Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sirui Saturn RF50B-A 50mm
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
Sirui Saturn RF50B-A 50mm
This anamorphic lens is praised for its cinematic look, compact build, and great value. Users love the fun, John Wick-style footage it produces, though some note that the flare effect is subtler than expected and requires aperture adjustment. A few mention compatibility issues with magnetic filter systems.
Pros
- Cinematic anamorphic look
- Compact and lightweight build
- Great value for money
- Fun to use for creative footage
- Good build quality
Cons
- Flare effect subtler than expected
- Aperture adjustment needed for strong flare
- Compatibility issues with magnetic filters
- Vignetting with some filter systems
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sirui Saturn RF50B-A 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | — | 17 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | T16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | T2.9 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.47 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Manual Focus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 900 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:16.2★ |
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
Sirui Saturn RF50B-A 50mm
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong optical (68th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.