Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
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
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
This lens is widely praised for its excellent optics, lightweight design, and quiet STM autofocus, making it a great everyday and travel lens. Users note it rivals Canon's L-series in image quality while being much more affordable, though some mention the plastic mount and lack of weather sealing as drawbacks. Verified buyers highlight its sharpness, effective image stabilization, and value for money, especially when purchased as a kit lens. However, a few users report limitations with autofocus points on certain camera bodies and note it is not a true macro lens.
Pros
- Excellent image quality rivaling L-series
- Lightweight and compact design
- Quiet and smooth STM autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Great value for money
Cons
- Plastic mount instead of metal
- No weather sealing
- Limited autofocus points on some bodies
- Not a true macro lens
- Inferior image quality to 18-135mm
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm | Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | — | 12 |
| Groups | — | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | AF-S | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 380 mm | 66 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:4★ |
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
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 1 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 21 specs.