Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di III 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
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 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this Tamron 50-300mm lens, praising its versatility, sharpness, and lightweight design. It is seen as a great value for travel and outdoor photography, with impressive macro capability and fast autofocus. A few minor complaints include a non-smooth focus ring and limited aperture in low light, but these are considered acceptable for the price.
Pros
- Versatile zoom range
- Lightweight design
- Sharp image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Impressive macro capability
Cons
- Non-smooth focus ring
- Limited aperture in low light
- Not compatible with teleconverters
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron Di III 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 19 |
| Groups | — | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | 22-32★ |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.67 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | VXD Linear Motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 221 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2★ |
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 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron Di III 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
