Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
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
Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is widely praised for its incredible 10x zoom range, sharpness, and fast autofocus, making it a versatile choice for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. Users highlight its excellent image stabilization and macro capabilities, though many note the significant weight and bulk as a drawback, often requiring a monopod or tripod for extended use. Verified reviews confirm compatibility with adapters for Nikon Z cameras, and the lens works well with in-body stabilization on Sony and Lumix bodies. Overall, it delivers professional-grade performance at a relatively affordable price, but the weight and variable aperture are common concerns.
Pros
- Incredible 10x zoom range (60-600mm)
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent image stabilization
- Sharp image quality edge to edge
- Versatile for wildlife, sports, and portraits
Cons
- Heavy and bulky (5.5 lbs)
- Requires tripod or monopod for extended use
- Variable aperture (f/4.5-6.3) limits low-light performance
- Not parfocal, less ideal for video
- No native Nikon Z mount available
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 60 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 600 mm |
| Elements | — | 27 |
| Groups | — | 19 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | SLD and FLD Glass Elements |
| 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★ | 2.50 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 105 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | HLA Linear Focusing Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2.4★ |
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
Sigma Sports 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong versatility (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (68th percentile)
- Below average build (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 6.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
