Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
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
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
The Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 lens earns high praise for its sharpness and optical quality, especially in astrophotography and landscape use. Reviewers note excellent value for the price and compare it favorably to more expensive Canon and Nikon zooms. Some mention a lack of premium feel and potential de-centering issues, but the majority find it a reliable and capable manual-focus prime.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Great for astrophotography
- Excellent value for money
- Good low-light performance
- Solid build
Cons
- Plastic feel
- Potential de-centering issues
- Manual focus only
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 20 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 20 mm |
| Elements | — | 13 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.50 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 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
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong macro (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
