Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Brightin Star 12mm f/2 III 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
Brightin Star 12mm f/2 III 12mm
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance. Users highlight its suitability for both photography and video, with many noting a significant upgrade over previous lenses. A few Q&A entries address concerns about internal movement when the lens is off, which is confirmed as normal stabilizer behavior. Overall, it is praised as a top-tier professional zoom lens.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and snappy autofocus
- Excellent low-light performance
- Great for video with steady stabilization
- Internal zoom mechanism
Cons
- Internal movement when off may cause concern
- Focus-by-wire system (not mechanical)
- High price point
- Tripod must attach to lens collar, not camera
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Brightin Star 12mm f/2 III 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | — | 12 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.27 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Manual Focus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 180 mm★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Brightin Star 12mm f/2 III 12mm
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong macro (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong build (77th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (33rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Brightin Star 12mm f/2 III 12mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
