Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
What Buyers Say
Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
The Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR lens is widely praised as an exceptional value, delivering sharpness and clarity that rivals or exceeds more expensive zooms like the 24-70mm f/2.8. Users consistently highlight its compact size, light weight, weather resistance, and versatile focal range as ideal for travel and everyday photography on full-frame K-1 cameras. While a few note the variable aperture as a minor limitation, the consensus is that this lens punches far above its price point and is a no-brainer for Pentax shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness for the price
- Compact and lightweight design
- Weather-resistant construction
- Versatile 28-105mm focal range
- Great value for money
Cons
- Variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Slightly narrow at wide end (28mm vs 24mm)
- Zoom ring requires slight effort
- No infinity focus indicator
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
| Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR | Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 105 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 15 | — |
| Groups | 11 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Protect & HD Multi-Layer Coatings | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | 22-32★ | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.44 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 62 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Supersonic Direct-Drive AF Motor | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 500 mm | 380 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.55★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
- Strong versatility (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Strong optical (69th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th 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 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.