration compensation
- Suitable for travel and casual use
Cons
- Autofocus reliability issues
- Soft image quality at times
- Lens creep problem
- Noisy autofocus operation
- Poor low-light performance due to high f-stop
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron Di III VC AF020N700 28-300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 19 |
| Groups | — | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 490 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:3.5★ |
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
Tamron Di III VC AF020N700 28-300mm
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong aperture (71st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 3 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
