Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Tamron SP AFA005S-700 70-300mm
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
Tamron SP AFA005S-700 70-300mm
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Tamron 70-300mm lens for its excellent value for money, delivering sharp images and solid build quality at a fraction of the cost of brand-name alternatives. Many users highlight its impressive performance for wildlife and bird photography, although some note that the autofocus can be slow in low light and there are occasional issues with chromatic aberration. While a few mention the lack of image stabilization on certain models, most find it manageable with steady hands or a tripod.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality throughout zoom range
- Solid build and sturdy construction
- Good for wildlife and bird photography
- Effective vibration compensation (VC)
Cons
- Slow autofocus in low light
- Occasional chromatic aberration (purple/green fringing)
- No vibration reduction on some models
- Autofocus can hunt and struggle on small subjects
- Zoom ring not always smooth
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Tamron SP AFA005S-700 70-300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 13 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4.0-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony A |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg★ | 0.77 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 62 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 (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Tamron SP AFA005S-700 70-300mm
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average build (23rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.