Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux H-XA025 25mm
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
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux H-XA025 25mm
The Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens is highly praised for its excellent image quality, weather sealing, and fast aperture. Users love its sharpness, contrast, and compact size, making it a perfect everyday lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The autofocus is quiet and efficient, and the lens performs well in low light. However, some users have questions about the lens hood availability.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Weather sealing
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Sharp and contrasty
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Lens hood not included
- Not a pancake design
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux H-XA025 25mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 25 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 25 mm |
| Elements | — | 9 |
| Groups | — | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.34 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 300 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.11x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux H-XA025 25mm
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 4 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.