Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Pentax Limited 28050 21mm
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
Pentax Limited 28050 21mm
The Pentax HD D FA 21mm f/2.4ED Limited DC WR lens is highly praised for its unique image look, sharpness, and build quality. Users find it a worthy successor to older lenses like the Zeiss Distagon 21mm, with excellent close focusing and minimal distortion. Some note that its magic is best at f/2.4, with vignetting adding character, and that it pairs well with other Pentax Limited lenses.
Pros
- Unique image look at f/2.4
- Excellent sharpness
- Great close focusing ability
- Minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Severe vignetting at f/2.4
- Loses magic at f/5.6
- Images may be overexposed with Pentax K-1
- High cost
- Not as good as 31mm Limited for contrast/saturation
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Pentax Limited 28050 21mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 21 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 21 mm |
| Elements | — | 11 |
| Groups | — | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | High-Grade Multi-Layer HD Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 8★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Pentax K |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.42 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 180 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.26x★ |
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
Pentax Limited 28050 21mm
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong optical (76th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 6.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
