Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
This lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with users praising its sharpness, fast autofocus, and lightweight design. Many note it as a significant upgrade from previous lenses, especially when paired with teleconverters. The only minor consideration mentioned is the comparison with a Sigma alternative, but the Sony's weight and teleconverter compatibility won out.
Pros
- Super sharp wide open
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight design
- Excellent with teleconverters
- Great for video and photos
Cons
- Expensive compared to alternatives
- Heavier than some competitors
- No built-in image stabilization
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | — | 16 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | ZERO coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.46 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 220 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2.7★ |
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3
- Strong user sentiment (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong macro (79th percentile)
- Below average social proof (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 3.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
