Sigma Sports 730956 60-600mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Sigma Sports 730956 60-600mm
The Sigma 300–600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and versatility as a zoom that rivals prime lenses. Users praise its image quality and value compared to expensive primes, though some note the heavy weight and a 15 fps limitation on Sony cameras. A few reviewers experienced initial shipping delays or a zoom lock-up issue, but the latter was quickly resolved under warranty.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness wide open
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Versatile zoom range replacing multiple primes
- Excellent value for money
- Smooth and creamy bokeh
Cons
- Heavy weight
- 15 fps limitation on Sony cameras
- No teleconverter support
- Initial zoom lock-up issue on some units
- Shipping delays for preorders
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
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Sports 730956 60-600mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 60 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 600 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 25 | — |
| Groups | 19 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 4.5-6.3 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sigma SA | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 2.70 kg | 0.48 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 105 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5.5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 600 mm | 380 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:3.33★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Sports 730956 60-600mm
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average build (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average social proof (31st percentile)
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
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.