Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR
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
Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR
The Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 R LM PZ WR lens is praised for its versatility, sharpness, and video-friendly power zoom, especially after a firmware update fixed exposure stepping. Users appreciate the internal zoom, weather sealing, and lightweight build, though some note the lack of an aperture ring and initial exposure issues. Overall, it's seen as a strong all-purpose lens for Fuji shooters, particularly when paired with IBIS cameras.
Pros
- Versatile focal length range
- Sharp image quality
- Smooth power zoom for video
- Internal zoom design
- Weather sealing
Cons
- No aperture ring
- Initial exposure stepping issue (now fixed)
- Plastic build feels cheap to some
- Not parfocal in manual focus
- Power zoom only controllable on lens
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 120 mm |
| Elements | — | 15 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.47 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 600 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:5★ |
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
Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 LM PZ WR
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong build (72nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average social proof (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
