Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Rokinon AF IO2460AFZ-E 24mm
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 AF IO2460AFZ-E 24mm
This lens is praised for its solid build, fast and quiet autofocus, and good image quality at a reasonable price. Video shooters especially appreciate the low focus breathing and smooth bokeh, while photographers note crisp images with minor softness at the edges at f/2.8. Some users miss the extra 10mm reach of a 24-70mm lens and mention the plastic build feels less premium, but overall it's seen as excellent value.
Pros
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Good image quality for the price
- Solid build quality
- Low focus breathing for video
- Smooth bokeh
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Missing 70mm reach for portraits
- Edge softness at f/2.8
- Minor vignetting at wide apertures
- USB-C to A cable included instead of C to C
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Rokinon AF IO2460AFZ-E 24mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 60 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | UMC |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.49 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Linear STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 180 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.27x★ |
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 AF IO2460AFZ-E 24mm
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (77th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
