Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Samyang SY12M-N 12mm
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
Samyang SY12M-N 12mm
The Samyang 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified users, who praise its sharpness, color, and contrast. It is widely recommended for 360° virtual tours, creative fisheye effects, and landscape photography on full-frame Nikon cameras. The lens works with most Nikon DSLR and mirrorless bodies, though users note the protruding front element requires care. Some Q&A clarifications confirm manual focus and aperture ring settings for Nikon AE compatibility.
Pros
- Sharp edge-to-edge optics
- Excellent color and contrast
- Great for 360° virtual tours
- Versatile for creative fisheye effects
- Good build quality
Cons
- Protruding front element needs careful handling
- Manual focus and aperture ring required on some Nikon bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Samyang SY12M-N 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | — | 12 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano Coating System |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.50 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 200 mm★ |
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
Samyang SY12M-N 12mm
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong optical (79th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average build (29th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Samyang SY12M-N 12mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 20 specs.
