Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro
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
Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro
This Sigma 70-300mm lens is widely praised for its excellent value, delivering sharp images, good bokeh, and a useful macro function at a budget price. Many users note it's ideal for amateur photographers, though the autofocus can be slow and noisy, and image quality softens slightly at 300mm without a tripod. Overall, it's considered a fantastic performance-to-price winner for those not needing professional-grade telephoto capabilities.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Good bokeh effect
- Useful macro function
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slow autofocus in low light
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Softness at 300mm without tripod
- Rotating front element for polarizers
- Weighty for long hikes
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Multi-layer lens coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.55 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm★ | 950 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:2★ |
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 (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
Sigma APO 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong bokeh (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.