Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R is widely praised as one of the best kit zooms available, offering impressive sharpness, compact size, and fast autofocus for its price. Users appreciate its lightweight, collapsible design and versatile focal range, though many note the variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance and bokeh. Common criticisms include the plastic mount, lack of included lens hood, and a sometimes-fiddly lock mechanism. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens and a great value when bundled with a camera body.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sharp image quality for a kit lens
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Versatile focal range (28-84mm equivalent)
- Great value when bundled with camera
Cons
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Plastic lens mount feels cheap
- No lens hood included
- Lock mechanism can be cumbersome
- Small aperture restricts bokeh
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 14 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 42 mm |
| Elements | — | 8 |
| Groups | — | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | ZERO |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | 5 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.09 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 37 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | MSC |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 200 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:4.35★ |
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
- Strong build (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong versatility (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
