Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
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
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and robust build quality. Many users consider it a workhorse for sports, portraits, and low-light photography, though the lack of image stabilization is a notable drawback for some. A significant number of reviews highlight the lens's weight and the potential for focus inconsistencies, particularly with moving subjects. Concerns about Canon's support for older models and the tripod collar design also appear in negative feedback.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Fast and silent autofocus (USM)
- Excellent for low-light photography
- Versatile for sports and portraits
- Robust build quality
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Heavy and bulky
- Tripod collar design issues
- Inconsistent autofocus with moving subjects
- Canon no longer supports repairs
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Air Sphere Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 1.07 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 700 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.3x★ |
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
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 5.1x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
