Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Viltrox 56mm f1.2 Z 56mm
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
Viltrox 56mm f1.2 Z 56mm
The VILTROX 56mm F1.2 lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, fast and quiet autofocus, excellent low-light performance, and great value for money. A few users note a floating element or internal rattling when off, which is explained as normal VCM motor behavior. One verified buyer received a used lens instead of new, and another found it too large for a compact body.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Great low-light performance
- Beautiful bokeh
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Floating element design
- Internal rattling when off
- Received used instead of new
- Too large for compact bodies
- Autofocus hunting in extreme low light
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Viltrox 56mm f1.2 Z 56mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | standard |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 56 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 56 mm |
| Elements | — | 13 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.59 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | VCM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 500 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.13x★ |
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
Viltrox 56mm f1.2 Z 56mm
- Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong optical (68th percentile)
- Below average macro (31st percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
